Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Treatments

Dry Needling IMS Physiotherapy East Vancouver East Van Commercial Drive

Effective therapy for persistent pain and tightness

IMS is safe and effective, and allows the therapist to treat significant nerve dysfunction with minimal disruption to the patient’s everyday routine.”
Intramuscular Stimulation is a complete system for the diagnosis and treatment of Myofascial Pain Syndrome — chronic pain conditions that originate in the musculoskeletal system but bear no outward signs of injury or inflammation.
The treatment uses dry needles, tiny instruments designed to penetrate muscle without damaging it, to target muscles that have contracted and become shorter as a result of injury or trauma. In a healthy muscle, even deep penetration is painless, but contracted muscles are hypersensitive, causing their fibres to grip the needle, creating a moderate cramping sensation.
When this response takes place, three other things happen:
  • a stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated, producing reflex relaxation and lengthening;
  • the small injury caused by the needle attracts added blood flow to the area, activating the body’s natural healing processes;
  • the procedure creates an electrical potential in the muscle to make the nerve fully functional again.
    • The goal here is to relax the muscle, reducing the pressure and/or irritation felt by the affected nerve. When this is achieved, IMS has a remarkable record for alleviating pain and other symptoms.

    Conditions that may benefit from IMS Treatment

    IMS can be very effective in treating many types of painful conditions in the muscles, joints, tendons, fascia and nerves. Some examples are:
    • Headaches
    • Low back pain
    • Neck pain
    • Tendonitis for example; “tennis elbow”,“golfer’s elbow”
    • TMJ
    • Frozen Shoulder
    • Sciatica
    • Knee pain (“patellofemoral syndrome”/”chondromalacia patella”)
    • Shoulder pain (“rotator cuff syndrome”)
    • Hip pain (“IT band syndrome”, “piriformis syndrome”)
    • Myofascial pain syndromes
    IMS Therapy Physiotherapy East Vancouver Commercial Drive East Van

    Did You Know

    IMS is often referred to as "dry needling" and is a form of this technique While both involve inserting needles into muscle tissue, IMS specifically targets the neuropathic pain component, aiming to release shortened muscles caused by nerve irritation.

    Common Side Effects (Minor & Temporary)

    • Pain/Soreness: Muscle tenderness or aching for 24-48 hours.
    • Bruising and Bleeding: Small bruises at the insertion site.
    • Systemic Reactions: Fatigue, headache, nausea, or dizziness.
    • Needle Site Issues: Slight, temporary pain during treatment.
    Rare Serious Complications
    • Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung caused by deep needling in the chest/shoulder area.
    • Infection: Risk if proper sterile techniques are not followed.
    • Nerve Damage/Irritation: Temporary numbness or nerve irritation.
    Absolute Contraindications (Do Not Receive IMS) 
    • Pregnancy: Particularly during the first trimester, as it may stimulate a sympathetic response.
    • Active Infection: Localized skin infection or systemic illness.
    • Severe Bleeding Disorders/Blood Thinners: High risk of abnormal bleeding or hematoma.
    • Compromised Immune System: Increased risk of infection.
    • Fear of Needles/Psychological Factors: Severe needle phobia.
    • Inability to Consent: Cognitive impairments or inability to communicate.
    Relative Contraindications
    • Recent Surgery: Usually, it is recommended to avoid IMS for at least 12 weeks post-surgery.
    • Lymphedema: Increased risk of infection or cellulitis.
    • Pacemaker: Some protocols advise caution.
    • Children: Typically not recommended for children under 12.
    • Epilepsy.
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    Every case is different, but IMS has been known to be surprisingly effective for patients who have not responded to other therapies.

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