What is IMS therapy?

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) treatment, also known as dry needling, uses thin acupuncture needles inserted into tight muscles (trigger points) to relieve chronic pain and dysfunction, working by causing a muscle twitch that releases tension, desensitizes nerves, increases circulation, and promotes healing for issues like back pain, sciatica, and sports injuries. It's a physiotherapy technique based on Western medicine, targeting nerve-related muscle problems to restore normal function, often providing longer-lasting relief than just symptom management.

What does IMS treatment do?

IMS directly treats the cause of the pain by relaxing the shortened muscle and allowing it to return to its normal state. The goal of treatment is to release muscle shortening which presses on and irritates the nerve.

Does IMS really work?

IMS is effective in treating discomfort even in situations in which there is very little apparent evidence of tissue injury or inflammation. This is the case for a variety of chronic pain disorders, including tennis elbow, whiplash, migraines, frozen shoulder, and more.

What's the difference between acupuncture and IMS?

The primary difference between IMS Therapy and Acupuncture lies in the way needles are used and placed. IMS Therapy targets specific muscle trigger points to relieve tension and pain. Acupuncture, on the other hand, places needles along meridians to balance the body's energy flow, or Qi.

How long does it take for IMS to work?

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is extremely effective at loosening tightened muscles and reducing pain after your first session. We expect to see some improvement after the first session but generally 3-4 sessions are required to ensure that IMS is working with most injuries resolving after 8-10 sessions.

Body Works Sports Physiotherapy - What is IMS?

What are the disadvantages of IMS?

Disadvantages of integrated management systems

Some standards do not combine with each other very well. Furthermore, you might have to wait longer for an audit appointment with a certification body, as the audit team has to be competent on both standards and on integrated management systems.

What are the side effects of IMS?

Other areas (such as along the spine) are safe to needle as long as the technique used by the practitioner is sound. The most common side effect of IMS is some minor bruising and aching. On rare occasions, some people feel tired after a IMS session and this usually resolves in a few hours.

What is negative about dry needling?

Dry needling isn't inherently "bad," but it carries risks like temporary soreness, bruising, or fatigue, and requires a skilled practitioner to avoid serious complications like nerve damage or infection, with rare but severe risks including collapsed lungs, especially if performed improperly or near sensitive areas like the chest. Other drawbacks include it not being a standalone fix for underlying issues, inconsistent results, and limited insurance coverage, making practitioner skill and patient expectations key. 

What are the five forbidden acupuncture points?

The "forbidden" acupuncture points, primarily avoided during pregnancy (especially before 37 weeks) due to risks of inducing contractions or preterm labor, include LI4 (Hegu), SP6 (Sanyinjiao), GB21 (Jianjing), BL60 (Kunlun), and BL67 (Zhiyin), along with points in the lower abdomen (CV3-CV7) and sacral region (BL27-BL34). These points, especially LI4, SP6, BL60, and BL67, are historically known for their strong effects on labor and uterine activity, making them potent but risky if used inappropriately.
 

What is a red flag in physical therapy?

In physiotherapy, "red flags" are warning signs indicating a potentially serious underlying medical condition (serious pathology) that requires immediate physician referral, not just a musculoskeletal issue, including constant night pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, history of cancer, sudden neurological deficits (like bladder issues or numbness in the 'saddle' area), or pain that worsens with rest or isn't affected by movement. Physiotherapists screen for these to ensure patient safety and guide them to the right care, looking for systemic symptoms, severe pain patterns, or major trauma, rather than simple mechanical issues. 

What not to do after IMS?

Avoid Strenuous Activity: Your muscles can be sensitive for the first 24 hours after IMS. Refrain from heavy workouts or physically demanding tasks to let the treated areas recover. Overexertion too soon may lead to increased discomfort or hinder your healing process.

Is magnetic therapy real or fake?

