Should I See a Physiotherapist or Acupuncturist for IMS Treatment in Victoria?
Understanding IMS Therapy
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a treatment that uses fine, sterile needles to release tension and dysfunction in muscles that have become shortened and hypersensitive due to nerve irritation. By targeting these affected muscles, IMS helps reduce pain, restore movement, and improve overall function.
IMS is a technique rather than a profession-specific therapy — it can be performed by trained clinicians such as physiotherapists, physicians, chiropractors, and acupuncturists.
At Acacia Health, we can provide IMS treatments here in Victoria through both our physiotherapy and acupuncture teams. While the technique may look similar between practitioners, the background, training, and overall approach can differ — and understanding those differences can help you decide which option best suits your needs.
If you’d like a deeper look at how IMS differs from dry needling and traditional acupuncture, you can read our related article: IMS, Dry Needling, and Acupuncture — What’s the Difference?
IMS with an Acupuncturist
Deep Needling Skill and Sensitivity
As an acupuncturist, I approach IMS with a strong foundation in anatomy, meridian theory, and years of experience working exclusively with needles. Acupuncturists receive thousands of hours of training in needle technique, point location, and patient safety — this background supports the precision and sensitivity that IMS requires.
When I perform IMS, I’m drawing on that expertise to feel how your body responds in real time. That level of tactile awareness helps guide how deep the needle goes, how long it stays, and how to minimize discomfort while still achieving the desired release.
In addition, acupuncture training includes a deep understanding of the body’s physiological responses to needling — including circulation, nervous system regulation, and muscle recovery — which complements the goals of IMS. Many patients find that having IMS done by an acupuncturist feels both precise and therapeutic, with benefits that extend beyond local muscle release.
IMS with a Physiotherapist
Comprehensive Assessment and Active Recovery
Physiotherapists bring a different — but equally valuable — skillset to IMS. Their training emphasizes orthopaedic assessment, movement analysis, and rehabilitation planning.
When you see a physiotherapist for IMS, they’ll often use the technique as part of a broader treatment plan. This may include manual therapy, targeted exercises, and education on posture, mobility, and strength — all aimed at helping you recover from injury or chronic pain and stay pain-free longer.
If your main goal is to understand why pain keeps recurring, improve function, or develop an active rehab plan, a physiotherapist might be the right fit.
How to Choose Between Them
The right practitioner for IMS often depends on your goals, comfort, and personal situation:
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Focus of Treatment:
- Acupuncturist: Ideal if your main concern is pain reduction, muscle tension, and relaxation — or if you prefer a more targeted, needle-focused approach.
- Physiotherapist: Ideal if your goals include functional recovery, active rehabilitation, and exercise-based improvement.
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Comfort and Preference:
Some patients feel more comfortable with the style and pace of acupuncture-based needling, while others prefer the movement and functional focus of physiotherapy sessions. -
Insurance Coverage:
It’s also worth noting that insurance coverage can differ — some extended health plans cover acupuncture but not physiotherapy, or vice versa. If cost or coverage is a factor, this might guide your decision as well.
Integrating Both Approaches
At Acacia Health, our team loves to collaborate in patient care and find that many of our patients benefit from working with both physiotherapists and acupuncturists over the course of their recovery.
For example, you might begin with a few IMS sessions with an acupuncturist to reduce pain and muscle tension, followed by physiotherapy sessions to rebuild movement and strength. This collaborative approach is often the most effective way to achieve lasting results — blending the precision of needling expertise with the structure of guided rehabilitation.
The Takeaway
Whether you choose a physiotherapist or an acupuncturist for your IMS treatment, you’ll be receiving care from skilled, certified practitioners trained in safe and effective techniques.
If you’re unsure which approach is right for you, we’d be happy to help you decide. Both our acupuncture and physiotherapy teams at Acacia Health provide IMS treatments in Victoria, and we work closely together to ensure you receive care that’s personalized, effective, and aligned with your health goals.
Ready to book your IMS treatment?
You can schedule your acupuncture and physiotherapy appointments online 24/7, or contact us today to find the best fit for your care.
