Intramuscular Stimulation, also known as IMS or dry needling, is an adaptation of traditional acupuncture, which our Cypress physiotherapists commonly use in North Vancouver.
The IMS approach is used for the diagnosis and treatment of persistent myofascial pain syndromes, including muscle, joint, tendon, bursa, fascial, neural, and biomechanical problems. The goal is to restore balance at the site of myofascial trigger points, resulting in decreased pain.
A trigger point can be found within a tight band of muscle. They are typically sore, sensitive, or irritated spots and result in the muscle becoming shortened and tight as a response.
Dry Needling Treatment in North Vancouver
Treatment involves inserting an acupuncture needle in and out of the specific hypersensitive area. Insertion of the needle will result the muscle contract, whichthis may create a muscle cramp sensation during your treatment. As the needle is moved in and out of the region the muscle will continue to contract and lengthen into a new and relaxed position.
Once the therapeutic response has occurred the muscle will take up a longer length and the needle will be removed and discarded. As a result of the new length, there will be decreased tension, decreased trigger points and the surrounding areas will resume a more optimal position and alignment.
Benefits of Intramuscular Stimulation
IMS can be useful in helping to relieve pain, improve mobility, stimulate blood flow and healing, lengthening shortened muscles and improve strength. It can be used in a variety of different locations on the body and can benefit conditions such as
- low back pain
- neck pain
- tennis or golfer’s elbow
- Achilles tendinopathy
- plantar fasciitis
- hamstring injuries
- whiplash
- headaches
- shoulder injuries/pain
- rotator cuff injuries
- chronic muscle tightness
Our clinicians are Certified Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation Practitioners (CGIMS), AN-IMS, and medical acupuncture. Our clinical founders are also IMS/Dry Needling instructors in North Vancouver.
What to expect during intramuscular stimulation treatment in Cypress Physiotherapy in North Vancouver?
Our Cypress therapists in North Vancouver will provide an assessment that is individually tailored to you and your primary concerns during your appointment. This will include gathering a detailed history from you, following this with detailed assessments of relevant joints to determine the underlying causes of your pain or dysfunction.
This process will help us to determine if IMS is the correct treatment approach for your individual presentation. Additionally, by combining the assessment information with our extensive knowledge of anatomy and physiology we can determine the most appropriate treatment plan and effective insertion points for the IMS.
During your IMS treatment, you can expect the treatment site to be cleaned properly and the use of sterile needles. The treatment may be followed up with other physiotherapy techniques such as mobilizations and exercise therapy to maintain and progress on improvements made within the session.
The number of times you may require IMS varies dependent on the condition you are presenting with, how you respond to treatment, and the length of time you have been experiencing symptoms for. Your therapist will continue to assess and monitor you as you progress through your treatment and adjust the techniques as appropriate.
By understanding the orthopaedic and biomechanical underpinnings of how the body works, we can selectively employ the right techniques and create a sustainable and effective care plan to help you get back to full, pain-free functioning and participating in the things you love.
To find out if IMS is the right treatment approach for you, call or go online to book an appointment with Cypress Physiotherapy and Health in North Vancouver.