Question 1

What is IMS dry needling and how is it different from acupuncture?

Accepted Answer

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) is a dry-needling technique developed at UBC that targets dysfunctional muscle motor points using fine needles to release tight, painful trigger points. Unlike acupuncture — which is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and works along meridian lines — IMS is grounded in Western neuroanatomy and directly targets specific muscle trigger points identified by a physiotherapist's clinical assessment. The needle elicits a local twitch response that releases the contraction and normalises muscle tone. At Medstar, IMS is most commonly used for chronic muscular pain, back pain, neck pain, shoulder impingement, tennis elbow, and shin splints. Treatment is carried out only by physiotherapists who have completed the post-graduate IMS certification program.

Question 2

What does shockwave therapy treat?

Accepted Answer

Shockwave therapy (ESWT) uses high-energy acoustic pulses to stimulate metabolism and circulation in injured tissue, breaking down calcific deposits and promoting growth-factor release in stubborn chronic injuries. At Medstar, shockwave is used most often for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, calcific shoulder tendinitis, patellar tendinopathy, greater trochanteric pain syndrome, and tennis elbow. Most patients notice measurable improvement within 3–6 sessions spaced 5–7 days apart. Shockwave is typically recommended when a tendon or soft tissue injury has not responded to 6 or more weeks of conventional physiotherapy. Sessions last 10–15 minutes and can cause mild post-treatment soreness, which generally resolves within 24 hours.

Question 3

What is High-Power Laser Therapy and what does it treat?

Accepted Answer

High-Power Laser Therapy (HILT) uses a Class IV photobiomodulation device to deliver concentrated light energy into deep tissue — something low-level laser devices cannot achieve. The photons are absorbed by mitochondria, stimulating ATP production and triggering anti-inflammatory cascades that accelerate tissue regeneration. Medstar Sport Physio was the first physiotherapy clinic on the North Shore to offer this technology. It is most effective for acute sports injuries, chronic joint and tendon pain, post-surgical swelling reduction, rotator cuff tears, low back pain, knee osteoarthritis, and Achilles tendinopathy. Most patients notice pain relief within 1–3 sessions. A typical course is 6–10 sessions. There is no downtime — treatment is non-invasive and takes 10–20 minutes.

Question 4

What is TECAR Therapy?

Accepted Answer

TECAR Therapy uses targeted radiofrequency energy — specifically Capacitive and Resistive Energy Transfer (CRet) — to generate deep endogenous heat within muscle and connective tissue without heating the skin surface. This controlled deep warming promotes muscle relaxation, pain relief, improved circulation, and accelerated tissue repair. Medstar Sport Physio is the only physiotherapy clinic on the North Shore to offer TECAR Therapy. It is used alongside manual therapy and exercise for muscle strains, chronic tendinopathies, joint stiffness, and post-surgical recovery. Sessions are non-invasive and typically combined with physiotherapy or osteopathic treatment in the same appointment. Most patients report warmth and immediate muscle relaxation during treatment.

Question 5

What is manual osteopathy and how is it different from physiotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Manual osteopathy takes a whole-body approach — assessing and treating the interconnected musculoskeletal, visceral, and craniosacral systems rather than focusing solely on the site of pain. A session is approximately 90% hands-on work: joint articulation, soft tissue manipulation, fascial unwinding, and gentle myofascial techniques applied across the full body. Physiotherapy is more targeted, using evidence-based exercise prescription, manual therapy, and electrotherapy modalities for specific tissue or joint dysfunction. Both use hands-on treatment; the key difference is scope and philosophy. At Medstar, physiotherapy and manual osteopathy are frequently combined within a single treatment plan for patients with complex or multi-regional presentations. Our osteopath holds a Diploma in Osteopathic Manual Practice (DOMP).

Treatments tailored to you.

Physiotherapy

Massage Therapy (RMT)

Manual Osteopathy

Acupuncture

IMS / Dry Needling

Kinesiology (Active Rehab)

Shockwave Therapy

High-Power Laser (HILT)

TECAR Therapy

Custom Orthotics

More we offer

Manual Therapy

Clinical Pilates

TMJ Therapy

K-Taping

Electrotherapy

Postural Assessment

Naturopathic Medicine

Clinical Counselling

Specialist programmes

Vestibular Physiotherapy

Concussion Management

Recover faster, perform better.