Combining IMS & Acupuncture: A Smarter Path to Pain Relief in NW Calgary

Seasonal activity changes in Calgary—like winter shoveling, spring yard work, or summer hiking—can flare up old injuries and create new ones. If stiffness, nerve irritation, or stubborn muscle pain are slowing you down, combining IMS and acupuncture may be the missing piece.
At Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic, we use evidence-informed needling techniques to calm irritated nerves, release tight muscles, and support lasting recovery. If you’ve been searching for “physiotherapy near me” in NW Calgary, we’re here to help you move with confidence again.

Understanding the Problem: Neuromuscular Pain and Overload

Over time, muscles can tighten around irritated nerves and joints. This often shows up as nagging neck or back pain, headaches, hip tension, sciatica-like symptoms, or recurring sports strains. Calgary’s quick weather shifts, long commutes, and active lifestyles can all contribute.

Common symptoms include:

  • Deep, achy muscle pain that won’t fully resolve
  • Tingling or radiating discomfort down an arm or leg
  • Stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting
  • Pain that improves temporarily with rest, but returns with activity
  • Recurrent sports “tweaks” and tightness limiting performance

What Are IMS and Medical Acupuncture?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

IMS is a precise needling technique used by specially trained physiotherapists to reduce muscle tension and normalize nerve function. Very thin, sterile needles are inserted into taut bands or trigger points to create a gentle, therapeutic muscle release.
What IMS helps with:

  • Chronic neck and low back pain
  • Postural tension from desk work
  • Nerve-related tightness (e.g., sciatica-like symptoms)
  • Overuse strains and recurring sports injuries

Medical Acupuncture

Medical acupuncture stimulates specific points to regulate the nervous system, improve circulation, and relieve pain. It’s commonly used to calm overactive pain pathways and support whole-body recovery.
What medical acupuncture helps with:

  • Headaches and jaw tension
  • Stress-related muscle guarding
  • Tendon irritation and joint pain
  • Sleep disruption related to pain

Why Combine IMS & Acupuncture?

While IMS targets tight, dysfunctional muscle bands directly, medical acupuncture works more broadly on the nervous system and circulation. Together, they can:

  • Decrease pain faster by addressing both local and systemic contributors
  • Improve range of motion and reduce protective muscle guarding
  • Accelerate recovery when paired with corrective exercise and manual therapy
  • Help you tolerate training loads better during sports-related injury rehabilitation

Conditions We Commonly Treat with Needling

  • Neck and back pain (acute and chronic)
  • Sciatica-like nerve irritation
  • Shoulder impingement, rotator cuff irritation, frozen shoulder
  • Tennis elbow and golfer’s elbow
  • Hip pain, gluteal tendinopathy, IT band tightness
  • Knee pain, patellar tendinopathy
  • Shin splints and calf strains
  • Plantar fasciitis and Achilles pain
  • Headaches, migraines, and TMJ-related tension

How We Combine IMS & Acupuncture at Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic

Your Assessment

We start with a detailed assessment to identify the primary drivers of your pain—muscle tension, nerve irritation, joint mechanics, or movement patterns. We then design a plan that may include IMS, medical acupuncture, and corrective exercise.

A Typical Session

  • Targeted IMS for specific tight bands contributing to your symptoms
  • Medical acupuncture to calm the nervous system and promote circulation
  • Gentle mobility and activation exercises to “lock in” improvements
  • Education on pacing, posture, and home strategies

Most people feel a difference within a few sessions. Mild soreness for 24–48 hours can be normal, and we tailor intensity to your comfort level.

Our Multi-Disciplinary Approach

Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic offers comprehensive care so you can get everything you need in one place. Beyond IMS and medical acupuncture, our services include:

  • Physiotherapy: Exercise prescription, manual therapy, movement retraining, and education. If you’ve been searching for “physiotherapy calgary” or “physiotherapy clinic near me,” our team is ready to help.
  • Massage therapy: From relaxation to deep tissue and sport-specific care—ideal for maintaining mobility and reducing tension. We’re a convenient choice for “massage therapy calgary nw.”
  • Chiropractic care: Joint mobilization and adjustments to restore alignment and function.
  • Laser therapy: We provide evidence-informed laser therapy for pain to support healing in stubborn soft tissues.
  • Dry needling, IMS, and medical acupuncture: Targeted needling care for neuromuscular dysfunction.
  • Sports rehab: Progressive “sports injury physiotherapy” and return-to-play programs designed around your goals.

This integrated model ensures your plan is coordinated, efficient, and tailored to what your body needs most.

The Benefits of Early Treatment

Addressing pain early helps you avoid frustrating cycles of flare-ups and setbacks. Early care can:

  • Shorten recovery time and reduce overall pain
  • Prevent compensations that lead to new issues
  • Improve joint mobility and muscle balance
  • Restore confidence in daily activities and sport
  • Support better sleep, mood, and energy

Community-Focused Care in NW Calgary

We’re proud to serve our neighbors in Nolan Hill, Sage Hill, Beacon Hill, Evanston, Citadel, Hamptons, Royal Oak, Glacier Ridge, Panorama, Carrington, Livingston, Kincora, and Sherwood. Whether you’re managing desk-related tension, shoveling strain, or a trail-running injury, we’ve got you covered.

We also provide support for workplace and motor vehicle injuries, including:

  • WCB claims: Trusted by clients seeking “wcb physiotherapy calgary”
  • Motor vehicle collisions: Compassionate, goal-driven “mva physiotherapy calgary” care

Why Choose Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic

  • Personalized plans: Your goals guide the plan—from pain relief to return to sport.
  • Multi-disciplinary teamwork: Physiotherapy, massage therapy, chiropractic care, IMS, dry needling, laser therapy, and medical acupuncture—seamlessly coordinated.
  • Evidence-informed care: We combine hands-on treatment, needling, and exercise for lasting results.
  • Convenient NW location: A great option if you’re searching for “acupuncture clinic near me” or “acupuncture clinic nw calgary.”
  • Support for active Calgarians: From desk workers to weekend warriors, we tailor care to your lifestyle.

Is IMS or Acupuncture Right for You?

Most people are good candidates, but we’ll screen for safety. Please let us know if you have:

  • Bleeding disorders or are on blood thinners
  • A history of fainting with needles
  • Pregnancy (we’ll adapt techniques accordingly)
  • Active infection or open wounds at the treatment site

Not a fan of needles? No problem. We can build an effective plan using manual therapy, exercise, and other modalities.

What to Expect From Your Plan

  • A clear diagnosis and treatment roadmap
  • Education on what to do—and what to avoid—in the short term
  • Targeted IMS and acupuncture when appropriate
  • Progress checks and plan updates as you improve
  • A gradual return to your favorite activities with confidence

Ready to Feel Better?

If you’re searching for “physiotherapy clinic near me,” “physiotherapy near me,” or “acupuncture clinic near me,” Nolan Hill Physiotherapy and Massage Clinic in NW Calgary is here to help. Our team blends IMS and medical acupuncture with evidence-based rehab to calm pain and restore movement—so you can get back to what you love.

Book your assessment today and take the first step toward moving better, feeling better, and living better.