Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a therapeutic technique used to alleviate chronic pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction. Developed by Dr. Chan Gunn, IMS combines principles of Western medical science and traditional acupuncture to target deep muscle tissue and trigger points. 

By inserting fine needles into specific muscles, IMS aims to release muscle tension, improve mobility, and restore normal function. This minimally invasive treatment is particularly effective for patients with chronic pain conditions that have not responded to conventional therapies. 

Understanding the mechanisms and benefits of IMS can provide valuable insights into its role in modern pain management.

Types of Conditions Intramuscular Stimulation Can Treat

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) can effectively treat a variety of conditions, particularly those involving chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues. Here are the key conditions IMS can address:

• Chronic back pain: Chronic back pain can stem from various sources including muscle tension, herniated discs, and nerve compression. It is often characterized by persistent, dull, or sharp pain in the lower or upper back. 
  
  IMS targets the deep muscles that contribute to chronic back pain by releasing muscle tension and reducing nerve irritation. The fine needles used in IMS help relax tight muscles and improve blood flow, which can alleviate pain and restore mobility.
• Neck pain and tension: Neck pain can result from poor posture, muscle strain, or cervical spine issues. It often presents as stiffness, aching, or sharp pain in the neck area. 
  
  By inserting needles into the tight muscles of the neck, IMS helps to release tension and reduce inflammation. This can improve the range of motion and decrease pain, especially for those who experience chronic neck stiffness or tension headaches.
• Shoulder pain (e.g., rotator cuff injuries): Shoulder pain, including conditions like rotator cuff injuries, can arise from overuse, injury, or degenerative changes. Symptoms include pain, weakness, and reduced range of motion in the shoulder. 
  
  IMS targets the muscles and tendons around the shoulder, promoting relaxation and reducing inflammation. This treatment can enhance muscle function and reduce pain, aiding in the recovery of shoulder mobility and strength.
• Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis): Tennis elbow is an overuse injury causing pain and tenderness on the outside of the elbow. It is commonly seen in athletes and individuals performing repetitive arm motions. 
  
  IMS can alleviate the muscle tightness and inflammation associated with tennis elbow. By targeting the affected muscles and tendons, it helps to relieve pain and improve function, speeding up recovery and preventing recurrence.
• Sciatica: Sciatica involves pain radiating along the sciatic nerve, typically from the lower back through the hips and down each leg. It can be caused by herniated discs or spinal stenosis. 
  
  By releasing tension in the muscles that may compress the sciatic nerve, IMS helps to reduce nerve irritation and pain. This can improve mobility and decrease the frequency and severity of sciatic pain episodes.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, and tender points across the body. The exact cause is unknown, but it is believed to involve abnormal pain processing. 
  
  IMS can help reduce the overall muscle tension and pain sensitivity associated with fibromyalgia. By targeting specific tender points, it can alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for individuals suffering from this condition.
• Chronic headaches and migraines: Chronic headaches and migraines can be debilitating, often caused by muscle tension, stress, or vascular issues. They manifest as severe, recurrent headaches with varying symptoms. 
  
  IMS targets the muscle tension and trigger points that contribute to headaches and migraines. By relaxing these muscles, it can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches, providing significant relief for sufferers.
• Postural pain syndrome: Postural pain syndrome arises from prolonged poor posture, leading to muscle imbalances and chronic pain, often in the neck, shoulders, and back. IMS helps to correct muscle imbalances by releasing tight, overactive muscles and allowing underactive muscles to function properly. This can improve posture and reduce chronic pain associated with this syndrome.
• Osteoarthritis: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility due to the breakdown of cartilage. While IMS does not address the cartilage directly, it can relieve the muscle tension and pain around the affected joints. This can improve joint function and reduce pain, enhancing the overall quality of life for those with osteoarthritis.

What Is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?

IMS stands for intramuscular stimulation. This technique can eliminate chronic pain and muscle tightness. Nerves and muscles work together to help your body move normally.

