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IMS Therapy / Dry Needling Calgary Downtown
What Is IMS / Dry Needling
- Reduce tension
- Calm nerve sensitivity
- Restore healthy movement patterns
How IMS / Dry Needling Works
- Release tight or shortened muscles
- Reduce nerve-related pain and sensitivity
- Improve muscle activation and coordination
- Support tissue healing and recovery
What IMS / Dry Needling Helps With
- Myofascial pain and muscle tension
- Neck, back, and shoulder pain
- Nerve-related pain such as sciatica or radiculopathy
- Headaches or jaw (TMJ) dysfunction
- Sports and overuse injuries
- Post-surgical or post-injury muscle tightness
Targeted Needling for Muscle and Nerve Pain
Our Additional Expertise
Stories of Movement and Change
Real experiences from patients who have found relief, improved movement, and lasting confidence through hands-on physiotherapy at Avenue Physio.
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FAQ
Questions
IMS / Dry Needling
Here are some of the common questions our Calgary patients ask about how IMS/Dry Needling works, what to expect, and how it can help you move and feel better.
What can I expect from IMS / Dry Needling at Avenue Physio?
Your physiotherapist will begin with a detailed assessment to identify which muscles and nerves are contributing to your symptoms. If appropriate, fine sterile needles are inserted into tight or overactive muscles. You may feel a brief twitch or deep ache, which is a normal response that indicates the muscle is releasing.
How does IMS fit into my treatment?
IMS works best as part of a complete physiotherapy plan that includes exercise, movement retraining, and education. By releasing deep muscle tension and nerve sensitivity, it allows you to move more freely and respond better to active rehabilitation.
Is IMS / Dry Needling painful?
Most people are surprised by how quick and tolerable the treatment is. You may feel a short deep cramp or pressure that subsides quickly and is often followed by a noticeable sense of release.
Is IMS safe?
Yes. When performed by trained physiotherapists, IMS is safe and supported by research. Before treatment, your therapist will review your assessment findings and explain any possible post-treatment effects.
How soon will I feel better?
Some patients feel relief immediately, while others improve gradually over several sessions as IMS is combined with exercise and education. Your physiotherapist will guide your plan based on your response to treatment.
Is physiotherapy covered by insurance?
Yes. Most extended health insurance plans cover physiotherapy when provided by a Registered Physiotherapist.
We direct bill to all major national insurers and to most group and specialty benefit providers, including Alberta Blue Cross, Canada Life, Sun Life Financial, Manulife, Green Shield Canada, and Desjardins Insurance.
Direct billing means we submit your claim for you at the time of your visit. You’re only responsible for any amount not covered by your plan.
What areas of Calgary do you serve?
We’re located in Downtown Calgary in Stephen Avenue Place, connected to the Plus-15 network.
We commonly see patients from nearby inner-city communities including Beltline, Mission, Kensington, Sunnyside, Hillhurst, Mount Royal, Eau Claire, East Village, and surrounding Calgary neighbourhoods.
Patients also travel to us from across the city for specialized physiotherapy and one-on-one care.
How to Get Started
