What is IMS Therapy?

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) therapy is an effective treatment method that involves inserting very thin filiform needles into muscles in order to stimulate and relax them. This therapy is used to treat both acute and chronic pain caused by shortened, tense muscles that contain trigger points.

IMS therapy combines modern Western medical science and neurophysiology with Traditional Chinese Medicine techniques like dry needling. It aims to normalize neurological function and reduce persistent neuromuscular pain.

 

How it Works

During an IMS treatment, a certified practitioner carefully inserts acupuncture-like needles into areas of muscle spasm, tightness, or trigger points. This causes a localized twitch response in the muscle, which helps to release muscle tightness and spasms.

The stimulation from the needles helps improve neurological function in the muscle and reduces pain signals to the brain. IMS normalizes the dysfunctional connection between muscle and nerve to provide pain relief.

Multiple muscles may be treated in one IMS session depending on the condition being addressed. Treatments are customized to each patient’s needs.

 

Conditions Treated

IMS therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of acute and chronic neuromuscular pain conditions caused by shortened, tense muscles. It is particularly helpful for pain conditions that have not responded well to other treatments.

Some common conditions treated with IMS therapy include:

• Chronic back pain
• Neck pain and stiffness
• Tension headaches and migraines
• Shoulder pain like a frozen shoulder
• Elbow, wrist, or hand pain like carpal tunnel syndrome
• Hip, knee or ankle pain
• Other sports or repetitive strain injuries

IMS therapy aims to address the root neuromuscular cause of pain, not just the symptoms. It can provide relief for pain that has plateaued with other therapies.

 

The Benefits

IMS therapy provides significant pain relief and improved mobility by releasing shortened muscles and deactivating trigger points. It reduces muscle spasms and relaxes overactive muscles.

This treatment also increases local blood flow, reduces inflammation, and improves range of motion. IMS helps restore normal neuromuscular function.

Many patients experience excellent, long-lasting relief of their muscle and nerve pain with IMS therapy. It is considered very safe when performed by a qualified practitioner.

 

Stretch Before Festive Activities!

With the holidays coming up, make sure to get lots of rest in case you find yourself busy with friends or family. You may find that your shoulder is sore from playing football on Thanksgiving, or your back won’t stop hurting from those long hours of trick-or-treating on Halloween.

Regardless of the discomfort, you can talk to one of our top therapists to see if IMS therapy fits your treatment plan. You can have the comfort of knowing your dedicated team for IMS therapy in Calgary is at Brentwood Physio.

 

The Best IMS Therapy in Calgary 

We put our bodies through so much on a daily basis. With twists and turns, jolts and bends – sometimes we may jerk something a little too far, and then just shrug it off.

But what if the pain doesn’t go away? Having constant discomfort can make the simplest of tasks feel daunting, so it’s important to listen to your body and take the appropriate steps to look after it.

If you’re experiencing sharp muscle pain, aching joints, or acute or chronic pain, it sometimes needs to be stimulated at a deeper level with treatments like Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Therapy. 

Talk to some of the top therapists in Calgary at Brentwood Physio about IMS therapy. Based on acupuncture and neuroscience, this treatment can alleviate those stubborn muscles that cause discomfort and pain. IMS patients at our clinic have reported significant overall improvement.