When nerves become irritated or damaged, the muscles they control can become weak and painful. This condition is known as neuromyofascial pain.

IMS involves inserting tiny needles into the area of the muscle most affected by the nerve problem. While the procedure uses the same needles as traditional Chinese acupuncture, the technique is very different.

The Chinese meridians are not treated and the decision of which muscles to treat is based on a medical diagnosis.

How Does It Work?

IMS works by addressing the root causes of muscle pain and dysfunction, which often stem from issues within the nerve-muscle relationship. Nerves stimulate muscles, and when this chemical relationship is disrupted by nerve problems, it can lead to muscle pain and weakness.

The immediate benefit of IMS comes from the mechanical effect of the needle. By inserting fine needles into specific muscle points, IMS breaks up muscle “knots,” allowing the muscle to start working properly again. This alleviates tension and improves muscle function.

The longer-term benefit of IMS is achieved by creating a tiny, controlled injury in the muscle. As this area heals, it releases repair factors that restore the normal chemical relationship between the muscle and the nerve. This healing process reduces pain, enhances muscle function, and improves overall mobility.

The Procedure

Here’s a walkthrough of the procedure:

Before the Procedure

1. Initial consultation: The process begins with a comprehensive consultation with a healthcare provider, usually a physician or a physiotherapist trained in IMS. During this consultation, the practitioner will take a detailed medical history and discuss the patient’s symptoms, pain patterns, and previous treatments.
2. Physical examination: A thorough physical examination is conducted to identify the specific muscles and areas of the body contributing to the pain. This may include assessing posture, muscle tightness, and range of motion.
3. Patient education: The practitioner will explain the IMS procedure, its benefits, potential risks, and what the patient can expect during and after the treatment. This helps alleviate any anxiety and ensures the patient is fully informed.
4. Preparation: Patients may be advised to wear loose, comfortable clothing. They might also be instructed to avoid certain medications or activities before the procedure, depending on their medical history.

During the Treatment

1. Positioning: The patient is positioned comfortably on a treatment table. The specific position depends on the area being treated, ensuring optimal access to the targeted muscles.
2. Sterilization: The practitioner cleans the skin over the target area with an antiseptic solution to prevent infection.
3. Needle insertion: Using a fine, sterile needle, the practitioner inserts the needle into the muscle at specific trigger points. The depth and angle of insertion are carefully controlled to target the affected muscle fibers.
4. Stimulation: Once the needle is inserted, it may be gently manipulated to stimulate the muscle. This can cause a local twitch response, which indicates that the muscle is releasing tension. Patients might feel a cramping or aching sensation, which is typically brief.
5. Multiple sites: The practitioner may treat multiple sites during a single session, depending on the patient’s condition and the treatment plan.
6. Duration: The entire procedure usually lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the number of areas being treated.

After the Treatment

1. Immediate aftercare: After the needles are removed, the practitioner may apply gentle pressure or a small bandage to the treated areas. Patients are usually advised to rest briefly before getting up.
2. Post-treatment advice: Patients may receive instructions on gentle stretching, hydration, and activities to avoid for the next 24-48 hours. Mild soreness or bruising in the treated areas is common and typically resolves within a few days.
3. Follow-up: The practitioner will discuss the need for follow-up sessions based on the patient’s progress. IMS treatments are often part of a broader treatment plan that includes exercises, lifestyle changes, and possibly other therapies.
4. Monitoring and adjustments: During follow-up visits, the practitioner will assess the patient’s response to the treatment and adjust the treatment plan as necessary to optimize outcomes.

