Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
in North Edmonton
What is (IMS)?
Many times, muscular pain and altered function (such as stiffness or weakness) can be caused by peripheral nerve dysfunction from chronic irritation. This nerve dysfunction, even in the absence of inflammation or tissue damage, can result in hypersensitive and shortened muscle fibres. By using a fine needle to physically stimulate the affected muscles and associated nerves, the subsequent release in pressure can provide lasting pain relief so that you can do the activities that you were missing out on from the injury.
The needle is similar to an acupuncture needle, in that it is very fine and no medication is involved. Because it is very thin, you may not even feel the sting of the needle going in. Once the needle is in, you will feel temporary discomfort in the area where the needle is repeatedly stimulating the muscle, which should relieve within 1-2 days.
What to Expect
Sessions are only needed once a week. The number of total sessions needed can depend on factors such as how long the condition has been present for, how quickly your body will heal, and what type of injury you have sustained. Some clients can feel a favorable result after as little as 1 session, while others will take longer for effects to take place. Please note that IMS is not effective with certain conditions, such as metabolic neuropathies (i.e. diabetes), systemic inflammatory conditions (i.e. rheumatoid arthritis), or cancer-related pain. As with any invasive procedure, there can be risks involved with IMS, so be sure to ask your physiotherapist if this technique is right for you.
Conditions Treated
Conditions that can be treated by IMS include: neck stiffness, whiplash, shoulder and scapular pain, tennis elbow, lower back discomfort, sciatica/piriformis tightness, bursitis, chronic or recurrent sports injuries and more. IMS is also very helpful in cases where a deep muscle is involved – other therapies may not be able to reach that deep area, but an IMS needle can.
If painkillers or other types of treatment have not resulted in lasting relief of your pain, consider IMS at the Edmonton Pain & Injury Clinic for your rehabilitation needs.
You can learn more about IMS here:
Contact Edmonton Pain & Injury Clinic to schedule an appointment.
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