Are you suffering from tightness in your lower back? The chronic irritating pain you are feeling may be caused by muscles shortening or contracting and pulling on tendons, causing strain as they move. When a muscle is tightened and contracted, pain is felt and your range of motion is restricted.
IMS – Intra-Muscular Stimulation Or Trigger Point Dry Needling can activate the shortened muscle to relax, alleviating muscular tightness and spasms. To release a tight and contracted muscle, a thin needle is inserted into trigger points or ‘knots’ within a muscle. You are unlikely to feel the needle penetrate the skin. If the muscle is healthy and normal (not tightened or contracted), there will be no pain felt from the needle.
However, if the muscle is super sensitive, shortened or dysfunctional, a peculiar sensation will be felt, much like a Charlie horse or a muscle cramp. This sensation is caused by the muscle twitching or grasping the needle. Once this minor discomfort disappears, it will be followed by a feeling of relief and comfort.
The goal of IMS therapy is to use effective physiotherapy techniques to release the shortened muscle and allow it to relax and return to its normal state, ultimately causing desensitization of pain by having a numbing effect on the nerve.
Live pain free from your aches and pains! IMS physiotherapy treatment is best suited to treat myofascial pain (chronic soft tissue pain that show no visible sign of ongoing tissue damage or inflammation). These can include:
By targeting the trigger points in the affected area, IMS therapy can:
IMS treatment has its roots in traditional Chinese acupuncture but uses current Western medicine’s understanding of the neurophysiology of pain to identify underlying nerve irritations to treat chronic pain issues. IMS treatments use the same fine needles as acupuncture.
However, IMS practitioners use their knowledge of anatomy to target specific needle points. The needle is inserted directly into the site of the affected area. In contrast, acupuncturists insert needles in pre-mapped out points in the body that relate to different parts of the organs and meridians in the body.
Registered physiotherapists administer our IMS/Dry Needling Therapy, so if you have extended health benefits that include physiotherapy, you may have a portion (or all) of your treatment covered.
Not necessarily. But, if your insurance carrier requires you to have a prescription, then you’ll need it for health care treatments.
The treatment begins on the same day if you consent after you have been assessed by the Physiotherapist and once appropriate. An individualized care plan is then prepared for you, based on your injury or ailment.
If you want to see a physical therapist at MVMT Physiotherapy Clinic, then you don’t have to ask for a doctor’s referral. If you want to, you can book your first appointment with us today.
Every person has different requirements and issues to address, so we help you find a treatment plan that fits your needs in the least amount of time. Call now to book your appointment.
When you are suffering from chronic pain, painkillers and other medications only mask the pain to your brain, but does not resolve the root of the problem. Say goodbye to your aches because a little needle can get to your source of pain!
At MVMT Physio & Chiro, we have certified Gunn IMS qualified physiotherapists that have undergone post-graduate studies in advanced IMS therapy. We collaborate between our physiotherapists, chiropractors, massage therapists and apply IMS therapy as part of your treatment plan. Our team-based approach allows us to bring you the best care possible.
If you have been suffering from aches, pains or numbness and have exhausted all treatments, don’t throw in the towel just yet! IMS therapy may be right for you.
Contact us to see how a tiny needle can relieve your source of pain!
Proudly serving the St Albert and Edmonton communities in Alberta, we have helped over 12,420 patients since 1992. Get pain relief and start feeling better today!
Our patients come from all across St Albert including: