Ever since its discovery in the early 1970s, Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), has risen in popularity and is recently being hailed as a spectacular form of rehabilitation. Slowly, patients are beginning to grow more curious about the benefits that IMS can provide when treating common injuries.
We have noticed that intramuscular stimulation can help people get back to full health faster than ever. If you are unfamiliar with the practice, you are not alone. This medical breakthrough began in Vancouver a few decades ago. However, it was not until recent media attention brought this form of rehab to the mainstream audience. Â
How does IMS work?
IMS treatment is a unique form of physiotherapy that targets underlying nerves and muscles. Physiotherapists will first pinpoint strained muscles where issues and pain are occurring. Next, they will use specialized needles to gently probe the damaged areas.Â
The physiotherapist will maneuver these needles in an attempt to initiate a light cramp or muscle spasm. While this might sound peculiar, the muscles will only react this way to the probing if the muscle tension and mobility are out of sync. Any muscle that reacts with a spasm or twitch will need to have the tension removed and flexibility restored to provide lasting pain relief.Â
When is IMS Used?
A physiotherapist may suggest IMS for patients feeling stiff or having a limited range of motion for certain muscles. IMS will only be used after a specialized examination is conducted to see if it is safe. For the most part, it is commonly used to treat injuries where the following is common:
- Existing nerve/joint damage
- Muscle tightnessÂ
- Muscle inflammation
- Muscle spasms
- Limited range of motion
- Migraines and Headaches
These are just a few examples of when Intramuscular Stimulation may be used. During the initial examination, a physiotherapist will recommend how IMS can positively aid your recovery.
Does IMS Work?
IMS is still a relatively new practice, and more studies are being conducted on it with each passing year. Many of our patients who have come have quickly realized the benefits of IMS. Lasting results can appear within as quickly as a month. We provide IMS and rehabilitation treatment for those in Abbotsford. If you are in pain, we can fix it!
Newleaf Wellness offers a variety of therapies including physiotherapy, chiropractic, naturopathic, and massage therapy in a warm and compassionate environment in our Abbotsford location.
If you have any questions about this article or would like to make an appointment, please contact us.