IMS, also known as dry needling is a highly effective treatment developed right here in British Columbia. Advanced Health + Sports Clinic physiotherapists use IMS to treat neuropathic pain caused by irritation and/or pressure on nerves provoking specific muscles to become shortened and hypersensitive. This technique is particularly effective for treating deep muscle issues that can be difficult to reach with other forms of treatment.
How IMS Works
- IMS uses acupuncture needles to treat neuropathic pain by desensitizing affected nerves and muscles.
- Needles are inserted into specific trigger points to activate a reflex arc or twitch response from the muscle, which releases unwanted tension and pain.
- Inserting the needle also creates a minor therapeutic injury to the area that increases blood flow to the area to stimulate healing.
- Length of time: Approx 30 mins
- Treatment Frequency: 1 treatment per week for 4-8 weeks (most cases)
*The number of treatments required depends on several factors, including the age and extent of your injury, the amount of scar tissue and how quickly your body can heal.
Conditions that can be treated by IMS
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) successfully treats a broad range of orthopedic and neuro musculoskeletal ailments including:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Arthritic conditions
- Chronic Tendonitis or Bursitis
- Headaches
- Low back pain
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
- Neck pain and whiplash
- Patellofemoral syndrome
- Plantar fasciitis
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Sciatica/piriformis syndrome
- Shin splints
- Shoulder injuries (including frozen shoulder)
- TMJ pain
- Recurrent or Persistent Injuries (including sports injuries)
- Rotator Cuff issues
- Spinal disc problems
- Tennis/Golfers elbow
- Joint pain (even if the joint has degenerative findings)
- Restricted range of motion
- Chronic muscle tension/guarding
- Trochanteric Bursitis
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
- Cervical Spinal Stenosis
- Post-exercise muscle stiffness
- Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
- Recovering muscle tears