Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

IMS is a modern neuromuscular treatment used to treat acute injuries and persistent, recurring chronic conditions.

What is intramuscular stimulation?

Intramuscular Stimulation, or simply IMS, treatments use acupuncture needles inserted into the region of a tight muscle or known nerve supply in order to improve both acute and chronic conditions.

How do IMS needles work?

Well-placed IMS needles induce a reflex response that causes a shortened muscle to relax and lengthen. This response beneficially affects both the local muscle as well as the neurological connections to that muscle.

Are IMS needles filled with anything?

No. IMS needling does not involve the injection of any substance into the tissue. IMS is known as a “dry needling” technique, used to reduce chronic muscular tension and excess neurological excitation of an area.

Where is IMS most beneficial?

IMS is particularly well-suited to any condition where chronic muscle shortening or tightness is implicated. The changes to long-standing muscle tension and nerve excitability can be quite profound, and often benefit the local musculature as well as the painful joints affected by these muscles.

Is IMS the same as Trigger Point therapy?

No. While they are similar, IMS involves a much more substantial neuropathic approach than Trigger Point therapy. With IMS, needles are often also inserted along nerve pathways, or at nerve roots, as well as at associated or antagonist muscles for a more comprehensive effect.

How do I know if IMS is right for me?

During your initial appointment, your physiotherapist will perform a detailed history and examination to determine if IMS is an appropriate treatment. You will discuss the benefits and any risks with your therapist before getting started and can withdraw your consent for treatment at any time.

Can I try IMS during my assessment?

Your first visit consists of a thorough, hands-on assessment. If IMS is determined to be appropriate for your condition, your physiotherapist may begin with a trial of two or four needles. The amount of needling will be progressed gradually and comfortably.

How does intramuscular stimulation help?

IMS works by:

Inserting acupuncture needles into muscular tissue, or in the vicinity of a nerve root supplying an area.
Targeting shortened muscles, or their nerve supply, to produce a cramping or aching sensation.
Keeping the needle in place until this sensation dissipates before being removed.

Which in turn produces:

A natural relaxation and lengthening of the muscle, which decreases tension and pain.
Improved electrical communication between the nervous system and muscle, which improves overall nerve function.
A minor injury to the muscle, which draws blood to the area to stimulate healing.

What is intramuscular stimulation used for?

General chronic pain ailments

IMS is often used on a particular group of conditions referred to as persistent myofascial pain syndromes:

Bursal and tendon pain
Neuropathies
Joint pain (even if the joint is deteriorated)
Pain that presents with no obvious cause of tissue inflammation (i.e., there is no other known underlying condition)
Reduced ranges of motion
Biomechanical or compensatory movement patterns
Chronic muscle tension that just won’t stretch out

Specific chronic & acute conditions

IMS can be extremely effective on:

Trochanteric Bursitis
Rotator Cuff issues
Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Cervical Spinal Stenosis
Tennis Elbow
Post-exercise muscle stiffness
Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Achilles Tendinitis/Tendinosis
Low back pain
Piriformis Syndrome
Chronic headaches (especially when originating on the back of the skull)
Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) pain
Recovering muscle tears (hamstring or quads, for example)
Whiplash

An Overview of Intramuscular Stimulation

Authored by Pinpoint Physiotherapy’s Joe Box.

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