About Intramuscular Stimulation

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) is a treatment for muscular tightness and spasm. When muscles become excessively tight, have trigger points, are injured, or are compensating for another problem, then they may benefit from IMS.

Small, thin needles are inserted into the muscles at the trigger points or shortened sections which are causing the pain or restriction. In response to the needles, the muscles then contract and eventually release, improving flexibility of the muscle and decreasing symptoms. IMS causes the muscles to relax and “reset”. The result is a reduction in pain and an increased ability to move the muscles.

IMS is performed by Physiotherapists who have taken special training and are certified in providing IMS. While treatment plans may involve three to five sessions, many patients have reported significant improvement after their first treatment. IMS is provided by our Physiotherapists.

What does IMS feel like? Many patients describe the sensation as a localized deep ache or sometimes a twitching sensation. Often the sensation lessens as the body responds. Once the tightened muscle has responded sufficiently, the Practitioner removes the needle. Sometimes numerous areas are treated within a session. Many patients have experienced “breakthrough” results from IMS with both acute and chronic conditions.

Conditions which can benefit from IMS include:

  • Muscle tension/restrictions
  • Frozen shoulder
  • Tennis/Golfer’s elbow
  • Rotator cuff injuries
  • Trigger points
  • Headaches
  • Plantar fasciitis/foot pain
  • Sciatica
  • Shin splints
  • Carpal Tunnel syndrome

Our IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation Team

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy

Collin Kirby

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M.Sc.PT, B.Sc.Kin., IMS

Collin is originally from Quesnel, BC, he completed his Bachelor of Science majoring in Kinesiology at the University of Victoria then received his Master’s in Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. Collin found his passion for rehabilitation while working as a Kinesiologist in Victoria and immediately knew physiotherapy was the career for him.

Collin is dedicated to continuing his education to provide the best possible care for his patients. He has completed certification in Soft Tissue Release, Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy, Level 1, and IMS: Intramuscular Stimulation.

Collin uses many different methods to help his clients reach their goals. These include manual therapy, soft tissue release, taping, education, intramuscular stimulation (IMS), functional, and personalized exercise prescription. His goal is to provide a safe and effective return to daily activities, sport, and ultimately a pain-free lifestyle. Collin’s experience and interests also include treating postural dysfunction, post-operative rehabilitation, post motor vehicle accident rehabilitation, orthopaedic and neurological rehabilitation, neck pain, back pain, and chronic pain. Collin looks forward to meeting and treating new clients of all ages and backgrounds.

In his spare time, Collin enjoys staying active by playing many sports, including; downhill skiing, football, cricket, softball, and cycling.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, Women's Health, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Orthotics, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Pediatric Physiotherapy Care

Aly Huang

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BMRPT, FCAMPT, BA, CAFCI, IMS, Orthotics

Aly has extensive experience treating a variety of orthopaedic conditions, she has obtained fellowship in Advanced Orthopaedic Manual & Manipulative Therapy (FCAMPT), as well as post graduate training in Women's Health, peri-natal and Pediatric care. Aly is certified in CGIMS, Acupuncture, Graston and certified orthotic provider. She enjoys treating patients of all ages and activities levels, her treatment involves determining precipitating factors leading to dysfunction/injury.

Aly helps her patients reach their goals through manual therapy, needling, corrective exercise and education. Aly has international experience through Karolinska Institute in Stockholm Sweden, while working with international ballet dancers and professional sports teams.

我们有会说中文的物理医疗师
Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Orthotics, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy

Adrian Perez

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M.Sc.PT, BSc, Biology, IMS, Orthotics

Adrian is originally from Vancouver, BC, where he completed his Masters of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia, and his Bachelor of Science in Biopsychology at the University of Victoria.

He has recently completed his Level 1 of Advanced Orthopaedic Manual and Manipulative Physiotherapy and plans to continue his education in this area to provide the best care possible to his patients. He is also a certified provider of custom orthotics providing foot and gait analysis.

He has experience working in a wide range of areas including athletic injuries, chronic pain conditions, neurological conditions, and geriatric health. He uses the most up to date evidence-based approach that includes a combination of manual therapy, patient education, Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) and individualized exercise prescription.

