What is IMS intramuscular stimulation?
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a technique that physiotherapists, who have completed IMS certification, use to release or lengthen muscles that may be causing chronic musculoskeletal or neuropathic pain.
What is intramuscular electrical stimulation?
Electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) is a promising new treatment. It involves the use of a strong monopolar electromyographic needle electrode for electrical stimulation of deep motor end plate zones in multiple muscles in order to elicit twitches.
What is IMS in physical therapy?
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is a type of trigger point dry needling that has been developed by Dr. Chan Gunn, clinical professor at the University of Washington and the University of British Columbia in the 1970’s. IMS is the use of a fine gauge monofilament needle attached to a plunger device.
Does intramuscular stimulation work?
Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is extremely effective at loosening tightened muscles and reducing pain after your first session. We expect to see some improvement after the first session but generally 3-4 sessions are required to ensure that IMS is working with most injuries resolving after 8-10 sessions.
Is IMS evidence based?
Is there scientific evidence supporting IMS? Yes. The scientific studies done on patients receiving IMS have shown it to be an effective treatment to treat both acute and chronic pain for a broad range of neuromuscular issues.
What is the difference between acupuncture and IMS?
Acupuncture is a technique based in traditional Chinese medicine and is thousands of years old. It involves inserting needles into specific acupuncture points to relieve pain and other ailments. IMS uses the same needles but is based in Western medicine’s knowledge of anatomy and physiology.
Does IMS use electricity?
It is important to note that there is no use of electricity with IMS, rather it is the mechanical stimulation of the insertion of the needle into the affected muscles that provides the therapeutic effect. The needle activates a reflex causing the the muscle to release and in doing so, eases the pain.
Is IMS the same as dry needling?
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a type of dry needling using acupuncture needles inserted into tight muscle bands. It was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn to treat chronic pain syndromes that affect the musculoskeletal system.
Does IMS help sciatica?
IMS is a very successful treatment for people with issues with chronic lower back pain, sciatica symptoms, and more! Since this treatment directly targets the muscle, dry needling isn’t restrained to just one area of the body and can treat a range of different painful and uncomfortable symptoms such as: Low back pain.
Can you stretch after IMS?
If you do experience some soreness, we recommend soaking in a hot bath or shower, or applying a hot or cold pack over the area that was treated. We also encourage you to do the following based on your comfort level: Light stretching and/or workout, normal physical activity, massage the area.
What are the benefits of dry needling?
What are the benefits of dry needling? Dry needling may provide relief for some muscular pain and stiffness. In addition, easing the trigger points may improve flexibility and increase range of motion. That’s why this method is often used to treat sports injuries, muscle pain, and even fibromyalgia pain.
What are the after effects of dry needling?
Minor Adverse Events Reported with Dry Needling (20,494 treatments)….Table 2.
| Event | Number Reported | Percentage per Total Treatments |
|---|---|---|
| Bleeding | 3288 | 16.04% |
| Bruising | 1581 | 7.71% |
| Pain During | 1216 | 5.93% |
| Pain After | 558 | 2.72% |
How often are courses on Intramuscular Stimulation held?
Courses on Intramuscular Stimulation are held twice a year — fall and spring. Other courses are held abroad by qualified IMS instructors, under iSTOP approval. If you are suffering from chronic pain and have decided to seek treatment using Intramuscular Stimulation, please make certain your practitioner is a certified member of iSTOP.
Are the courses held abroad approved by the IMS?
Other courses are held abroad by qualified IMS instructors, under iSTOP approval. If you are suffering from chronic pain and have decided to seek treatment using Intramuscular Stimulation, please make certain your practitioner is a certified member of iSTOP.
Is istop certified to practice the Gunn IMS technique?
Some practitioners employ altered versions of IMS not endorsed by Professor Gunn or the medical community. All iSTOP Members have been instructed in the Radiculopathic Theory, and are certified to practice the Gunn IMS Technique.