Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Health Craft Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

We’ve found that one of the best ways to treat chronic or recurring muscle pain is with intramuscular stimulation, a technique also known as dry needling or, sometimes, trigger point dry needling.

Chronic muscle pain is, sadly, a common daily occurrence for many individuals and can be very difficult to endure. Usually a result of nerve irritation or dysfunction, muscles become weak, tight, and shortened, causing pain that seems to be ever-present.

This pain interferes with daily life and can make it difficult to work, care for yourself or others, and live an otherwise normal life.

With the use of intramuscular stimulation, however, our team of trained physiotherapists can help relieve the discomfort that comes from chronic or recurrent muscle pain.

What is IMS?

Technically, IMS is a technique that’s used to lengthen or release muscles, particularly the ones that are causing the musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain that a patient is experiencing. To do this, very thin needles like the ones used in standard acupuncture are inserted into the affected muscle. This can begin to stimulate healing.

This is also called “dry needling” because the needles that are inserted are solid and do not contain any sort of solution that is introduced into the body. Simply, the needle is inserted, a reaction is provoked, and the needle is removed. They do not stay in the body for any length of time. The number of needles used differs with each patient and depends on the muscles that need to be released.

What kind of pain can be treated with IMS?

The most common ailments/disorders we see among patients who present with chronic muscle pain include:

• Joint issues
• Disk issues
• Tendinitis
• Migraine and tension-type headaches
• Jaw and mouth problems (TMJ)
• Whiplash
• Repetitive motion disorders (like carpal tunnel syndrome)
• Spinal problems
• Pelvic pain

Who can perform intramuscular stimulation?

Physiotherapists must be trained in this technique and must receive IMS certification before being allowed to perform this treatment. At Health Craft Clinic, our professionals are licensed in IMS and may recommend it as part of an all-encompassing plan for those suffering from chronic or recurrent muscle pain, a plan that might also include treatments such as heat or manual therapy and exercise.