In his spare time, Adrian enjoys playing soccer, snowboarding, weightlifting, and anything outdoors. He also has an appreciation for cooking and nutrition. Adrian welcomes and looks forward to working with new clients from all backgrounds with various conditions.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy

Jen Aberhart

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Jen Aberhart graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2008 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy. She also received a degree in Kinesiology with distinction at the University of Saskatchewan in 2004 and has a wide range of interests in sports and fitness including football, volleyball, ultimate frisbee, and strength and conditioning.

Jen has extensive knowledge and experience in a wide range of musculoskeletal injuries from sports to motor vehicle accidents. She has worked in far reaching corners of the world such as Prince Albert, SK and Maui, HI. Throughout this time, she advanced her continuing education in chronic pain management, McKenzie Therapy technique, (FMS) Functional Movement Screening, myofascial release techniques, sport and athletic training, and (MWM) Mulligan’s techniques.

Jen has participated in two humanitarian trips overseas working alongside dentists, doctors, nurses, and pharmacists providing care in third world countries. She believes in the importance of movement and activity to maintain and improve optimal levels of health and is passionate about the success of her clients. Jen is committed to being a strong advocate for the profession of physical therapy and is more than happy to help you on your journey to optimal health.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Vertigo/Vestibular Care, Concussion Care

Dimitri Naef

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M.Sc.PT, B.Sc.Kin, IMS, Concussion

Originally from Nelson, BC, Dimitri left the Kootenays to pursue his goal of becoming a Physiotherapist by attaining a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and a Masters Degree in Physical Therapy at UBC.

Since completing his formal education, Dimitri has been dedicated to helping people recover from injuries from head to toe. In addition to more common conditions, Dimitri also has significant experience in concussion management and vestibular disorders. Having worked in specialized concussion clinics Dimitri is uniquely positioned to help individuals recover from concussions and all of the associated symptoms.

No matter the condition, Dimitri brings a laid back, empathetic, and honest approach to his practice, where he believes strongly in patient centered, evidence based care, continually working with patients to identify the actions they can take for their personal well-being.

Dimitri is certified in IMS, and has also completed the following continuing education courses:

– Concussion Management Workshop levels 1 & 2 with Shannon McGuire

– National Academy of Neuropsychology Symposium on Concussion Management

– Vestibular Therapy Training with Bernard Tonks

– Chronic Pain Management Certification with Bahram Jam

– Lynn Watson Shoulder Course level 1 & 2

– Adam Meakins Shoulder Rehab

– Jill Cook course on Tendinopathy Management

– Orthopaedic Manual Therapy Level 1

– Mulligan Technique

– Active Release Techniques

In his spare time, Dimitri is an avid soccer player and outdoor enthusiast (isn’t everyone in North Vancouver!?), spending time camping, hiking and snowboarding.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Vertigo/Vestibular Care, Concussion Care

Sarah Hearne

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Sarah grew up on the beautiful North Shore, where her passion for helping people and her interest in holistic health care led her to pursue a career in physiotherapy. She completed her undergraduate degree in Kinesiology at Simon Fraser University and went on to earn her Master’s in Physiotherapy from the University of British Columbia.

Sarah holds post-graduate certifications in acupuncture, vestibular therapy, concussion management, facial neuromuscular retraining, yoga for pain management, and advanced orthopaedic manual and manipulative therapy (Level 2). In addition, she has attended numerous courses and conferences focused on pain management and is currently pursuing a graduate certificate in pain management through the University of Alberta.

With experience in various areas of physiotherapy, Sarah has worked with clients dealing with complex pain (including CRPS and fibromyalgia), geriatrics, orthopaedic injuries, pre- and post-surgical care, vestibular disorders (dizziness), concussion management, and facial palsy. Her treatment philosophy is rooted in a client-centered approach, incorporating her training in motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care. Sarah is dedicated to treating each client as an individual, tailoring her care to meet their specific needs and goals.

As a clinical faculty member at UBC, Sarah is actively involved in teaching within the Master’s of Physical Therapy Program, contributing to the education of future physiotherapists.

Outside the clinic, Sarah enjoys running, practicing yoga, and exploring the great outdoors on the North Shore with her husband and young son.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy, Concussion Care, Posture Recovery Program

Jeff Boudreau

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MScPT, BScKin, CGIMS

Jeff graduated from the physiotherapy program at McMaster University in 2012. He brings a wealth of knowledge to the team at Avita, having worked with a wide variety of patients from professional athletes to weekend enthusiasts and heavy-duty mechanics to yoga instructors. These experiences have helped him develop a collaborative and results-oriented approach to care that tailors to the specific needs of each patient.

