Non-invasive VNS with the Dolphin Neurostim
Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) in Calgary
Vagus nerve stimulation at Orthosports is a gentle, non-invasive therapy that uses microcurrent on the ear to help your nervous system shift out of constant stress mode. No implant, no needles and no medication. Sessions are with Sergey Raiter, DOMP, RMT, at our clinic across from Chinook Mall.
When you book online, choose “Massage (Assessment+NKT+MPS)” with Sergey and mention vagus nerve stimulation in the booking notes.
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Non-invasive, no implant
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Dolphin Neurostim microcurrent
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With Sergey Raiter, DOMP, RMT
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Direct billing available
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Free parking near Chinook Mall
What is vagus nerve stimulation?
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a therapy that sends a mild electrical signal to the vagus nerve, the main nerve of the body’s “rest and digest” system. At Orthosports Calgary it is done from outside the body, with small clips on the ear and a Dolphin Neurostim microcurrent device. Nothing is implanted.
The vagus nerve runs from the brainstem to the heart, lungs and gut and carries most of the body’s parasympathetic nerve fibres. It acts as the brake on the stress response. When that brake is weak, the body can stay in “fight or flight”: muscles stay tight, sleep gets lighter and pain feels louder. Stimulating the nerve is one way to help the body return to a calmer state.
How does non-invasive VNS work at Orthosports?
A branch of the vagus nerve reaches the skin of the outer ear. We place small clips on that area and connect them to the Dolphin Neurostim, which delivers a low-frequency direct current (DC) microcurrent. The same device is used for microcurrent point stimulation (MPS) on acupuncture and trigger points, so many sessions combine both: ear clips to calm the nervous system, then point work on the areas that hurt.
Non-invasive VNS vs implanted VNS
| Non-invasive VNS at Orthosports | Implanted VNS | |
|---|---|---|
| How it is delivered | Ear clips and a hand-held microcurrent device | A pulse generator placed under the skin by a surgeon |
| Who provides it | A trained manual therapist during a clinic visit | A medical specialist team in hospital |
| Typical use | Support for stress, tension and pain as part of manual therapy | Prescribed for conditions such as drug-resistant epilepsy |
| Recovery time | None. You can drive and return to your day | Surgical recovery and medical follow-up |
We do not provide or adjust implanted VNS devices. If you have one, please tell us before you book.
What does a VNS session feel like?
A VNS session is quiet and comfortable. Here is what to expect.
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A short check-in
We ask about your stress, sleep, pain and health history, and confirm that VNS is suitable for you.
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Ear clips go on
You lie down fully clothed. Small clips are placed on the ear and connected to the Dolphin Neurostim.
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Gentle stimulation
Most people feel very little: a faint pulsing or warmth at the ear. Many notice slower breathing and heavier, more relaxed limbs within a few minutes.
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Point work if you need it
If pain is part of the picture, Sergey may add MPS on specific points or hands-on treatment in the same visit.
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Back to your day
There is no downtime. Some people feel calm or pleasantly tired afterwards, so an easy evening is a good idea after your first session.
Who can vagus nerve stimulation help?
People usually book VNS at Orthosports when stress and pain have started feeding each other. It may be a good fit if you:
- Feel stuck in “fight or flight”: wired, tense and unable to switch off
- Have neck, shoulder, back or jaw tension that returns soon after treatment
- Sleep lightly or wake up unrefreshed
- Get tension headaches when stress is high
- Are recovering from a concussion and feel overstimulated easily
- Have tried massage, physiotherapy or chiropractic and still feel that your body will not let go
VNS is a supportive therapy. It does not diagnose or cure a medical condition, and it works best alongside the care you already receive from your doctor.
Who is VNS not suitable for?
Tell us before you book if any of these apply. In most of these cases we will not use electrical stimulation and will suggest a hands-on option instead.
- A pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or any other implanted electrical device, including an implanted VNS
- Pregnancy
- Epilepsy or a history of seizures
- A serious heart rhythm condition
- Active cancer treatment
- Broken or irritated skin on the ear
Not sure? Call us at 403-984-9962 and we will help you decide. If you have a medical condition, please check with your doctor first.
Why choose Orthosports for vagus nerve therapy in Calgary?
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Device-based, not only relaxation
We use the Dolphin Neurostim, a microcurrent device made for point and ear stimulation. Few Calgary clinics offer this.
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Assessment first
Every visit starts with an assessment, so VNS is used when it fits your case and not by default.
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One practitioner, several tools
Sergey can combine VNS with MPS, manual osteopathy, craniosacral therapy and NeuroKinetic Therapy (NKT) in the same visit.
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Easy to get to
Across from CF Chinook Centre with free parking. Open evenings on weekdays and all day Sunday.
VNS pricing and direct billing
VNS is booked with Sergey Raiter, DOMP, RMT.
We direct bill Sun Life, Canada Life, Alberta Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross and Green Shield. VNS is provided within a massage therapy appointment with Sergey Raiter, RMT, and coverage depends on your plan. Call 403-984-9962 and we will check your coverage before your visit.
Your practitioner
Sergey Raiter, DOMP, RMT, is the founder of Orthosports Calgary. He is a manual osteopathic practitioner registered with the National Manual Osteopathic Society (NMOS), a registered massage therapist and a Level 3 NeuroKinetic Therapy practitioner. He first experienced Dolphin MPS therapy at a professional conference in 2024, completed the training and now offers it at Orthosports for pain, scars and nervous system work.
Related services at Orthosports
I have been dealing with Piriformis Syndrome for a year, getting worse and worse and wake up every day and in burning pain for first hour of the day and after sitting or any impact. After ONE appointment, I woke up today and I am a bit stiff in my hip, bit NO BURNING PAIN and I feel so much improvement. My Dr. recommended this treatment and WOW. I am going for my second treatment later this week. I’m gonna send my husband for his shoulder pain.
Sergei and his team are exceptional. My mum had a curved spinal cord, severe pains in her hip as well as arthritis. After a few sessions at Orthosport, her posture has been corrected and she has no more pains. I will recommend Orthosports anytime!!
I’ve been working with Sergey at Orthosports and the experience has been outstanding. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, attentive, and thorough in his approach. What really stands out is how intentional he is. He doesn’t just run you through generic exercises; he actually assesses what’s going on, explains the “why” behind each step, and builds a plan that makes sense for your body and your goals.
Within a short time, I noticed real improvements in mobility, strength, and overall comfort. Sergey has a great balance of professionalism and approachability, and you can tell he genuinely cares about helping you get better, not just treating symptoms.
If you’re looking for someone who combines expertise with a personalized, results‑driven approach, I highly recommend Sergey at Orthosports.
Frequently asked questions about vagus nerve stimulation
Is vagus nerve stimulation safe?
Non-invasive VNS with microcurrent is gentle and well tolerated by most people. It is not suitable for everyone, for example people with a pacemaker or other implanted electrical device, or during pregnancy. We screen for this before your first session.
Does vagus nerve stimulation hurt?
No. Most people feel a faint pulsing at the ear or nothing at all. If anything feels uncomfortable, the intensity is turned down right away.
How long does a VNS session take?
The ear stimulation itself is short. It is usually part of a longer appointment that includes an assessment and, if needed, MPS point work or hands-on treatment.
How quickly will I feel a difference?
Many people feel calmer during or right after the first session. Changes in sleep, tension or pain tend to build over several sessions.
Is this the same as an implanted vagus nerve stimulator?
No. An implanted VNS is a medical device placed by a surgeon for conditions such as drug-resistant epilepsy. At Orthosports, stimulation is applied from outside the body through the ear, with no surgery.
Can I combine VNS with massage or manual osteopathy?
Yes. VNS is often combined with MPS point work, manual osteopathy, craniosacral therapy or NeuroKinetic Therapy in the same visit.
Do I need a doctor's referral for VNS?
No referral is needed to book. Some insurance plans ask for a referral before they reimburse massage therapy, so check your plan.
Is vagus nerve stimulation covered by insurance?
At Orthosports, VNS is provided within a massage therapy appointment with a registered massage therapist. We direct bill Sun Life, Canada Life, Alberta Blue Cross, Medavie Blue Cross and Green Shield. Coverage depends on your plan.
Can I stimulate the vagus nerve at home?
Slow breathing, humming and cold water on the face are simple ways to engage the vagus nerve at home. In-clinic sessions add targeted microcurrent stimulation and an assessment of what is keeping your system on high alert.
Where can I get vagus nerve stimulation in Calgary?
Orthosports Calgary offers device-based, non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation at 205-222 58 Ave SW, across from CF Chinook Centre, with free parking. Book online or call 403-984-9962.
Ready to calm your nervous system?
Book a session with Sergey at Orthosports Calgary, across from Chinook Mall. Open Monday to Friday and Sunday, 10 AM to 9 PM.
This page is for general information and is not medical advice.
We help you manage chronic pain. Faster!
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Orthosports Calgary
205-222 58 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2S3, Canada
Manchester Industrial area, near Chinook Mall
Business Hours:
Mon - Fri: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Sat: Closed
Sun: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
