Acupuncture vs Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Acupuncture
- Uses Chinese Meridians/pathways
- Stimulates endorphin production
- Uses 1-20 needles
- Needles left in place around 10-20 minutes
- Minimal discomfort
IMS
- Uses tight muscle bands (trigger points)
- Produces a natural relaxation of the muscle
- Produces aching, twitching movement in muscle
- Needles left in place around a few seconds to a few minutes
- Some muscle soreness is common for up to 48 hours after treatment
Benefits of IMS Therapy
- Pain Control
- Deeper Muscle Release
- Immediate Results
- Source-Orientated Treatment
- Medication-Free
Both forms of treatment can be extremely effective for pain control.
IMS therapy in Parksville
What are the side effects of IMS?
Due to the nature of the treatment, muscle soreness and a bruise-like sensation may occur during and/or after treatment. Some people may feel slightly fatigued after treatment. This usually lasts no longer than 48 hours.
Is Gunn IMS the same as dry needling?
Although similar, they differ in that dry needling is a technique while Gunn IMS is a system of care.
Dry needling is used directly on the muscle through “trigger points” to address localized pain.
Gunn IMS also uses “trigger points” but extends to look for the root cause of the pain. This treatment looks at the body as a whole, instead of only focusing on one area alone.
IMS Intramuscular Stimulation and Gunn IMS treatments are total systems for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndromes and chronic pain conditions. Also known as IMS therapy or needle therapy, IMS treatment can assist in the relief and rehabilitation of a wide variety of injuries.
How does Gunn IMS work?
IMS therapy is a dry needling technique that is grounded in Western Medical Science; it was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn while he was a physician at the Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia in the 1970s.
The treatment utilizes acupuncture needles and is designed to penetrate deep within muscle tissue. This treatment specifically targets injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened from distress.
Supersensitive areas can be desensitized, and the persistent pull of shortened muscles can be released. When competently performed, IMS and Gunn IMS therapy has a remarkable success rate, as proven by the abolition of signs and symptoms.
Gunn IMS in Parksville-Qualicum
Oceanside Physiotherapy and Work Conditioning Center provides intramuscular stimulation therapy for clients near Parksville, BC. For specific intramuscular pain treatment options and information, our therapists are here to help you feel better.
To learn more about Gunn IMS and what it entails, please view the videos provided by the UBC Gunn IMS Program.
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