Jeff is a Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation Practitioner (CGMIS), and has obtained certifications in advanced manual therapy, soft tissue release, and chronic pain management. Rather than treating your symptoms, he works to identify the root cause of the issue and create a lasting change in the way your body functions.

Jeff developed the Posture Recovery Program at Avita for those looking to make meaningful changes to their posture. The program combines manual therapies, dry needling, and supervised exercise to help restore mobility of the spine and strength of postural muscles.

Jeff is a former university football player. During his time with the team, he sustained two significant injuries that required surgery. He understands the patient’s perspective in the rehabilitative process and knows the impact that a caring and diligent therapist can have on their recovery. He strives to provide the same level of care that he received to his patients at Avita.

Outside the clinic you may find Jeff scaling a mountain, strolling the shoreline, shopping for coffee beans, or sampling a craft beer.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy

Julien Anderson Nadeau

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M.Sc.PT, TMJ, IMS

Julien completed his Masters in Physiotherapy at the University of Sherbrooke in Quebec. Since then, he has accumulated over 8 years of experience treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions in the private sector.

His approach combines manual therapy, soft tissue release, patient education and specific exercise programs. He is a firm believer that these exercises not only help achieve his patients goals, but also help maintain long term benefits from his treatments.

In addition to dealing with the typical conditions seen by most physio, he also provides advanced treatments of the TMJ (jaw) joint and of multiple types of headaches linked to that area. He is also very familiar with injuries related to rock climbing, which is one of his passions.

His other passions include playing music and exploring the backcountry, whether it's in hiking boots, on a splitboard or on a mountain bike.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, Women's Health, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy

Nicole Slade

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Nicole Slade graduated from the University of Brighton in the United Kingdom, in 2020. Prior to this she completed a degree in Archaeology in 2011 at Simon Fraser University. After injuring her back while working as a consulting archaeologist, she because interest in physical rehabilitation.

Nicole has experience treating pelvic floor dysfunction, urinary incontinence, low back pain, fibromyalgia, persistent pain, orthopedics, and work ergonomics.

She has completed training in trauma sensitive approaches, as well as Pelvic Health Solutions Level 1 and 2 focussing on assessment and treatment of all genders experiencing urinary incontinence and pelvic pain.

Nicole practices patient-centered care and believes in educating her clients, while working with them collaboratively to help them achieve their rehabilitation goals.

She is a lifelong learner and has lots of plans for continued education to offer her clients the most up to date and best possible care.

Nicole was born and raised in North Vancouver. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, who came to Canada with her from England, hiking, yoga, downhill skiing, cross country skiing, and anything involving the outdoors. She loves animals, and enjoys various artistic hobbies.

Registered Physiotherapist
Physiotherapy, IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation, Sports Therapy/Taping, Shockwave Therapy, Cold Laser Therapy

Peter Kosheluk

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B.Sc.PT, AN-IMS, Clinical Pilates, Male Pelvic Health

Peter Kosheluk holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Saskatchewan, which he completed in 2006. Since that time he has focused on musculoskeletal physiotherapy, working with individuals across the age spectrum who are experiencing pain or dysfunction, whether it be acute or chronic in nature. He has experience with injuries affecting all areas of the body and stemming from a variety of causes. His post-graduate training has involved a variety of fields including manual therapy (certifications from Canadian and Australian programs), movement analysis & training, dry needling (certifications from South African, British, and Canadian institutions), and male pelvic health.

His treatment philosophy is one of collaboration with a focus on helping individuals determine the source(s) of their complaint, so that they can actively work to eliminate or alleviate it, in order to function at their greatest potential. He is a firm believer that prevention of re-injury and active management are vital components of any rehabilitation program. As such, he incorporates a thorough assessment of the problem at hand (including movement analysis globally & locally at the area of complaint) and education regarding such with advice on relevant lifestyle and activity modifications. Exercise prescription (complaint-specific regional & pertinent global exercises), manual therapy (joint mobilizations & manipulations, soft tissue mobilization, nerve mobilization) and dry needling are also integrated into care as dictated by the individual’s situation at hand and their goals for recovery.

Peter believes that a holistic approach to recovery is the most beneficial and effective strategy and also appreciates opportunities to work in collaboration with other care providers. A team approach works best!

IMS – Intramuscular Stimulation

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