What is: Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
IMS, or Intramuscular Stimulation, is a therapeutic technique primarily used by physiotherapists and medical doctors to alleviate musculoskeletal pain conditions. This approach involves the insertion of fine acupuncture needles into specific points within tight or tender muscles to release muscle tension and alleviate pain. IMS is a well-researched, science-based treatment commonly applied to chronic pain, muscle spasms, and musculoskeletal injuries.
IMS draws inspiration from traditional Chinese acupuncture but differs in its focus and objectives. While acupuncture aims to balance the flow of energy (Qi) through meridians, IMS primarily targets myofascial or neuromuscular trigger points within muscles. These tight muscle fibers are being “signalled” to be tight by the nerve that controls them. Due to this, treating the tight muscles is directly stimulating and treating the nerve that supplies these muscles as well. It is important to remember that muscle tension does not exist without a nerve signalling to that muscle to be tight. This is one of the main reasons IMS is so effective; it is able to treat the underlying nervous system dysfunction that results in increased tension and pain in the musculoskeletal system.
The IMS process comprises several key steps:
1. Assessment: A trained IMS practitioner evaluates the patient identifying if IMS is the appropriate treatment technique for their given presentation.
2. Needle Insertion: Thin acupuncture needles are inserted into specific trigger points or tight muscle bands, typically causing minimal discomfort.
3. Stimulation: Needles are manipulated gently to elicit a "twitch response" from the muscle. This twitch response involves a brief, involuntary contraction of the muscle fibers, triggered by the needle's interaction with a sensor in the muscle called a muscle spindle. This neuromuscular reflex (the twitch) indicates that the needle has reached the target and is effectively stimulating the muscle, helping to release tension and improve blood flow in the area.
IMS is often praised for providing rapid relief from chronic pain, especially when other treatments prove ineffective. Intramuscular Stimulation is one of the most effective chronic pain treatments available and one of the most effective ways to release long standing muscular tension. This is especially true when combined with an experienced and highly trained therapist like those at Adapt.
If you think you would benefit from IMS treatment, please contact us or book an appointment online!
