Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) (also known as “dry needling”) is a technique that certified physiotherapists use to treat acute and chronic pain of neuropathic origin, by desensitizing affected nerves and muscles. Very fine needles (the same type used in acupuncture) are inserted directly into the affected muscle, in order to stimulate healing.
How does IMS work?
Needles are inserted into specific trigger points, which releases unwanted tension and pain. The needles are placed for a few seconds and gradually the physiotherapist changes the depth and direction of the needle, which can cause a twitch in the muscle.
Immediate effect:
Application of a needle to a taught band gives a direct and reflex stimulation to the shortened muscle/trigger point, causing a contract/relax reflex via the spinal reflex pathway. The effect is immediate and causes the muscle to relax, which decreases neuromuscular compression and pain.
Longer period:
The application of the needle creates a micro-injury to the tissues it punctures. Due to the inflammatory process of injury, a small electrical current is created at the injury site. This current is present for the duration of the time it takes the needle puncture to “heal”. This “current of injury” is thought to help signal the introduction of chemicals associated with healing, aiding in the normalization of the dystrophic nerve and surrounding tissue.
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) can be used to help treat/manage a broad range of orthopaedic and neuromusculoskeletal injuries including:
• Arthritic conditions
• Chronic Tendonitis or Bursitis
• Headaches
• Low back pain
• Neck pain and whiplash
• Patellofemoral syndrome
• Plantar fasciitis
• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Sciatica/piriformis syndrome
• Shin splints
• Shoulder injuries
• TMJ pain
• Recurrent or Persistent Injuries
• Rotator Cuff issues
• Spinal disc problems
• Tennis/Golfers elbow
• Joint pain
• Restricted range of motion
• Chronic muscle tension/guarding
• Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
• Cervical Spinal Stenosis
• Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
• And more