Discover Lasting Pain Relief!

IMS Therapy Dry Needling Calgary Downtown

Experience lasting relief with IMS Therapy Dry Needling at Avenue Physio in Calgary Downtown. IMS is a total whole body system that is used for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent myofascial pain syndromes including muscle, joint, tendon, bursal, fascial and neural problems. The technique involves the insertion of fine acupuncture-like needles into taut muscle bands (motor point of a muscle) resulting in an involuntary twitch response. The muscle tone will relax, improving movement and reducing discomfort. Embrace a pain-free life with our expert therapists and advanced IMS techniques.

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Success Stories & Patient Praises

Unlock the Power of IMS

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a treatment that reduces muscle pain, joint pain and other types of body pain by inserting fine acupuncture needles into muscles that are not functioning properly. The needles are inserted into the taut, tight muscle bands or near the spine muscles where the nerve exiting from the spine may have become irritated and sensitive. Tight and sore muscles often accompany many conditions; overuse injuries, nerve irritation, low back pain, tendonitis, tension headaches, whiplash, arthritis and muscle strains.

How IMS Works

The goal of IMS is to release shortened muscles to relieve nerve irritation to decrease pain and restore range of motion to improve movement patterns and function. To release a tight muscle, a thin needle is inserted, resulting in a twitch or grab which causes the muscle to relax. The needle also causes a small injury that draws blood to the area, initiating a natural healing process. The treatment creates an electrical potential in the muscle to make the nerve function normally again. It’s kind of like “rebooting” the muscle.

Common Conditions We Treat With Expert IMS Therapy Dry Needling

Ankle Sprains
Tennis Elbow
Whiplash
TMJ Dysfunction
Lower Back Pain
Neck Pain

Muscle Pain
Joint Pain
Tendon Pain
Myofascial Pain
Nerve Pain
Sciatica

Just about every injury or pain state creates dysfunction within the surrounding muscle tissue, which can be effectively treated with this technique.

Post-IMS Treatment: What to Expect

It is common to feel some post-treatment soreness in the areas that were treated, much like a hard workout at the gym. This does not always occur but is expected and is considered normal. It usually lasts for 2 hours but can last longer if the muscle is especially sensitive.

IMS vs. Acupuncture: Understanding the Distinctive Benefits

IMS uses a slightly thicker needle inserted directly into palpable tight bands to cause a twitch response to release muscle tension and sensitivity. Unlike Acupuncture, there is often a strong sensation of an involuntary muscle twitch which is often described as achy.
Acupuncture is a technique based in traditional Chinese medicine and is thousands of years old. It involves inserting fine filament needles into specific acupuncture points along meridians (thought to be pathways of energy flow throughout the body) to establish equilibrium within the system. With Acupuncture, the needles are often left in place for a longer duration of time (about 15-30 minutes), and there’s often very little sensation felt with the needles.

Decoding the Differences: Dry Needling vs. IMS

The theory and methodology differ slightly however, they are largely the same. Dry Needling is a generic term for the use of a needle to release a motor point in the muscle, while IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) and FDN (Functional Dry Needling) are essentially brand names that depict the Practitioner’s specific training background.

Calgary Downtown’s Finest: Meet Our Physiotherapy Team

We are a team of experienced Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists in Calgary with advanced training that is internationally recognized. We provide comprehensive assessments, education about your injury and/or pain, and outline a detailed treatment plan focused on your specific goals.

Our reputation comes from satisfied clients and a referral network of Health and Wellness professionals. If you are not improving with Physiotherapy treatment, we will refer you appropriately and make recommendations so you understand your options and other possible treatments that may be beneficial.

We are committed to ensuring our clients reach their movement goals and receive the highest standard of evidence-based treatment. Our Physiotherapists and Massage Therapists are friendly, motivating and look forward to getting you moving and doing the things you love.

Our mission is to change lives with movement with excellence in care and education.

Let’s start a movement!

PHYSIOTHERAPISTS

Keri Meyers

BKin, DPT, Dry Needling Certified

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Joyce Lang

BScPT, FCAMPT, IMS Certified

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Josh Makin

BA Bio, MPT, MClSc, FCAMPT, Dry Needling Certified

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Maria Artiuch

MPhtySt, BScKin, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, Dry Needling Certified

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Kelly Barrie

BHSc (PT), BPE, FCAMPT, IMS Certified

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MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Rick Hofmann

RMT, CBT

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ADMIN STAFF

Margarita Ossa

Patient Experience Coordinator

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Insurance Information

Choose our clinic and benefit from a streamlined insurance claim experience. We offer direct billing to a wide range of insurance providers, allowing you to focus entirely on your recovery journey. Some of our partnered insurance providers include:

(Please inquire if you do not see your provider on the list below)

Telus Health
Sunlife
Canada Life

Great West Life
Blue Cross
Claim Secure

Manulife
Desjardins
Group Source

Areas We Serve

Calgary
Calgary Downtown
Eau Claire

Hillhurst
Sunalta
Bridgeland

Beltline
Mission
Victoria Park

IMS Therapy Dry Needling Calgary Downtown FAQs

Who is an Ideal Candidate for IMS/Dry Needling Treatment?

IMS and Dry Needling are particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing muscle pain, muscle stiffness, and mobility issues that have not responded well to conventional treatments. It’s ideal for those seeking a non-pharmaceutical approach to pain management.

Is IMS/Dry Needling Treatment Painful?

While some patients may experience a brief moment of discomfort during needle insertion, most report the sensation as a minor and acceptable part of the treatment. The overall experience is often described as a feeling of release and relief.

How Many IMS/Dry Needling Sessions Are Typically Required?

The number of sessions varies depending on the individual’s condition and response to treatment. Some may feel significant relief after just a few sessions, while others with more chronic conditions might require ongoing treatment.

Can IMS/Dry Needling Be Combined with Other Therapies?

Yes, IMS and Dry Needling should be combined with other physiotherapy treatments. IMS specifically targets injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened from distress. IMS opens a window to normal muscle tone and relaxation. It is fundamental that the newly lengthened pain-free muscle is exercised (including the muscles around it) to reinforce normal resting tone and joint mobility.