Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a needling technique used to
treat chronic pain which is found to be of neuropathic origin,
and that has not responded to conventional physiotherapy
techniques. When chronic musculoskeletal pain persists with no
obvious injury or inflammation, neuropathy ("sick nerves") is
suspected. Accompanying neuropathy is muscle shortening, causing
pain in muscle, tendons, their connective tissue attachments and
joints. IMS has shown to be effective in the release of muscle
shortening, thus relieving pain. Difference between acupuncture
and IMS? IMS uses needling technique as does acupuncture' but
they have different origins. Acupuncture is based on Chinese
medicine, where needles are inserted into acupuncture points
along body system meridians to treat a variety of conditions.
IMS is based on Western Medicine and treats at the source of the
pain, that being into the muscle belly of the shortened muscle,
and its corresponding spinal segment. What is neuropathic pain
like? - Pain without