Physiotherapists utilize diagnostic and assessment procedures in order to implement preventive and therapeutic courses of intervention. They apply a collaborative and reasoned approach to help clients achieve their health goals, in particular focusing on musculoskeletal and neurological systems. Physiotherapy can assist anyone looking to improve their overall health from elite athletes to rehab after an injury, everyone can benefit from physiotherapy.

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Physiotherapists use a variety of techniques and interventions with their treatment including:

• Personalized therapeutic exercises to improve strength, range of motion and function
• Soft tissue and manual therapy techniques including: massage, mobilization and manipulation
• Physical, electrotherapeutic and mechanical agents
• Prescription, fabrication and application of assistive, adaptive, supportive and protective devices or equipment
• Environmental changes, focusing on removing barriers to function

Physiotherapists encourage clients to assume responsibility of their health and participate in team approaches to maximize the benefits of physiotherapy.

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Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

What is IMS?

• A therapeutic procedure which involves the advancement of a thin acupuncture needle into a dysfunctional muscle that is identified to be the source of pain / discomfort.
• IMS is an evidence-based, treatment proven to be highly effective for acute and chronic pains, used in both injury rehabilitation and prevention.
• The goal of this procedure is to release or reset the dysfunctional muscle by removing trigger points that cause pain and restriction from normal movement.
• IMS needling is within a physiotherapists scope of practice and considered a restricted activity under the Alberta College of Physiotherapists- physios practicing this treatment in Alberta must have received advanced education and pass examinations to be certified.
• Also known as Trigger Point Dry needling, Functional Dry Needling or Gokavi Transverse technique.

What to expect?

• Once a needle is inserted in the dysfunctional muscle the patient may experience a spasm or muscle cramp referred to as a “twitch response”.
• Responses can vary depending on a patient’s age, cause and duration of symptoms.
• The patient may feel instant relief and improved levels of pain / discomfort following the treatment.
• Side effects can include fatigue, soreness and bruising, although this normally subsides within 24-48 hours.
• Following treatment, the patient can resume regular activities and can apply ice / heat for post treatment soreness, although strenuous workouts should be avoided on the day of treatment.
• This treatment is not recommended for those who have active cancer, are on immunosuppressants or have a bleeding disorder.