Service type: Physiotherapy

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.

IMS can be used to treat headaches and migraines, especially if they are caused by tension and tightness in the neck, shoulders, and upper back muscles. By targeting these areas with acupuncture needles, IMS can help release tension and promote circulation, which may alleviate headache symptoms.

In some cases, headaches and migraines may also be caused by trigger points or knots in the muscles of the neck and shoulders. IMS can be used to release these trigger points, which may provide relief from headache symptoms.

It is important to note that IMS may not be effective for all types of headaches and migraines. Your healthcare practitioner can help determine if IMS is a suitable treatment option for your specific condition, and may recommend other treatments or therapies in addition to IMS. It is also important to consult with a healthcare practitioner if you experience frequent or severe headaches, as they may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition.

Pelvic floor physiotherapy can be beneficial for symptoms such as urinary incontinence, pelvic pain, pelvic organ prolapse, and musculoskeletal issues. Consulting with a pelvic floor physiotherapist is recommended for proper evaluation and personalized treatment.

Physiotherapy can play a significant role in improving sports ability and performance. Physiotherapists are skilled in assessing and addressing musculoskeletal imbalances, strength and flexibility issues, biomechanical problems, and injury prevention strategies. By providing tailored exercise programs, rehabilitation techniques, and sport-specific conditioning, physiotherapy can help enhance athletic performance, optimize movement patterns, prevent injuries, and support overall sports ability. It is important to work closely with a physiotherapist who understands your specific sport and goals to develop an individualized treatment plan.

It is subjective to determine if pelvic floor physiotherapy is the best type of physiotherapy as the effectiveness and suitability depend on individual needs and conditions. Pelvic floor physiotherapy is highly beneficial for pelvic health-related issues, but other forms of physiotherapy specialize in different areas such as orthopedics, neurology, and sports rehabilitation, providing targeted treatments for specific conditions.