Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS Treatment) - Recover with IMS Therapy

What is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a specialized dry needling technique that targets neuropathic pain through precise needle insertion into tight muscle bands. Developed by Dr. Chan Gunn, this evidence-based approach addresses persistent pain patterns that stem from nerve dysfunction rather than tissue damage. Unlike acupuncture, which follows traditional meridian points, IMS focuses on releasing shortened muscles that compress and irritate nerves, creating lasting relief.

This advanced physiotherapy method uses thin filament needles to reach deep muscle tissue where chronic tightness originates. When needles contact supersensitive bands within shortened muscles, they create a local twitch response that releases tension and restores normal muscle length. For Greater Vancouver residents dealing with stubborn pain that hasn't responded to conventional treatment, IMS offers a pathway to recovery by addressing nerve-related muscle dysfunction at its source.

When Should You Consider IMS Treatment?

In British Columbia, where long commutes and desk-based work dominate daily life, persistent muscle tension has become increasingly common. Research shows that chronic pain conditions affect nearly 1 in 5 adults, with many experiencing symptoms that resist traditional therapy approaches. If your discomfort has lasted beyond normal healing times or keeps returning despite treatment, your nervous system may be maintaining muscle tightness even after the original injury has healed.

Consider intramuscular stimulation if you're experiencing:

• Persistent back pain lasting more than three months that limits your ability to sit or stand comfortably
• Recurring shoulder tightness from repetitive computer work that returns within days of massage therapy
• Chronic neck tension causing headaches that conventional physiotherapy hasn't fully resolved
• Sciatic symptoms with shooting pain down your leg that worsens during long drives or periods of sitting
• Tennis elbow or golfer's elbow that continues to flare up despite rest and activity modification
• Muscle pain following whiplash or motor vehicle accidents where stiffness persists months after the incident
• Sports-related overuse injuries affecting your ability to train or compete at your usual level

IMS works particularly well for active individuals whose pain interferes with hiking, cycling, or other outdoor activities they enjoy. This treatment is most effective when muscle-related neuropathic pain has become the primary issue, rather than acute inflammation or recent tissue damage. Many clients pursue IMS after 6-12 weeks of standard treatment without achieving full relief, or when pain patterns suggest nerve involvement rather than structural problems.

How Does IMS Physiotherapy Work?

The science behind intramuscular stimulation centers on the relationship between nerve function and muscle behavior. When nerves become irritated or compressed, they increase sensitivity in the muscles they supply, causing them to shorten and develop tender trigger points. This creates a self-perpetuating cycle where tight muscles further compress nerves, maintaining pain even after initial injuries heal. Gunn IMS interrupts this cycle by mechanically stimulating supersensitive muscle tissue with fine needles, which triggers a reflex relaxation response and restores normal nerve signaling.

During treatment, your certified physiotherapist inserts thin needles directly into shortened muscle bands, searching for the characteristic local twitch response that indicates they've reached the dysfunctional tissue. This precise needling releases muscle contractures, increases blood flow to oxygen-deprived areas, and promotes healing at the cellular level. The mechanical stimulation from needle insertion creates microtrauma that jumpstarts your body's natural repair mechanisms, while the immediate muscle release provides functional improvements you can feel within the first session.

A typical IMS treatment progresses through three phases. Assessment begins with your therapist examining posture, movement patterns, and tender points to identify which nerves and muscles are involved in your pain pattern. The needling phase focuses on releasing shortened muscles systematically, working from the spine outward to address nerve root irritation before treating peripheral muscle tightness. Integration includes movement and stretching to reinforce the length gains achieved through needling, helping your nervous system accept the new muscle state.

Most clients notice reduced tightness and improved range of motion within 24-48 hours after their first session. Short-term benefits typically emerge over 4-6 treatments as your nervous system gradually releases its protective muscle guarding. Long-term improvements develop across 8-12 sessions, with many people experiencing 60-80% reduction in chronic pain levels as nerve sensitivity normalizes and muscles return to healthy resting length. The cumulative effect of repeated IMS therapy retrains your neuromuscular system, creating lasting changes that persist well beyond the treatment series.