About Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Intramuscular Stimulation in Downtown Vancouver

Intramuscular Stimulation, a type of dry needling, is a physio treatment used to treat chronic pain. It targets taut and tender muscle bands and supersensitive nerves near the spine. It was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn in the 1970’s during his time at the Workers Compensation Board. He developed this treatment after he saw that many patients weren’t progressing through conventional rehabilitation methods. Since it’s initial development, intramuscular stimulation has been repeatedly grounded in western medical science and has been supported by many experts including, trained specialists, researchers, and physicians.

Unlike the conventional methods, intramuscular stimulation is dependent on a specific, thorough, physical examination. Since chronic pain is often neurological it often doesn’t specifically show up on X-rays, MRI’s and CT Scans. Chronic Pain is often complex and therefore having a thorough initial assessment appointment can be important. However, if you aren’t sure that IMS treatments are right for you, seek out a general physio appointment, and we can create a custom physio plan that caters to your needs.

IMS treatments are used for chronic neuropathic pains that often occur when nerves malfunction following a trauma that you have experienced. This trauma will cause your nerves to become extremely sensitive potentially leading to muscle tightness and other issues. IMS treatment aims to relieve and release these muscles, which have been pressing on your irritated nerves. At Sitka Physio & Wellness, we have seen a remarkable success rate for our IMS patients. Many experience pain relief after just one treatment.