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IMS Therapy & Dry Needling Calgary NW

Say Goodbye to Muscular Discomfort!

Expertise Tailored to Your Needs

At Maximum Potential Physiotherapy, our Extensive experience in physiotherapy equips us to provide treatments tailored just for you. 

Empowerment Beyond Treatment

More than just physiotherapy, we offer education and tools to empower you outside of our clinic. Your understanding of your body will be transformed.

A Comfortable Environment

Your comfort and trust are paramount to us. We've cultivated a space where you can express your health concerns freely and with confidence.

Reviews From Our Happy Patients

Hear firsthand how we've made a difference in our patients' lives!


What is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS treatment)?

Do you ever have painfully tight muscles? Does it feel better with massage, but it just never totally goes away? Sometimes our muscles are “neurologically locked” which is to say, our nerves are telling them to be ON all of the time. While there may be a deeper underlying cause for that, IMS is a very effective hands-on approach to treating this kind of muscle.

Intramuscular Stimulation also known as dry needling or trigger point dry needling is a powerful treatment technique used to decrease muscle pain and improve muscle function. During IMS, medical acupuncture needles (commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine) are inserted directly into myofascial trigger points, otherwise known as muscle knots. When inserted into the appropriate location, IMS will literally make your muscles twitch. That muscle twitch is correlated with a decrease in muscle tension and pain relief, and an improvement in muscular function.

So, Why Exactly Would I Want To Do IMS Physiotherapy?

It can relieve chronic pain conditions, musculoskeletal pain, neuropathic pain (nerves malfunction), neck pain, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, joint pain, knee pain, pelvic girdle pain, sacroiliac joint pain, shoulder pain, soft tissue pain, muscle shortening, improve mobility, decrease muscle stiffness, improve muscle function (ie. strength and recruitment) and increase blood flow to heal sports injuries. With these effects, IMS can be used to treat a variety of conditions.

 

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Does IMS Therapy Hurt?

It can cause minor irritation but you eventually look forward to it! After experiencing the relief and improvements that can be provided by IMS, most people look past the uncomfortable parts of the treatment plan. But yes, IMS can hurt during and after treatment.

The pain during treatment usually depends on how sensitive the area is to begin with. The pain afterwards usually only lasts about 24 hours and is comparable to getting a vaccination. Usually, light physical activity helps the pain to decrease at a faster rate.

Does IMS Therapy Hurt?

It can cause minor irritation but you eventually look forward to it! After experiencing the relief and improvements that can be provided by IMS, most people look past the uncomfortable parts of the treatment plan. But yes, IMS can hurt during and after treatment.

The pain during treatment usually depends on how sensitive the area is to begin with. The pain afterwards usually only lasts about 24 hours and is comparable to getting a vaccination. Usually, light physical activity helps the pain to decrease at a faster rate.

Are There Risks to IMS?

There are risks to every effective treatment and IMS is no exception. Risks and benefits are discussed prior to your first treatment, by your experienced physiotherapist. If you want to know the details before coming in for treatment, we ask that you call our physiotherapy clinic and we will try to have a clinician answer your questions as soon as possible.

ims therapy calgary

Experience Cutting-Edge IMS Therapy Near You

Struggling with chronic muscle pain and looking for ‘IMS therapy near me’ in Calgary NW? Maximum Potential Physiotherapy is your local solution for advanced Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) therapy. Conveniently located and easily accessible, we specialize in providing effective relief for muscle tightness and chronic pain.
Our experienced therapists use IMS Therapy to unlock and rejuvenate your muscles, improving function and reducing discomfort. Whether you’re dealing with neck pain, sports injuries, or just seeking relief from everyday muscle tension, our clinic is open and ready to provide the care you need. Discover the closest path to pain relief and enhanced muscle function with our expert IMS therapy, tailored just for you.

Vivian Overton Physiotherapist Photo

Vivian Overton

Physiotherapist

Vivian graduated with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from Queen’s University in 2010. She moved to Calgary and has worked in private practice in Calgary since January of 2011 (Maximum Potential Physiotherapy since 2013 and Country Hills Physiotherapy since 2016). Vivian has a large focus on assessing and treating the body as a whole. She has advanced training in Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), myofasical techniques, therapeutic taping, fire-glass cupping, and manual therapy. Vivian enjoys and has experience working with people with a variety of injuries and ages, but particularly enjoys treating hip pain and shoulder pain. She aims to find the root cause of the problem and addresses the issues in a patient-centered and evidence-based manner. As the Clinic Director, Vivian ensures that all clients are receiving the best care possible with the best outcomes achievable and we are always striving to do better. Outside of work, Vivian enjoys playing with her toddler, running, hiking, snowshoeing, snowboarding, pilates, fishing, and walking her dog.

