Gunn IMS / Dry Needling in Calgary
Precise needling that releases tight, irritated muscles and calms nerve-related pain — used as part of a complete rehab plan, never as the whole plan.
Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is an advanced form of dry needling developed for muscle tightness and nerve-related pain that hasn't responded to standard care. Using fine, sterile needles, our certified physiotherapists target shortened muscle bands and trigger points to release tension, restore normal muscle function, and open a window for the active rehab that creates lasting change. It's especially useful for stubborn neck and back pain, sciatica, tennis elbow, shoulder pain, and chronic postural strain.
What is Gunn IMS — and how is it different from regular dry needling?
Gunn IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn at the University of British Columbia and is delivered only by clinicians who complete UBC-affiliated CGIMS certification. Where generic dry needling targets isolated trigger points, the Gunn model treats the whole pattern: shortened, hypersensitive muscles driven by irritated nerves — often tracing back to the spine, not just the spot that hurts. That's why an IMS assessment examines your spine and nerve function, not only the sore muscle.
Is it the same as acupuncture?
No. Acupuncture is based on traditional Chinese medicine and meridian theory. IMS and dry needling are Western, neurophysiological techniques: the needle goes into a specific dysfunctional muscle identified on physical examination, with the goal of resetting muscle tone and nerve sensitivity. Same tool, completely different map.
What does the evidence say?
We'll give you the honest version, because that's how we practice: dry needling has moderate-quality evidence for short-term pain relief — particularly in chronic neck pain and myofascial pain. It is a door-opener, not a cure. The lasting change comes from what walks through that door: progressive exercise, load management, and movement retraining. If a clinic is offering you needling alone, session after session, ask what the active plan is. At MSKrehab, IMS is always embedded in a complete rehabilitation program.
What a session feels like
Using alcohol to clean the skin, a fine, sterile needle is inserted into the tight muscle band. When it hits the right spot you'll feel a brief, deep cramping or twitch — oddly satisfying to most people, momentarily intense for some. Muscles commonly feel heavy or achy for a day or so afterward, like a deep workout, then noticeably looser. We always gain informed consent, explain what to expect, and try our best to adjust the intensity to you.
Conditions we commonly treat with IMS
Chronic neck and back pain, sciatica and nerve-related leg pain, tennis and golfer's elbow, rotator cuff and shoulder pain, headaches with a muscular component, hip and gluteal pain, and persistent tightness that stretching never fixes. Wondering whether your problem fits? Read our guides on chronic neck pain and sciatica — both discuss where needling genuinely helps.
FAQ
Does IMS hurt?
The insertion is barely felt; the therapeutic twitch is a brief, deep cramp. Most patients describe it as intense but tolerable — and worth it for the release that follows. You're in control of intensity throughout.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients notice change within 1–3 sessions. IMS is typically spaced about a week apart and paired with exercise between visits. If nothing is changing after 3 sessions, we change the plan — not just repeat the needling.
Is it covered by insurance?
IMS is delivered by our physiotherapists as part of physiotherapy treatment, so it's billed as physiotherapy — covered by most extended health plans, with direct billing available.
Who shouldn't have IMS?
We screen for it — bleeding disorders, certain medications, pregnancy considerations, needle phobia, and local skin conditions all factor into whether and where we needle. This is part of your assessment.
Book an IMS assessment in south Calgary
We're at 8989 MacLeod Trail SW — serving Haysboro, Kingsland, Acadia, Fairview, and the broader south Calgary community. Your first visit is a full one-on-one assessment with an FCAMPT-certified physiotherapist: we confirm whether IMS is the right tool for your problem, deliver treatment where appropriate, and build the active plan around it.
Contact Us
Location
8989 Macleod Trl SW Unit 407, Calgary, AB T2H 0M2
*Located on the 4th floor
Business Hours
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
7 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Closed
Closed
Contact
Phone. (403) 984-1445
Fax. (403) 984-1446
Email. info@mskrehab.org
Parking Information:
We are located a 10minute walk South of Heritage LRT station between Save-On Foods and Chick-fil-a. Entrance to the building is on the North side and elevators on the right side on the Lobby and we are on the 4 th floor down the hall on the left-hand side.