Physiotherapy at the Luminate clinic in Bedford
Physiotherapy

Dry Needling in Bedford, Halifax

Dry needling, also called intramuscular stimulation (IMS), is part of physiotherapy at our Bedford clinic: a fine needle into a tight muscle, as one piece of a wider plan. Direct billing, and no referral needed.

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Dry needling at Luminate

Dry needling in Halifax: what it is and what to expect

Everything people ask us about dry needling before they book, from how it feels to how billing works.

Hands-on physiotherapy at the Luminate clinic in Bedford

What is dry needling?

Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique. A thin, solid needle, much like acupuncture needles, is inserted into a tight band of muscle or a trigger point to help it release. Myofascial trigger points are the tender knots in muscle tissue that can feel sore where they are and also cause referred pain elsewhere. "Dry" means nothing is injected. Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a well-known approach to it, which is why our physiotherapy page lists the two together.

It is never a treatment on its own. At our clinic, dry needling is one of our physiotherapy services, used in conjunction with manual therapy, exercise and movement retraining as part of an individualized treatment plan, and only when it suits your problem.

What dry needling is used for: pain relief and muscle tension

Physiotherapists use dry needling to relieve pain, reduce muscle tension and tightness, and help restore function and range of motion when tight, sore muscles are part of what is holding someone back. At our clinic that often means conditions such as neck and back pain, sports and repetitive-strain injuries, posture-related pain and tension, shoulder, hip and knee problems, TMJ and jaw pain, muscle strains, and chronic pain that has started to change how you move.

Your physiotherapist does a thorough assessment first to determine whether dry needling would help, and what else will.

Dry needling or acupuncture?

Both use very fine needles, but they come from different places. Dry needling is a physiotherapy technique based on anatomy: the needle goes into a specific muscle to help it release, as one part of a rehab plan. Acupuncture comes from Traditional Chinese Medicine and works with points across the whole body, for pain, stress, sleep and more.

We offer both. Acupuncture at our clinic is with Nichole Campbell, a Registered Acupuncturist.

Acupuncture at our clinic

A physiotherapy treatment at the Luminate clinic

What to expect at your appointment

Dry needling happens within a physiotherapy appointment. First visits run 45 to 60 minutes and follow-ups 30 to 45. You fill in a short intake form first, and your physiotherapist assesses how you move and talks through your treatment goals before deciding on any physiotherapy treatment.

If dry needling is part of the plan, you will be told what to expect and asked first. Most people feel a quick prick, then a brief twitch or deep ache in the muscle, and any discomfort passes quickly. Some feel a little soreness afterwards, much like after a hard workout, and you go home with a few exercises that support recovery and healing between sessions.

Booking, billing and referrals

Dry needling is part of physiotherapy, and we bill most major insurers directly for physiotherapy, including Medavie Blue Cross, Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life, Green Shield and IA Financial. In Nova Scotia you do not need a referral to see a physiotherapist, though some plans ask for one before they pay.

Book a physiotherapy appointment online through Jane and mention dry needling, or call (902) 835-9319. The clinic is at 486 Starboard Drive in Bedford, part of Halifax, just off Larry Uteck Boulevard, with free parking out front.

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Your physiotherapist

Jessica Cameron is our Registered Physiotherapist, with a focus on musculoskeletal and neurological physiotherapy, chronic pain and nervous system regulation, and functional strength and injury prevention. Patients mention the same thing about her: she explains what she finds in plain language.

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Dry needling questions

Does dry needling hurt?

Most people feel a quick prick as the needle goes in, then a twitch or a deep ache in the muscle that fades quickly. Some feel a little sore for a day or so afterwards. If anything is too much, say so and the treatment changes.

Is dry needling the same as IMS?

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a well-known approach to dry needling, and the two terms are often used together. At our clinic both describe the same thing: a fine needle into a tight muscle, as part of physiotherapy.

Do I need a referral for dry needling in Nova Scotia?

No. You can see a physiotherapist in Nova Scotia without a referral. Some insurance plans still ask for one before they pay, so check yours.

Is dry needling covered by insurance?

Dry needling is done within a physiotherapy appointment, and most extended health plans cover physiotherapy, usually up to a yearly limit. We bill most major insurers directly, so you pay only what your plan does not cover.

How many dry needling sessions will I need?

It depends on the problem and how long it has been there. Dry needling is one tool in a physiotherapy plan, and your physiotherapist adjusts the plan at each follow-up as things change.

What patients say

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  • ★★★★★
    Amazing TMJ massage with Melissa. If you grind your teeth/clench from stress or have any jaw issues this is a game changer!! I didn't realize how tight my jaw muscles were until after the massage and have found relief from stress headaches.

    Alie · Massage Therapy · October 2025 · Google

  • ★★★★★
    Dr. Erin Edmonds is amazing. I have had a lifelong phobia of needles and wanted to get over it! After a lot of exposure work, I went to Luminate to try IV vitamins and she explained every step and even set up an appointment to test my reaction. She is so gentle! What an amazing experience. Thank you!

    Andrea Power · Naturopathic Medicine · October 2025 · Google

  • ★★★★★
    I've been to a fair share of clinics over the last 15 years and Luminate blows them all out of the water. Everyone that I've been treated by have been phenomenal. They really take the time to know your issues.

    Helen Kam · October 2023 · Google

  • ★★★★★
    Every person I have encountered within this building is wonderful. So helpful, kind and compassionate. A wealth of knowledge is contained within these walls. Highly recommended!

    Jennifer Mitchell · October 2023 · Google

  • ★★★★★
    I have been seeing Dr Justine Landry for approx 4 months for injuries including a ruptured disc and back pain, sustained in an MVA in February 2024. Dr Landry is very knowledgable and has a way of helping patients understand treatment.

    Jos Idzan · Chiropractic Care · December 2025 · Google

  • ★★★★★
    Wonderful experience at Luminate! The massage therapists here are so attentive and remember the tiniest details mentioned. The receptionist is warm and friendly and always so helpful.

    Natalie Nymark · Massage Therapy · October 2024 · Google