Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) & Acupuncture

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a dry needling technique that helps reduce pain caused by supersensitive muscles, which are often found in the presence of chronic musculoskeletal pain.

When nerves that supply muscles are compromised through injury or repetitive trauma, the muscles (and other soft tissue they supply) become supersensitive. This leads to muscle shortening or “trigger points” that contribute to pain and dysfunction.

By using acupuncture needles to release shortened muscles, IMS can relieve pain from the muscles and their associated joints and soft tissue.

A thorough assessment by one of our physiotherapists can help determine if this is an appropriate treatment for you.

More information on IMS is available on the website: www.istop.org

Acupuncture stimulates the balance and flow of Qi energy that in Traditional Chinese Medicine is considered essential to health.

When the body is healthy, Qi (pronounced chee), flows smoothly through the meridians that make up a conceptual network of pathways throughout the entire body. When the balance or flow of Qi is deficient or obstructed it may be diseased or susceptible to illness. Acupuncture treats both the symptoms and the root causes of the patient’s illness.

In North America acupuncture is often used when western medicine has failed. In western medicine the yin/yang balance it achieves is known as homeostasis.

How does it work?

Acupuncture is an ancient, safe and effective alternative to medication and, in some cases, surgery. It stimulates the release of endorphins – the body’s natural pain-relieving neurohormones – through the insertion of needles into specific anatomical points (acupuncture points) to encourage natural healing. Therapeutic effects include:

• Pain relief
• Increased energy
• Improved mood
• Improved body function

Atraumatic acupuncture needles are rounded at the tip so that they slide smoothly through tissue and are unlikely to cause bleeding. Needles are left in place for 15 to 30 minutes during which time the practitioner may manipulate the needles in order to strengthen or reduce the flow of Qi.

Are there similar therapies that don’t use a needle?

Related techniques include acupressure which involves the application of pressure on acupuncture points using thumbs or fingers. Electrical or laser stimulation may also be used.

Source: Acupuncture Canada Website