Now at Synergy!  (IMS) Intramuscular Stimulation with Nicole Stefanson, MPT BSc (Kin)

Trigger Point Dry Needling, also commonly known as IMS (Intermuscular Stimulation) is a drug-free therapy that quickly and effectively diagnoses and reduces chronic nerve pain that is usually hard to treat.

IMS combines the science of neurology with traditional Chinese medicine, and uses implements adapted from traditional acupuncture. Since they are so small, you may not even feel the dry point needles used in IMS used to stimulate the muscle and relieve pain.

Recover from chronic pain caused by repetitive motions

IMS is used to treat myofascial pain, where pressure on sensitive points in your muscles (trigger points) causes pain in seemingly unrelated parts of your body, including:

  • Neurology (nerve pain)
  • Headaches
  • Whiplash
  • Backache
  • Frozen shoulder

In each case, nerve pain persists despite traditional treatments. This is where IMS can help.

Learn more about how IMS can treat nerve pain from Synergy’s Nicole Stefanson

What causes myofascial pain?

Myofascial pain syndrome typically occurs after a muscle has been contracted repetitively. This can be caused by repetitive motions used in jobs or hobbies or by stress-related muscle tension.

Some of our patients also report experiencing pain for what seems like no apparent reason. This painful and often hard-to-diagnose condition can be caused by a dysfunctional nerve that supplies the area in pain.

IMS relieves this condition by focusing on the area of pain as well as the underlying source of the pain.

How does IMS Dry Point Needling work?

IMS treatment involves the insertion of acupuncture like needles into muscles to release shortening in “tight” deep muscles that can cause chronic pain.

Inserting a needle helps relieve the pain as well as the stress on the system, including whatever may be stressing a 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.

If you would like to know more about IMS Dry Needling or are suffering from an injury and frustrated with the treatment options you’ve been presented with, give Synergy Health Centre a call and speak to Physiotherapist Nicole Stefanson, MPT BSc (Kin), who provides IMS.