Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Treatment in Victoria, BC

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a system for diagnosing and treating myofascial pain in Victoria, BC

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), also known as Trigger Point Dry Needling, is a system for diagnosing and treating myofacial pain. At Synergy Health Centre in Victoria, we offer comprehensive and innovative health and wellness solutions. Our experienced physiotherapists and health practitioners provide professional care including IMS treatment.

When you visit us, our physiotherapist will evaluate your condition and suggest a treatment that suits your specific needs. Contact us to book a consultation and learn more about Intramuscular Stimulation treatment in Victoria.

What Is IMS Treatment?

Intramuscular Stimulation is a system for diagnosing and treating myofascial pain syndromes using a dry needling technique. Myofascial pain syndromes can occur in any area of the body: elbow, knee, foot, low back, etc. They can present as a classic condition such as tennis elbow or runner’s knee that continues to reoccur or is persistent against traditional treatment. They can also present as a generalized pain in which there was no apparent reason for why it appeared. The problem in these cases can be a dysfunctional nerve that supplies the area in pain. IMS treats this problem by focusing on the area of pain as well as the underlying source of the pain.

How Does IMS Work?

IMS treatment involves the insertion of acupuncture-like needles into muscles to release shortening in these tight muscles. The needles are used to create tiny therapeutic injuries which cause the muscle to cramp. The stimulation triggers a spinal cord reaction, which then allows the muscle to relax and the nerves to function normally. This focuses on relieving the pain as well as the stress on the system, including the dysfunctional nerve. Depending on your condition, different areas of the body may be treated to relieve this stress on the system, not just at the painful site.

The first session will include a comprehensive examination to determine the best course of treatment for you, and your practitioner will explain to you what will be required to treat your pain.

What Conditions Can Intramuscular Stimulation Treat?

IMS is effective in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. There are a number of conditions that IMS can be helpful in treating within the scope of physiotherapy:

Whiplash
Headaches
Back pain
Tennis elbow
Frozen shoulder
Limited range of motion
Chronic aching or burning pain
Stiffness in muscles and joints

When Is IMS Treatment Used with Physiotherapy?

Intramuscular Stimulation is an effective combination of conventional and traditional medicine designed to treat muscle tension and chronic pain. In other words, the primary application of IMS is in the treatment of neuropathic and musculoskeletal pain, predominantly in a severe state. Individuals whose pain persists even after undergoing normal physiotherapy are recommended to consider IMS treatment in Victoria.

Difference Between IMS and Acupuncture

IMS and acupuncture are very similar yet quite different techniques. Both of the treatments use the same instruments that are very fine needles. Here is how they differ: