Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS).

At Agile we see Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) as an effective treatment modality in treating chronic pain conditions when other traditional treatment options have plateaued.  

IMS was developed by Dr Chan Gunn based out of Vancouver while working with clients experiencing chronic pain in the 1970’s.

This treatment was created to treat pain of a neuropathic origin. Neuropathy pain is the malfunctioning of the nervous system when is feels compressed or threatened leading to the perception of pain with no obvious tissue damage, inflammation or acute injury IMS is used to stimulate a healing process and helps the muscles to relax and is often effective when other forms of therapy have plateaued. Neuropathy pain is the malfunctioning of the nervous system leading to the perception of pain with no obvious tissue damage, inflammation or acute injury. 

What can IMS help with?

• IMS can help with pain caused by trigger points.

• Chronically tight muscles and myofascial pain by desensitizing the nervous system and affected muscles to decrease pain, neuropathic symptoms.

• Desensitizing supersensitive areas due to persistent, tight and contracted muscles allowing them to be restored to full motion, flexibility and function.

• By releasing tight muscles this will allow a relief of pressure off tendons, joints and nerves throughout the area positively impacting pain, thus breaking the chronic cycle of pain and providing long term relief. 

IMS can help treat a wide range 

• Muscular Disorders: Achilles Tendonitis, Back Pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Golfer’s Elbow, Headaches, Piriformis Pain Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis, Shin Splints, TMJ Pain, Whiplash Pain, 

• Neurological: Neuropathy, Radiculopathy, Sciatica

• Chronic Pain Conditions: Arthritic conditions, Degenerative Disc Disease, Persistent musculoskeletal pain

What to expect?

An initial physiotherapy appointment will be 45-minutes consisting of a discussion and hands-on orthopaedic testing to identify the root cause of the injuries & pain you are experiencing and whether or not IMS is the best from of treatment for your pain & injury. 

During the treatment session fine sterile needle is inserted into a taut, shortened or contracted muscle. This may cause a dull ache or cramping response that will fade and then ease the pain by stimulating an increase in local circulation and activation natural healing systems in the body. These needles activate a reflex causing a twitch response causing the muscle to relax. Some people may experience some soreness for 1-2 days post treatment, once that subsides you should notice an improvement on your initial symptoms. 

Frequency of treatments will depend on the severity and type of injury, however treatments are likely performed weekly over a few weeks. 

Occasionally the needles can cause a small injury that draws blood to the area leaving a bruise. 

What is the difference between Acupuncture and IMS?

IMS is based on the traditional practice of eastern acupuncture combined with the recent advances of medical research and applying anatomy, physiology and neurology. IMS is relatively still in its infancy when compared to Chinese Medicine. The same needles are used in both types of sessions but the application is what is different. 

In Chinese Medicine, needles are placed in application to the body’s meridians or energy channels and are normally placed for longer durations in time (10 minutes or more). In IMS, needles are used to target and directly treat muscle and the duration the needles are in the body are significantly shorter. In IMS, you are trying to stimulate a twitch response with the goal of eliciting muscle relaxation.

What next?

If you are suffering with pain or injury that’s stopping you do the things you enjoy or need to do, if you have niggles that are annoying you, or if you have some specific sporting/fitness challenges you want to prepare for, then we can help. 

If you would like to book an appointment click here, or would like further information, please contact us on (250) 381-2239 or email hello@weareagile.ca