Our Physiotherapy, Jeff Hodgart, writes about Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), one of his primary physiotherapy treatment techniques:
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS), is used to release or lengthen muscles that may be causing chronic musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain. The treatment, which utilizes acupuncture needles specifically targets injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened from distress. The treatment involves dry needling of affected areas of the body without injecting any substance. The goal of the treatment is to release muscle shortening which presses on and irritates the nerve(s). The needles are inserted into tight tender muscle bands and/or near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and sensitized.
Needling a normal muscle is painless however if a muscle is shortened or sensitized there will be a grasp and cramping sensation at the site, when this occurs three separate things happen: a) the stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated producing a relaxation effect and the lengthening of the muscle. b) the needle causes a small injury to the muscle causing blood to come to the area to initiate the natural healing process. c) the treatment creates an electrical potential in the muscle to make the nerve function normally again
The goal of treatment is to release muscle shortening which presses on and irritates the nerve. Sensitive areas can be desensitized and the persistent pull of shortened muscles can be released alleviating associated mechanical pain. IMS, in effect, treats the underlying neuropathic condition that causes the pain.
Common types of pain and conditions treated with IMS include:
- Headaches
- Back pain
- Whiplash
- Tennis elbow
- Frozen shoulder
- Chronic aching or burning pain
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness in muscles and joints
Reach out to us if you have any questions, or would like to book a Physiotherapy appointment with Jeff. He is available on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays.
(289) 266-1674 extension 1 or info@probodywellness.ca.
