IMS is used to treat neuropathic pain which is caused by irritation and/or pressure on the nerves causing specific muscles to become shortened and hypersensitive. Many chronic pain conditions are caused by neuropathic pain and can occur in the absence of significant inflammation or tissue damage. Since neuropathic pain can exist without ongoing inflammation or tissue damage, painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications may provide only temporary relief or have no effect at all. In addition, x-rays, CT’s, MRI’s and other diagnostic tests may not show any visible signs of injury.

HOW IMS WORKS

IMS is able to treat this neuropathic pain by desensitizing affected nerves and muscles using acupuncture needles. It is important to note that there is no use of electricity with IMS, rather it is the mechanical simulation of the insertion of the needle into the affected muscles that provides the therapeutic effect. The needle activates a reflex causing the muscle to release and in doing so, eases the pain. Inserting the needle also creates a minor therapeutic injury to the area, stimulating the body to increase local circulation and activate its healing systems. The technique is particularly effective for deep muscles that can be difficult or impossible to reach with other forms of treatment. For example, there are some muscles around the spine and pelvis that are too deep to be treated with massage, and can only be addressed with a needle.

Length of treatment is approximately: 30min

Treatment Frequency: 1 treatment per week for 4-8 weeks for most cases

CONDITIONS THAT CAN BE TREATED BY IMS

A broad range of musculoskeletal/orthopedic problems are successfully treated using the relatively new technique of Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS). We can treat a variety of ailments using IMS including:

• Chronic Tendonitis or Bursitis
• Low back pain
• Neck pain and whiplash
• Plantar fasciitis
• Repetitive Stain Injuries
• Shin splints
• Spinal disc problems
• TMJ pain
• Arthritic conditions
• Headaches
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Patellofemoral syndrome
• Recurrent or Persistent Injuries (including sports injuries)
• Sciatica/piriformis syndrome
• Shoulder injuries (including frozen shoulder)
• Tennis/Golfers elbow
• Torticollis

It is important to note that IMS is NOT EFFECTIVE for non-musculoskeletal based pain, such as the following:

• Chronic inflammatory pain (active arthritic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis)

• Pain related to cancer

• Metabolic neuropathies (diabetes)

• Degenerative neurological conditions (Lou Gehrigs’s disease, Parkinson’s disease)

If you have one of these conditions, it is unlikely that IMS will be recommended as your best treatment option.