Matt Headshot

Matt Wylie

Physiotherapist

Matt graduated with a Master’s of Science in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta after completing an undergraduate degree in kinesiology at the University of Calgary. Originally from the Okanagan, Matt was drawn to the mountains in Alberta to pursue competitive cross-country skiing, staying in Alberta to pursue his education. Matt grew up playing many different sports including volleyball, basketball and tennis. Matt’s experience with a variety of sports anchors his active approach to therapy, combining the right balance of exercise and hands-on manual therapy. Matt enjoys treating a variety of client populations including those who are post-surgical, have been in motor vehicle accidents or are weekend warriors. Outside of work, Matt loves to spend time outdoors whether that is cross-country skiing in the winter or cycling
in the summer.

January Muhlbeier Physiotherapist

January Muhlbeier

Physiotherapist

January graduated from University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Physical Education. After a year working as a kinesiologist, she completed her Masters of Science in Physical Therapy from McMaster University in 2013. Having realized that being able to see and experience the mountains were an integral part of her well-being, she returned to Alberta. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, skiing, yoga, indoor climbing, knitting, and crochet, as well as just chilling out with her two cats and a good book. At work, January uses a holistic, hands-on approach and is excited to find the root of the problem and share in the results of a tailored treatment plan with her clients. She has further training in running injuries (treatment and prevention), Functional Dry Needling (level 2), Vestibular Rehabilitation, and Women’s Health (treating pelvic floor pain and/or dysfunction, incontinence, pre and post-natal). January firmly believes that her clients have just as much to teach her as she them, and she looks forward to working together to come up with a plan that fits their needs.

Joe Kristoffersen

Joe Kristoffersen

Physiotherapist

Joe grew up in Williams Lake, a small city in the heart of the Cariboo Chilcotin Interior of British Columbia. There Joe had the opportunity to grow up in the outdoors of the Wild West where most of his childhood was spent outside enjoying various activities such as hiking, camping, hunting, fishing, skiing, trail running and general exploration. These early activities helped Joe establish a real appreciation for physicality and what it takes to improve health and mobility in order to keep doing the things you love. In 2007 Joe graduated from the University of Alberta with a Masters of Science degree in Physical Therapy. Joe has been working as a physiotherapist in private practice since graduating treating a myriad of acute and chronic pain conditions, work related injuries, motor vehicle related injuries and sport related injuries.

Joe has also completed certification in acupuncture through the Canadian Acupuncture Foundation. As well Joe has completed certification in Dr. Chan Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS).

When not singing and playing guitar in a cover band, Joe enjoys spending time with family and friends hiking, trail running, cross country skiing, snow boarding, mountain biking, rock climbing, camping and generally just exploring the outdoors. If you see Joe on the trails or in one of the Calgary Climbing Gyms say hello!

Allison Headshot

Allison Beveridge

Physiotherapist

Allison is a graduate of the University of Alberta where she completed her Master of Science in Physical Therapy. She completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at the University of Calgary while also riding for the Canadian track cycling national team. As a Canadian cyclist she attended multiple World Championships and two Olympic Games, highlighted by a bronze medal in Rio 2016. She has maintained a presence in the sport, coaching young girls throughout North America and the 2024 Canadian junior national track team. From her education and own unique personal experiences, Allison takes an active approach to treatment.

Since retiring after the Tokyo 2021 Olympic Games, Allison returned to Calgary and a variety of activities including running, lifting, backpacking, skiing, mountain biking and of course cycling. Allison also believes in balance for both her patients and herself; she enjoys baking bread, knitting, and expanding her garden. Allison is looking to combine her background in high performance sport, love of activity, and physiotherapy knowledge to help keep individuals active and healthy.

Overcome Common Conditions With Expert Physiotherapy


  • Chronic Pain Conditions
  • Musculoskeletal Pain
  • Neuropathic Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Tennis Elbow

 

  • Golfer’s Elbow
  • Joint Pain
  • Knee Pain
  • Pelvic Girdle Pain
  • Sacroiliac Joint Pain

 

  • Shoulder Pain
  • Soft Tissue Pain
  • Muscle Stiffness
  • Sports Injuries
  • Back Pain

 

Insurance Partners

We provide seamless direct billing to many major insurance companies. Reach out to us for detailed information.

Areas We Serve:

Our patients come from all across Calgary including:

Dive Deeper: Featured Blog Posts

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Dry Needling for Plantar Fasciitis: A Proven Treatment to Relief If you’re reading this, you probably actually know how excruciating plantar fasciitis may be. The pain usually starts as a dull ache under the heel of your foot that worsens with prolonged walking or standing. Actually, plantar fasciitis is among the most common reasons for […]

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