Acupuncture and Dry Needling Experts

Dry Needling and Acupuncture in Toronto, North York, Richmond Hill, Burlington & Markham

Cornerstone physiotherapists are experienced in the use of acupuncture and IMS dry needling for treating a variety of conditions. They have all completed rigorous post-graduate training in evidence-based western acupuncture and intramuscular needling.

Why Choose Cornerstone for Acupuncture?

• Patient safety is our top priority. Our facilities are clean and sterile and our therapists adhere to strict infection control procedures (private treatment rooms, skin disinfectant, latex-free gloves, single-use needles).
• To us, rehabilitation is not simply our profession, it’s our calling. Our practitioners are continually upgrading their credentials.
• Since we are physiotherapists, we can combine physiotherapy with your acupuncture and dry needling treatments, resulting in better outcomes and a well-rounded approach.
• Your treatments will be covered by extended health insurance, if you have coverage for physiotherapy.

What’s the difference between Acupuncture and Dry-Needling?

Dry needling and acupuncture both involve the use of acupuncture needles. However, the similarities stop there.

ACUPUNCTURE involves the use of several needles in multiple points of the involved area, or more than one area of the body. These needles can target nerves, trigger points and traditional Chinese medicine points. Treatments are usually pain free as the needles are only inserted to a shallow depth. Treatments may last from 10-20 minutes.

DRY NEEDLING (IMS Intramuscular Stimulation) is a single-needle technique that targets a trigger point or “knot” in a specific muscle. This needle is inserted more deeply and repeatedly into muscle tissue, therefore treatments can be uncomfortable. Treatments are usually a few minutes in duration and can easily be incorporated into regular physiotherapy sessions.

Acupuncture reduces pain by producing a neurophysiological and electrochemical reaction that causes muscle relaxation, chemical and hormonal changes to your nervous system. Dry needling stimulates targeted muscles to “release and relax” as well as producing local inflammation, which helps to restart the body’s natural healing process. If you have a chronic, persistent condition, both treatment techniques should be considered.

What conditions can Acupuncture help with?

Here are some of the conditions that acupuncture and Dry Needling can be effective for:

• Acute or chronic pain
• Muscle spasms, aches, tension and trigger points
• Inflammatory impairments (tendonitis, bursitis, fasciitis, and other “-itis” conditions)
• Headaches
• Back PainandSciatica
• Neck Pain and Joint Pain (shoulder, knee, elbow, wrist, ankle)
• TMJ pain
• Conditions that are healing more slowly than expected

Other Common FAQs About Acupuncture

What does acupuncture and dry needling feel like? How painful is it?

Medical acupuncture itself is generally painless or results in mild discomfort beyond the initial brief ‘pricking’ sensation (similar to a mosquito bite). Other less common sensations can include a dull ache, pressure, tingling, numbness or heaviness.

Dry Needling IMS can produce moderate levels of discomfort with heavier sensations of pressure, cramping and local discomfort. However due to its effectiveness, it is still a popular treatment for many conditions.

Is dry needling and acupuncture covered by insurance plans?

At Cornerstone, registered physiotherapists provide these treatments, therefore sessions are covered if you have extended health insurance for physiotherapy. NOTE: our services are NOT reimbursed by insurance plans that cover services delivered by an Acupuncturist. Please check with your insurance provider to confirm your coverage details.

How many acupuncture treatments will I need?

Dry needling typically produces relief within 1-2 sessions and can continue based upon your condition and how long the relief lasts. Medical acupuncture usually requires at least 3 treatments before you and your therapist can decide how to move forward with treatment.

What are the risks associated with Acupuncture and Dry Needling IMS treatments?

Though acupuncture is considered an extremely safe treatment modality, there are some risks and potential side-effects. These can include an increase in pain, tenderness and bruising at the site of injection, local bleeding, fatigue/dizziness or the sensation of passing out. In rare circumstances, a patient could develop an infection or unintended puncture of other tissue (e.g. lung pneumothorax).

Fee Schedule

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For Physiotherapists | Cornerstone Rehabilitation Academy

We offer a comprehensive Dry-Needling course to registered physiotherapists, meeting the guidelines for rostering with the College of Physiotherapists of Ontario.
Click here for more details.