Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)

Intramuscular Stimulation is an effective treatment for chronic pain of neuropathic origin. Neuropathy or “neuropathic pain” is a term used to describe pain that shows no sign of tissue damage or inflammation, such as headaches, “whiplash”, backache, tennis elbow or frozen shoulder. Typically this occurs when nerves malfunction following minor irritation.

Nerves and nerve-endings become extremely sensitive and cause innocent, harmless signals to be exaggerated and misperceived as painful ones. In other words the nerves become “Supersensitive”. These supersensitive nerves create tender and shortened muscles due to muscle spasm and contracture. Muscle shortening produces pain by pulling on tendons, straining them as well as distressing the joints they move. This shortening also increases wear and tear and contributes to degenerative changes such as ‘tendonitis’ and ‘osteoarthritis’. Although IMS uses implements adapted from traditional acupuncture, it is based on scientific, neurophysiological principles.

The needle is painless, however if your muscle is supersensitive and shortened, you’ll feel a peculiar sensation-like a muscle cramp. The needle causes your abnormal muscle to contract and release. Patients call it a ‘good’ or positive pain because it soon disappears and is usually followed by a feeling of relief and relaxation. Once the shortened muscles are released, the pain will dissipate.  Some soreness may result for a 24 hour period.

For more information please visit this website: www.istop.org