INTRAMUSCULAR STIMULATION (IMS)

It is a tool for both diagnosing and treating myofascial pain with neuropathic causes. Dr. Chan Gunn (C.M., O.B.C., M.D., PhD.) is credited with creating this therapeutic approach, which melds conventional Chinese acupuncture with western medicine. This treatment technique involves the insertion of fine needles into stiff muscles and is highly effective to treat chronic pain and very stiff muscles.

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The needle sites used during IMS treatment can be in the middle of taut, painful muscle bands or close to the spine, where a sensitive nerve root may have become irritated. Normal muscles are painless to prick with a needle; however, a shortened, supersensitive muscle will "grab" the needle in a cramp like sensation. A relaxation (lengthening) reflex is triggered when a stretch receptor in the muscle is activated. The needle's insertion also results in a little wound that pulls blood to the area and starts the body's natural healing process. In order to restore normal nerve function, the treatment induces an electrical potential in the muscle.

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Treatment aims to relieve muscle shortening, which irritates and presses on the nerve. Desensitizing supersensitive places and releasing the constant strain of shortened muscles are both possible. IMS is particularly successful at releasing chronically shortened muscles that are constantly tensed. IMS encourages muscle relaxation and stretching using the same needles as acupuncture.  IMS/Dry Needling can be used as a part of your treatment plan by trained physiotherapists.