What to Expect from This Treatment

IMS is generally not painful when the needle is inserted into a normal muscle attached to a normal nerve. If the needle hits an area in the muscle that is unwell, you might experience a cramping or tingling sensation. This discomfort indicates that the needle has reached a trigger point or a tight muscle that needs treatment. Here are some possible side effects:

1. Soreness: It is common to feel sore for a few days when the needles are inserted. This is a normal response and typically subsides within a few days.
2. Bruising: Minor bruising at the needle insertion sites can occur but is usually not severe.
3. Fatigue: Some patients may feel tired after the treatment, which is a normal reaction as the body begins to heal.
4. Dizziness: Occasionally, patients might feel lightheaded during or immediately after the treatment, but this usually passes quickly.

Some patients feel immediate relief from pain as the muscle tension is released and normal function begins to return. It is also common to feel sore for a few days following the treatment. This soreness is due to the tiny injuries created in the muscles, which are part of the healing process. 

Patients are usually advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for 24-48 hours post-treatment. Gentle stretching and hydration can help ease soreness. The healthcare provider will monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed. Patients typically return for treatments once a week. 

With each session, patients often experience a gradual reduction in pain and improvement in muscle function. Increased range of motion and better muscle coordination are common as the muscles heal and return to normal function. The average number of visits to complete the resolution of the problem ranges from 6 to 10 sessions. 

Each patient’s recovery time may vary depending on the severity of the condition. The goal of IMS is to achieve less pain, better movement, and a gradual return to function. Patients can expect to see progressive improvements with each treatment session.

Contraindications

Certain medical conditions and circumstances can make IMS unsuitable for some patients. Here are the key contraindications:

• Blood thinners: If you are taking Coumadin or any other prescription blood thinner, it is crucial to inform your IMS practitioner. Blood thinners can increase the risk of bleeding and bruising during the procedure.
• Pregnancy: Pregnant women should get clearance from their obstetrician or gynecologist before undergoing IMS. While IMS can be beneficial, specific precautions need to be taken to ensure the safety of both the mother and the baby.
• Blood clotting disorders: Patients with blood clotting disorders should alert their practitioner, as these conditions can increase the risk of complications such as excessive bleeding.
• HIV or hepatitis: Individuals with HIV or hepatitis need to inform their practitioner. These conditions may require special handling and precautions during the procedure to prevent complications and ensure safety.

Patient Testimonials

Hearing directly from those who have experienced IMS can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness and impact of the treatment. Patient testimonials offer firsthand accounts of the relief and improvements many have achieved through IMS, highlighting both immediate benefits and long-term results. 

These stories can help prospective patients understand what to expect and feel more confident in choosing IMS as a treatment option for their chronic pain and musculoskeletal issues.

“After three visits … I had almost my full range of motion back in my neck.”

– Laura

“I am thankful every day for getting the strength and courage to agree to the IMS treatments … It’s been a few months now and I am feeling 80% better.”

– Tony

“I had been seeing several alternative practitioners for about a year with only temporary results … [After IMS treatment] all of the chronic pain dissipated. I had 100% permanent pain relief.”

– Roxanne

IMS Photo Gallery

Why You Should Opt for This Treatment

IMS is a highly effective treatment for chronic pain and musculoskeletal dysfunction, offering a minimally invasive alternative to more aggressive interventions such as surgery. This technique is particularly beneficial for individuals with severe pain that has not responded to conventional therapies, providing significant relief and improving quality of life.

The success rate of IMS is impressive, with our experience showing that approximately 80-90% of patients experience significant benefits, even in severe cases. This high success rate underscores the effectiveness of IMS in addressing the root causes of pain by targeting deep muscle tissue and trigger points.

Choosing IMS over surgical options can be advantageous for several reasons. Firstly, IMS is a non-surgical procedure, which means it carries fewer risks and has a shorter recovery time compared to surgical interventions. Additionally, IMS focuses on restoring normal muscle and nerve function, promoting natural healing, and reducing dependency on medications.

For patients with chronic pain, the severity of their condition and the limitations it imposes on daily life often make IMS an attractive option. By providing both immediate and long-term benefits, IMS helps patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and improve overall function, making it a valuable treatment choice in the management of chronic pain.