Magnetic therapy for common ailments (like pain, arthritis, weight loss) using static magnets (bracelets, insoles) is not scientifically proven to work beyond a placebo effect, with studies showing no benefit over sham devices. However, electromagnetic therapies using powerful, controlled magnetic fields (like Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for back pain or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation for depression) are real, distinct treatments with FDA approval or promising research for specific conditions.
 

How painful is IMS?

Is IMS/Dry Needling Treatment Painful? While some patients may experience a brief moment of discomfort during needle insertion, most report the sensation as a minor and acceptable part of the treatment. The overall experience is often described as a feeling of release and relief.

How long does IMS last?

IMS sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on the complexity of your condition and the treatment plan outlined by your physiotherapist.

How often should you get IMS?

The effects of IMS are cumulative. Treatments are usually once a week (but can be spread out to two weeks) to allow time between treatments for the body to respond to the altered tissue tension. The number of treatments you require will depend on several factors such as the duration and extent of your condition.

What does the Bible say about acupuncture?

The Bible doesn't mention acupuncture directly, so Christians approach it with discernment, focusing on whether the practice involves non-biblical spiritual elements like Taoism, or if it's used purely as a physical therapy for pain relief, which many see as acceptable under Christian liberty (Romans 14) if done with a clear conscience and prayer. The core issue for believers is separating the potentially pagan philosophical roots (qi, meridians) from the physical mechanics, viewing it as a tool God allows for healing, similar to how Western medicine has non-Christian origins but is used by believers.
 

Who is not a good candidate for acupuncture?

People with bleeding disorders, pacemakers, severe immune deficiencies, or those who are pregnant (especially avoiding certain points) should generally avoid or proceed with extreme caution with acupuncture, consulting their doctor first; also, those on blood thinners, with epilepsy, certain heart conditions, or severe needle phobia should discuss it thoroughly with a professional. Always tell your acupuncturist and doctor about all medications, supplements, and health conditions before starting treatment. 

What are the 4 golden rules of acupuncture?

The 4 Golden Rules of Acupuncture are simple lifestyle guidelines from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to align with natural rhythms and support health: Eat only when hungry, Drink only when thirsty, Rest when tired, and Sleep early, focusing on balanced needs rather than excess, to maintain the body's vital energy (Qi). These rules encourage listening to your body's signals for optimal restoration and healing. 

Why is dry needling banned?

FAQ Section. Why is dry needling illegal? Dry needling is illegal in some states due to concerns about safety, training, and scope of practice. Regulatory bodies in these states argue that without standardized training, there is a higher risk of complications, such as nerve damage or infections.

Is dry needling a sham?

Dry needling applied by a physical therapist has very low to moderate quality evidence for superiority over no treatment or sham dry needling in reducing pain and improving pressure pain threshold in patients with musculoskeletal pain in the immediate to 12-week follow-up period.

What are the red flags after dry needling?

If you experience any concerning symptoms after dry needling, such as persistent pain, bleeding, or signs of infection, seek medical attention immediately. Proper training can mitigate the risks associated with dry needling.

What injuries does IMS work best for?

IMS needling can be very effective at helping new or old injuries heal.

• 8 types of Injuries treated with IMS. ...
• Joint problems (osteoarthritis) ...
• Nerve pain (sciatica) ...
• Jaw problems (temporomandibular dysfunction) ...
• Muscle strains and ligament sprains. ...
• Post-operative procedures (ACL reconstruction) ...
• Post fracture. ...
• Whiplash.

How to release tight fascia?

To release tight fascia, use methods like foam rolling, stretching (yoga, targeted poses), and massage, focusing on slow, deep movements and consistent practice, complemented by hydration, heat therapy, and mindful breathing to improve tissue mobility and reduce stiffness.
 

Can dry needling cause permanent damage?

Immediate Effects: The sharp sensation might be surprising, but it typically fades within seconds. Some people might feel a bit of residual soreness in the area, but that's about it. Long-Term Risks: Permanent nerve damage from dry needling is extremely rare.