IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

IMS uses fine acupuncture needles to help decrease myofascial pain syndromes (trigger points) and improve pain as well as movement. There are three main effects within IMS.

• By causing a reflex response “twitch” a muscle is able to relax. This allows the muscle to lengthen and perform better with less pain.

• The micro trauma caused by the needle causes increased blood flow and an influx natural healing properties within the muscle tissue.

• Increase in metabolic energy within the nerve through axoplasmic flow. Axoplasmic flow is crucial to nerve function and speed of conduction as well as providing nutrients to the muscles/organs they innervate.

A trigger point is a shortening/bunching of muscle tissue. This can arise from improper movement patterns, repetitive strain or neuropathic syndromes (nerve dysfunction). Trigger points tend to cause people pain, weakness and tightness. All these issues then further affect movement which interrupts your ability to work, play sports or perform daily tasks.

Frequency of treatment will vary greatly depending on the nature of your individual injury. The benefit of IMS is generally quite rapid and treatments are safe to perform within days of each other. Generally 1-2 times per week is more than enough.

Absolutely! It is even recommended. Movement after IMS allows the muscles to increase blood flow which further helps decrease myofascial pain.

The short answer is, no. While they are related, the two techniques have vast differences. The theory and framework of IMS is an evidence based approach to treat a variety of musculoskeletal disorders including: trigger points, neuropathic pain and inefficient muscles which may be affecting movement or the joints they control. Acupuncture follows the framework of Traditional Chinese medicine and meridians. The needle application with IMS is also much shorter and is only a few seconds where as in acupuncture the points tend to be held for 10-30 minutes.