Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) in Calgary, AB — Targeting Deep Muscle Pain
Intramuscular stimulation, or IMS, uses fine needles to treat neuropathic pain — pain driven by sensitized nerves and the muscles they control. It goes deeper than standard dry needling and works well for chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments. At One Physio & Mobility Clinic, IMS is provided by Mahveen Moiz, our registered physiotherapist.
15+
Years Experience
1:1
Care Every Visit
$0
Direct Billing
Overview
When You Need IMS
IMS is often used when chronic pain, tightness, or restricted movement has a neurological component. If you have had back pain, sciatica, or shoulder pain for months or years with limited results from other treatments, IMS may help. It is also effective for tension-related headaches, tennis elbow, and painful trigger points that are nerve-driven rather than purely muscular.
Signs You Should Come In
- ✔ Chronic pain that has not improved with other physio treatments
- ✔ Back, neck, or shoulder pain with a neurological component
- ✔ Sciatica or referred pain down the arm or leg
- ✔ Persistent trigger points with nerve sensitivity
- ✔ Tension headaches linked to neck and shoulder tightness
How It Works
Our IMS Process
Mahveen assesses the affected muscles and the spinal segments they correspond to. Fine needles are placed into sensitized muscles along the nerve pathway. This produces a brief muscle twitch that signals the nervous system to release the tension. Sessions are typically 30 to 45 minutes. IMS is integrated into your overall physiotherapy treatment plan — not used in isolation.
Why One Physio
Why Choose One Physio & Mobility Clinic
Registered physiotherapist with IMS training
Used as part of a full treatment plan — not a standalone procedure
Effective for chronic pain that resists other treatments
One-on-one session with the same clinician
NW Calgary location serving Airdrie and surrounding communities
What to Expect
- Assessment of muscle and nerve involvement
- Fine needle insertion into sensitized muscles
- Muscle twitch response to release tension
- Integrated into your physiotherapy plan
- Direct billing for extended health plans
Your Clinician
Who Is Treating You
Your care is provided by Mahveen Moiz, Registered Physiotherapist at One Physio & Mobility Clinic in NW Calgary.
Mahveen Moiz
Registered Physiotherapist
BSc Physiotherapy (2006)15+ Years ExperienceDry NeedlingAcupunctureVestibular RehabCertified FSTConcussion ManagementK-TapingTMJ Rehab
Mahveen graduated in 2006 and has spent over 15 years treating orthopedic and sports injuries, post-accident recovery, pelvic floor dysfunction, and neurological conditions. She is the primary physiotherapist at One Physio & Mobility Clinic.
College of Physiotherapists of Alberta — Registered Member
Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is IMS and how is it different from dry needling?
IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) is a specific technique developed by Dr. Chan Gunn that targets shortened muscles and the neuropathy causing them. It goes deeper into the physiological cause of muscle pain than standard trigger point dry needling.
What conditions does IMS treat?
IMS is particularly effective for chronic muscle pain, nerve-related muscle tightness, back and neck pain, and conditions where conventional treatments have plateaued.
Is it painful?
A local twitch response is the goal — this feels like a brief cramp that releases immediately. Discomfort varies by patient but is generally well-tolerated.
Is IMS covered by extended health?
Yes. IMS provided by a registered physiotherapist is covered by most extended health plans. We direct bill.
Do Not Wait to Get Worse on Its Own
Chronic pain that has not responded to other treatments is worth investigating with IMS. Call +1 (403) 984-1669 or book online. IMS is part of our Sports Injury Rehabilitation program — visit that page to see all related services at One Physio.