Business Details
32 Years
experience
Gunn IMS Certification Training in Vancouver
Gunn IMS is a globally recognized leader in dry needling education and treatment for persistent myofascial pain syndromes. Founded in 1994 by Dr. C. Chan Gunn, our program has operated continuously for over 30 years and has been part of the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine since 2011. Our evidence-informed approach addresses neuropathic dysfunction through intramuscular stimulation, combining Western medical science with traditional acupuncture principles. With instructors trained in advanced manual therapy and pain management, we maintain the highest standards for practitioner certification, requiring four years of clinical experience and extensive postgraduate training.Our comprehensive curriculum includes online and in-person components, teaching safe and effective techniques for treating 110+ muscles with a focus on individualized care. As the only university-accredited dry needling program worldwide, we emphasize patient safety while maintaining maximum treatment effectiveness. Our faculty includes internationally recognized experts who contribute to ongoing research in neurophysiological pain characteristics and rehabilitation sciences. Through annual lectures, practitioner directories, and continuing education programs, we remain at the forefront of advancing Gunn IMS methodology globally.
Services
Certification Course
Needling Review
Gunn Lectures
Practitioner Directory
Membership Program
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- We offer the only university-accredited dry needling program worldwide
- Our instructors include clinical specialists with decades of pain management experience
- We maintain the lowest student-to-instructor ratios for personalized training
- Our curriculum includes 110+ muscle treatment techniques with safety protocols
- We provide ongoing professional development through annual lectures and research updates
Services
Certification Course
Our 3-part certification program teaches Gunn IMS methodology for chronic pain management. Participants learn Dr. Gunn's neuropathic model through 25+ hours of online learning and 4 days of in-person training. The curriculum covers assessment techniques, dry needling protocols for 110+ muscles, and clinical reasoning for individualized treatment plans. Graduates receive UBC Faculty of Medicine certification and access to ongoing professional resources.
Needling Review
Designed for certified practitioners, this 2-day review course updates participants on current needling techniques and assessment protocols. Instructors demonstrate updated treatment methods while maintaining core Gunn IMS principles. Participants practice under expert supervision with access to the latest course materials and surface anatomy resources for continued professional development.
Gunn Lectures
Our annual lectures feature leading experts discussing advancements in pain management and Gunn IMS applications. These events provide continuing education opportunities for healthcare professionals while showcasing research developments. Past lectures have explored interprofessional pain management approaches and the integration of exercise therapy with dry needling techniques.
Practitioner Directory
The practitioner directory helps patients locate certified Gunn IMS professionals worldwide. All listed practitioners have completed our rigorous certification program and maintain current medical licensure. The directory ensures patients receive treatment from qualified professionals trained in our safety-focused methodology for persistent myofascial pain conditions.
Membership Program
Our members-only platform provides certified practitioners with ongoing educational resources, technique updates, and clinical forms. Features include video content, online exams, instructor Q&A forums, and discussion boards. Membership maintains professional connections and ensures practitioners stay current with evolving techniques and research findings in neuropathic pain management.
People
Lyndal Solomons
Director, UBC Chan Gunn IMS Program
PhD in Rehabilitation Sciences from UBC with research focus on neurophysiological pain characteristics. Clinical physiotherapist at UBC Sport and Exercise Medicine Clinic and Chair of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association's Acupuncture and Dry Needling Division.
Joanne McBrinn
Instructor
Physiotherapist with 25+ years experience in pain management. Contributed to Gunn IMS program development since 1996 and coordinates UBC's clinical training. Holds advanced certifications in acupuncture and manual therapy from UBC and the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute.
Cory Choma
Instructor
Clinical specialist in pain science with 25+ years experience teaching Gunn IMS globally. Developed the Pain Made Easy Certification Course and contributed to dry needling textbooks. Practices chronic pain management in Edmonton while coaching pole vault at the University of Alberta.
Susan Massitti
Instructor
Master of Manipulative Physiotherapy from University of Queensland with advanced sports physiotherapy certifications. Olympic athlete and sport physiotherapist with expertise in Gunn IMS applications for athletic performance optimization and injury prevention.
Dave Zelibka
Instructor
Physiotherapist specializing in elite athlete care and adolescent scoliosis treatment. Schroth method certified and trained in Barcelona. Integrates Gunn IMS with current neurological pain research while serving as performance consultant for Canadian Olympic teams.
Questions
What makes Gunn IMS different from other dry needling techniques?
Gunn IMS uniquely addresses neuropathic dysfunction rather than just local pain points, focusing on nervous system sensitivity changes through precise needling protocols developed over 30 years of clinical research.
Who can take the Gunn IMS certification course?
The program requires four years clinical experience and advanced postgraduate training for physiotherapists and medical doctors seeking specialized expertise in treating persistent myofascial pain conditions.
How long does certification take to complete?
The 3-part program requires 25+ hours online learning plus 4 days in-person training, with Part 1 completion required within 12 months for full certification through UBC's Faculty of Medicine.
Do you offer continuing education for certified practitioners?
Yes, our Needling Review courses and annual lectures provide ongoing professional development with updated techniques and research findings for maintaining clinical proficiency in Gunn IMS methodology.
What conditions respond best to Gunn IMS treatment?
Patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain syndromes including nerve-related muscle dysfunction, joint pain, and biomechanical issues typically show significant improvement through our neuropathic assessment and treatment approach.
Is Gunn IMS covered by insurance plans?
Treatment by certified physiotherapists is typically covered under extended health benefits when provided by licensed practitioners, though specific coverage varies by individual insurance plans and regional regulations.
