5 Common IMS/Dry Needling Questions Answered

by westcoastsciFeb 26, 2018Physiotherapy, Treatment

What is IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)?

(IMS) Intra Muscular Stimulation, is a technique developed by Chan Gunn, MD. This needling treatment technique involves inserting fine needles into stiff muscles, producing reflex relaxation. IMS is effective for musculoskeletal pain syndromes (neuropathy) as it improves mobility and reduces irritation. IMS/Dry Needling is a safe and effective treatment for acute and chronic pain and rehabilitation of an injury, dry needling is an effective means of finding and treating neuromuscular dysfunction, which causes pain and functional deficits.

Is Anything Injected?

No, IMS/Dry Needling only focuses on the affected areas of the body and does not inject any substance into the body.

How is It Different From Acupuncture?

Our physiotherapists that perform acupuncture target very specific location points based on surface anatomy. The needles are generally left in for 20 to 30 minutes. In IMS/Dry Needling the target points for needles are based on muscle tension from underlying anatomy. Needles are typically inserted for only a few seconds at a time while being moved around to release the muscle tension.

Is It Painful?

IMS/Dry Needling produces twitches in the muscle to relieve muscular tension. Insertion of the needle is not painful, muscle twitching evoked by IMS/Dry Needling might cause a cramping session in sensitive muscles.

Are there side effects?

The most common side effect is localized muscle soreness in the days following treatment. Your physiotherapists will discuss all contraindications to treatment and other side effects with you.