IMS and Pain
/Written by Dr. Field, ND
What Is IMS?
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) or dry needling uses thin, sterile acupuncture needles inserted into areas of muscle spasm, trigger points or points of tenderness.
The objective of IMS is to ease pain through three treatment goals:
To release muscle spasm and so improve range of motion
To relieve nerve pain caused by compressed nerves by the muscle in spasm
To encourage tissue healing by stimulating local inflammation and therefore increased blood flow
What Can Be Helped By IMS?
Elbow pain such as in tennis elbow and golfers elbow
Hip pain from shortened piriformis and glute muscles
Back pain both in the upper and lower back
Jaw pain from stress, clenching and grinding your teeth
Tension headaches
Neck and shoulder pain
Hand and wrist pain from overuse
Plantar fascitis
Muscle tension from stress
Does IMS Hurt?
The initial insertion of the needle through the skin is generally painless, though you may feel a slight pinprick. When the needle is inserted into an area of spasm/contracture you will experience a cramp like pain and possibly a muscle twitch. The cramping pain can be quite intense but within seconds-minutes the cramping sensation dissipates and you soon feel as though the needle is no longer there.
Does Dr. Field Have Experience Using IMS?
Yes. In my practice in Vancouver I used IMS a lot to treat muscle pain, muscle spasm and nerve pain. In fact, it is one of my favourite modalities to use. As with any therapy, it’s not going to help everybody but it’s definitely worth a try so if you’re curious or have questions please don’t hesitate to call the clinic at (250) 504-0090.
Thank you everyone and have a lovely day!
Dr. Field, ND
To book an appointment please call (250) 504-0090 or book online
References
Gunn, C. The Gunn Approach to the Treatment of Chronic Pain: Intramuscular Stimulation for Myofascial Pain of Radiculopathic Origin. Churchill Livingstone. New York.