Treatment Options for Chronic Pain

IMS and dry needling are similar treatments that both involve the use of acupuncture needles to address muscle pain and tension. However, there are some key differences between the two techniques.

IMS is a treatment that is based on the principles of traditional Chinese acupuncture but differs in its application. It involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into the affected muscles and surrounding tissues to release tension, stimulate circulation, and promote tissue healing. IMS is typically performed by a licensed healthcare practitioner such as a physiotherapist or chiropractor who has completed specific training in the technique.

Dry needling, on the other hand, is a technique that is primarily focused on releasing trigger points or knots in muscles that can cause pain and dysfunction. It involves the insertion of acupuncture needles directly into the trigger point, causing a twitch response that helps release tension and promote healing. Dry needling is typically performed by a range of healthcare practitioners, including physiotherapists, chiropractors, and massage therapists.

While IMS and dry needling are both effective treatments for muscle pain and tension, they differ in their underlying principles and applications. Your healthcare practitioner can help determine which technique may be most appropriate for your specific needs.

IMS treatment may help reduce inflammation in the treated areas by promoting circulation and stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. When the needle is inserted into the affected muscle, it creates a tiny lesion or micro-trauma, which triggers an immune response that helps to clear away damaged tissue and promote the production of new, healthy tissue.

This immune response can also help to reduce inflammation in the affected area. Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury or infection, and it can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the affected area. By promoting circulation and stimulating tissue healing, IMS treatment may help reduce inflammation and relieve pain and stiffness.

In addition, IMS treatment may also help reduce inflammation by releasing trigger points or knots in the muscles. These trigger points can cause pain and tension, and they may also contribute to inflammation in the affected area. By releasing these trigger points, IMS treatment can help reduce tension and inflammation, promoting overall healing and recovery.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a specialized treatment method used to address chronic pain and muscle tightness, particularly when these issues are related to nerve dysfunction or irritation. It was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn and is based on principles of neurophysiology and traditional acupuncture.

How IMS Works:

1. Assessment: The process begins with a thorough assessment by a trained healthcare professional, typically a physiotherapist or a physician, who identifies the areas of muscle tightness and pain, often linked to nerve problems.
2. Needle Insertion: Fine, sterile acupuncture needles are inserted into the affected muscles. These needles are similar to those used in acupuncture but are placed with a focus on stimulating the muscles and nerves rather than traditional acupuncture points.
3. Muscle Stimulation: The insertion of the needle into the tight muscle creates a minor injury, causing the muscle to twitch and then relax. This response helps to reset the muscle’s resting tone and alleviate tightness.
4. Nerve Stimulation: By targeting specific muscles, IMS also helps to alleviate irritation or dysfunction in the nerves that supply those muscles. This can reduce pain and improve muscle function.

Benefits of IMS:

• Pain Relief: By relaxing tight muscles and reducing nerve irritation, IMS can provide significant relief from chronic pain.
• Improved Mobility: Relaxation of tight muscles can lead to increased range of motion and overall mobility.
• Long-term Results: IMS addresses the root cause of pain, often providing more lasting relief compared to treatments that only focus on symptoms.
• Non-Pharmacological: IMS is a drug-free approach to pain management, making it suitable for individuals who prefer or require non-pharmacological interventions.

Conditions Treated with IMS:

• Chronic Back Pain: IMS is effective for chronic back pain, especially when it is due to muscle tightness and nerve irritation.
• Sciatica: By targeting the muscles and nerves involved in sciatica, IMS can help alleviate pain and improve function.
• Tendonitis: IMS can help relax and rehabilitate muscles and tendons affected by chronic tendonitis.
• Whiplash: Chronic pain and tightness resulting from whiplash injuries can be treated effectively with IMS.
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome: This condition, characterized by chronic muscle pain, can benefit from the muscle relaxation and nerve stimulation provided by IMS.

What to Expect During an IMS Session:

• Initial Consultation: The practitioner will conduct a detailed assessment of your medical history, pain patterns, and physical condition.
• Treatment Sessions: During the session, the practitioner will insert needles into the targeted muscles. Patients may feel a cramping or twitching sensation, which is a positive sign indicating that the muscle is responding to the treatment.
• Post-Treatment: Some soreness or mild discomfort can occur after the session, similar to what one might experience after intense physical exercise. This is typically short-lived.

Physiotherapy helps people recover from heart problems. This is done by doing special exercises and movements that are safe for the heart. This helps the heart get stronger and work better.

At Human Integrated Performance, we currently do not offer shower facilities for our massage therapy clients. We recommend that clients come prepared for their session and plan accordingly for their comfort and convenience before and after their appointment. We strive to ensure every other aspect of your visit is as relaxing and beneficial as possible. If you have any specific needs or questions regarding your appointment, please feel free to reach out to us directly.

Some side effects can happen when you get a massage. Usually, people feel sore, bruised, or tired afterward. But sometimes people faint, feel dizzy or have pain where they were massaged. If any of these things happen during your massage, stop the massage and tell your massage therapist right away.