Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) in South Edmonton & St. Albert
One of the key techniques that we use in our chronic pain program is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS). IMS is used to treat neuropathic pain which is caused by irritation or pressure on the nerves causing muscles to become shortened and hypersensitive. Many chronic pain conditions are caused by this neuropathic pain and can occur in the absence of 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.
Global News Edmonton: Segment on Intramuscular Stimulation
How does IMS work?
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.
Conditions that can be treated using IMS
A broad range of musculoskeletal problems are now successfully treated using the relatively new technique of Intramuscular Stimulation. We can treat a variety of ailments using IMS including:
Achilles tendonitis
Arthritic conditions
Chronic Tendonitis or Bursitis
Headaches
Low back pain
Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Neck pain and whiplash
Patellofemoral syndrome
Plantar fascitis
Recurrent or Persistent Injuries (including sports injuries)
Repetitive Stain Injuries
Sciatica/piriformis syndrome
Shin splints
Shoulder injuries (including frozen shoulder)
Spinal disc problems
Tennis/Golfers elbow
TMJ pain
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)
If you have one of these conditions, it is unlikely that IMS will be able to help the pain.
How to determine who is a good candidate for IMS treatments
To determine the source of pain and the best approach to treatment, IMS practitioners perform a complete assessment including a medical history and physical tests. Once a full history and physical assessment is completed, your therapist will let you know if you are a good candidate for treatment or if you should consider other treatment alternatives. If you are a good candidate for IMS treatment, sessions are usually scheduled once per week to allow time for the body to heal between sessions. The number of sessions required varies, depending on factors such as length of time a problem has been present, age and general health. In published studies of patients with low back pain, the average number of IMS treatments required was 8.2. In some cases, especially if the pain is of recent onset, one or two treatments may be sufficient.
Qualifications required to provide IMS treatment
IMS is practiced in Alberta by Certified Gunn IMS Practitioners (CGIMS) who are either Physical Therapists or Medical Doctors. **See FAQ for more info on qualifications
Will my doctor know about IMS?
It is quite possible that your family physician is not familiar with IMS, as they are bombarded with a huge variety of medical conditions and treatment options that they must keep up to date on. The information provided on this site represents some of the basic information that will help you or your doctor to understand how IMS works.
How to Access IMS Treatment
If you think you have a condition that may benefit from IMS, simply make an appointment with one of our GunnIMS qualified physiotherapists. They will assess you and will offer you advice on the best approach to treating your condition, and can answer any further questions that you may have. You do not need a doctor's referral to see a physiotherapist in the province of Alberta, but if you have a referral, please bring it with you.
For further detailed information on IMS, please browse the website for the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain www.istop.org
