What is IMS Therapy?
Is chronic pain and muscle tension making you feel drained and exhausted? Such physical issues are really challenging as they turn the simplest tasks into overwhelming ones. Sometimes, even traditional treatments like medications or standard physical therapy do not provide the desired relief. That’s where Intramuscular Stimulation Therapy comes in!
This precise treatment addresses the overlooked muscle dysfunction that is the cause of persistent pain and has always shown impressive results. In this blog, we will explore this therapy in detail. Keep reading to learn about its mechanism, benefits, and side effects.
First, let’s take a look at what IMS therapy is.
What is IMS Therapy?
IMS Therapy is a dry needling technique that treats different musculoskeletal issues. It was developed by a well-known physician and researcher, Dr.Chan Gunn. Unlike acupuncture, which focuses on energy flow in the body, this specialized technique focuses on your neuromuscular system.
This therapy involves insertion of thin, solid needles into trigger points of specific muscles causing chronic pain. By improving the blood circulation in the targeted area, it heals the damaged muscle.
The goal of IMS therapy is simple: to treat the underlying cause of pain that is mostly nerve irritation. By resetting the nerves signals, it enhances the overall function of the muscle.
How IMS Therapy Works?
IMS Therapy works on a very simple principle. Your body muscles and nerves are interconnected such that pain in one can cause dysfunction in another. So, when because of overuse, poor posture or injury, your nerves become irritated, they cause muscle tightness and pain. The muscles also contract and shorten leading to stiffness and dysfunction.
The mechanism of IMS therapy involves inserting needles at the site of tension. These needles disrupt the muscle fibers, resulting in reflexive contraction or twitch. In other words, they change the muscle tone and discontinue the cycle of pain and dysfunction.
Which Conditions Are Treated by IMS Therapy?
Now that you have understood how IMS therapy works, let’s highlight the common conditions it helps to treat:
- Chronic Muscle Pain: Any chronic pain in areas like the neck, shoulders, back, or legs triggered by muscle tension.
- Sciatica: Pain that radiates down the sciatic nerve and is caused by compression of the nerve.
- Tension Headaches: Headaches related to tightness in neck and shoulder muscles.
- Frozen Shoulder: Pain caused by stiffness in shoulder joints.
- Tennis Elbow: Pain and inflammation caused by overuse of forearm muscles.
- Planter Fascitis: Inflammation of the tissues connecting heel to toes.
- Fibromyalgia: Widespread pain and sensitivity throughout the body.
Top Benefits of IMS Therapy
Now let’s explore what benefits IMS therapy offers over traditional pain management methods:
Powerful Pain Relief
By addressing the root cause of pain, IMS therapy provides long-term relief for chronic conditions that do not respond to other treatments.
Non-invasive
As IMS therapy does not involve any surgery or medication, this is a non-invasive treatment for patients looking for natural alternatives.
Minimal Recovery Time
This therapy has very little recovery time. You can resume normal life activities shortly after the session.
Long-Lasting Results
Unlike temporary conditions like painkillers, IMS therapy provides a permanent solution to muscle dysfunction.
Works Well with Other Therapies
One of the biggest advantages of IMS therapy is you can use it with other treatments like chiropractic care, massage therapy and physiotherapy. This approach can enhance overall outcomes.
Are there any Side Effects of IMS Therapy?
Usually, IMS therapy is quite safe, but some of the risks associated with it include the following:
- Temporary soreness or mild muscle aches are common within 24 to 48 hours of the IMS session.
- Sometimes, little bruises appear at the points of needle insertion.
- It is also common to experience fatigue and tiredness after IMS. But it goes away within a few hours.
- This therapy is not suitable for people suffering from health conditions like blood clotting disorders and active infections.
Does IMS Hurt?
Many people want to know if they get hurt when undergoing IMS therapy. The good news is that IMS therapy is a well-tolerated procedure. The needles used during the procedure are very thin and fine, smaller than the ones used for blood withdrawal. So, you may feel a mild, dull ache when the needle is inserted.
Similarly, when the needle stimulates the muscle, as a result of a twitch response, you may feel a sharp sensation that subsides quickly.
In comparison with the significant relief afterward, the treatment is much less painful. If you still have queries about discomfort, it is better to consult qualified practitioners beforehand.
Conclusion
IMS therapy is a very effective solution for chronic musculoskeletal pain and dysfunction. It targets the trigger points and reduces stiffness, improves blood flow while healing the damaged muscles. So, whether you are suffering from chronic back pain, tension headache, sport injury or any muscle spasm, try this therapy for long lasting relief.
While considering IMS therapy, always consult a professional healthcare center like King West Chiropractic in Toronto. They have a proven track record of pain management and can improve your overall quality of life.
FAQS
This session usually lasts for 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the severity of your muscle issues.
Usually, people tend to feel better within one to two sessions. But for persistent pain and severe conditions, more sessions can be required.
Some people feel immediate pain relief after IMS therapy, while some require multiple sessions to see significant results. The effectiveness of this treatment varies from person to person.