Take Charge of Pain Relief
Discover the Benefits of IMS Therapy
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), also known as GunnIMS, is a specialized physiotherapy technique used to diagnose and treat myofascial pain syndromes.
Myofascial pain syndromes are conditions with muscle pain and tenderness, often spreading to other areas. They involve trigger points in muscles causing pain locally and elsewhere.
These syndromes manifest as long-lasting pain conditions without obvious signs of injury or inflammation Often, the pain is neurological, remaining invisible on various imaging modalities such as x-rays, MRI, or CT scans, leading to frustration and potential misdiagnosis for patients.
Fortunately, IMS has shown remarkable success in treating chronic pain conditions, including back pain, by addressing the underlying neuropathic causes.
IMS is a specialized treatment that requires post-graduate training for physiotherapists. At Active Solutions Health + Sport, our team is equipped with the necessary expertise to perform IMS safely and effectively.
Meet Your Practitioners
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is part of the Physiotherapy disclipline, offered by the following practitioner.
Understanding IMS Treatment
IMS treatment can be described as a 3-step process to address muscle tension and chronic discomfort.
Dry Needling
Using an acupuncture needle, targeted dry needling is applied to the affected areas of the body. Often, the dry needling is done at shortened, tender muscle bands or near the spine where nerve roots have become hypersensitive.
Muscle Response
The shortened, super-sensitive muscle may react to the dry needling by "grabbing" the needle. This leads to a feeling often described as a cramping sensation, or occasionally, as a "weird" feeling, indicating reflex relaxation.
Healing and Relief
The result of this sequence leads to a reflex relaxation in the muscle; initiation of a natural healing process; and, a reset of the nerve function through electrical potential. Ultimately, this helps to relax the shortened muscle and alleviate chronic discomfort
Take Control of Your Pain with IMS
If you're experiencing persistent symptoms and haven't found relief with other treatments, IMS may be the solution you've been searching for.
Why Choose Intramuscular Stimulation?
An effective and non-invasive treatment, IMS has benefits that helps many of our clients. For a deeper understanding of IMS and its benefits, visit UBC Gunn IMS.
Precise Targeting
IMS offers a precise targeting of shortened muscles, allowing for a tailored approach to treatment that focuses on addressing the root cause of discomfort. By honing in on specific areas of tension, IMS facilitates a more personalized and effective method of relieving muscle tightness and promoting overall well-being.
Chronic Pain Relief
Through the alleviation of chronic pain conditions, IMS provides a comprehensive solution for individuals seeking long-term relief from persistent discomfort. By targeting deep-seated muscle tension, IMS helps to manage and reduce chronic pain, leading to improved quality of life and enhanced physical functioning.
Treatment Effectiveness
IMS proves to be effective even in cases where other treatments have fallen short, offering hope and relief to individuals who have struggled to find a suitable remedy for their pain. By providing a unique and targeted approach, IMS can be a valuable alternative for those looking for a successful treatment option.
Muscle Function Restoration
By restoring normal muscle function and mobility, IMS plays a crucial role in enhancing overall physical performance and flexibility. Through targeted muscle release techniques, IMS helps individuals regain full range of motion and muscle strength, promoting better posture, movement, and functionality in daily activities.
Issues Addressed by GunnIMS
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
IMS is effective in treating myofascial pain syndrome, a condition characterized by chronic pain in the muscles and surrounding connective tissues.
Muscle Pain
IMS can help alleviate muscle pain by targeting dysfunctional muscles and improving nerve function, leading to relaxation and reduced tenderness in the affected areas.
Joint Pain
IMS can be beneficial for addressing joint pain by targeting nerves that supply the joints, helping to improve the signals sent to the muscles and other tissues around the joints.
Nerve Dysfunction
IMS focuses on identifying and treating nerve dysfunction, which can manifest as tight/tender muscles, muscle weakness, and changes in skin temperature, among other subtle signs.
IMS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMS painful?
While you may feel some discomfort during the insertion of acupuncture needles, IMS is generally well-tolerated by most individuals. The sensation is often described as a deep ache or muscle twitch.
How many IMS sessions will I need?
The number of sessions varies depending on the severity of your condition and individual response to treatment. Your physiotherapist will create a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Are there any side effects of IMS?
Side effects are minimal and typically temporary, such as mild bruising or soreness at the needle insertion site. These usually resolve quickly after treatment.
Can IMS help with conditions other than chronic pain?
Yes! While IMS is primarily used for chronic pain syndromes, it may also be beneficial for conditions such as muscle tightness, limited range of motion, and muscle weakness.
Is IMS safe for everyone?
IMS is generally safe for most individuals; however, there may be contraindications for certain medical conditions. Your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to ensure IMS is suitable for you.
How long does each IMS session last?
IMS sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition and the treatment plan outlined by your physiotherapist.
Say Goodbye to Chronic Pain
Don't let chronic pain hold you back from living your life to the fullest. Contact us today for help getting back to your normal self.