Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a scientifically proven and effective method for treating chronic pain. It is based on neurophysiological principles and is grounded in western medical science. IMS may also be referred to as trigger point dry needling in some references.
IMS practitioners use the insertion of thin acupuncture needles into muscles that are tight or holding excess tension. The tight tender muscle grabs the needle or twitches and then relaxes fully. This muscle response releases tension, pain and compression and allows a window of opportunity for retraining movement patterns. The results of IMS are often cumulative, with longer lasting results after several treatments. The effects of IMS are fairly immediate in most people so after 2-3 treatments we can usually tell if it will be an effective tool for pain relief for your problem.
At Kamloops Physiotherapy we use IMS to relieve pain and to release excessively tight or tense muscles that block you from learning how to use your muscles effectively. In this way we treat your pain and teach you new movement strategies so your muscles don't continue to develop excessive tension and pain.
For more information please visit the ISTOP website at www.istop.org.