IMS or Intramuscular Stimulation is a technique used by physiotherapists to treat acute or chronic pain. IMS involves inserting fine acupuncture type needles into the body where muscles have either shortened or contracted.
It can be used to treat soft tissue pain and many forms of back, shoulder or neck pain. IMS can also be used to treat sport related injuries, headaches, low back pain, neck pain, sciatica, shoulder injuries, whiplash and repetitive strain injuries amongst others.
The technique of inserting needles into areas of the body where muscles have become tight or tender, allows these muscles to release, thereby reducing the pain and provides a therapeutic effect on the body. The needle also causes a minor therapeutic injury to the affected area, this stimulates the body to increase circulation and activates healing. It is beneficial for deep muscle treatment where other forms of therapy is ineffective such as massage therapy.
During each needling session, muscles are stimulated and pain dissipates over time, allowing the muscle to loosen and causes the area to heal. Continuous sessions may be able to combat chronic pain and allow the body to fully recover.
Speak to your physiotherapist about IMS treatment and how it can help you relieve pain you experiencing.
