What Is IMS Treatment? (Intramuscular Stimulation Explained)
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Treatment, also known as IMS needling or IMS dry needling, is a specialized therapy designed to relieve chronic muscle pain and restore mobility. Using ultra-fine needles inserted into affected muscle groups, IMS therapy targets tight, contracted tissue that may contribute to long-term discomfort.
Unlike massage or stretching alone, IMS treatment works at a deeper level to release shortened muscles, improve nerve function, and reduce inflammation. It's commonly used for conditions like sciatica, neck pain, back pain, and other nerve-related muscular issues.
Conditions Treated by IMS Therapy
IMS treatment is effective for a wide range of chronic pain conditions, including:
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Sciatica and nerve-related leg pain
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Chronic lower back or neck pain
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Shoulder impingement or frozen shoulder
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Tension headaches and migraines
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Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
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Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
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Postural imbalance and tight muscles from desk work
How Our Campbell River Clinic Supports Your Healing Journey
At Active Living Physiotherapy, we specialize in IMS therapy as part of a holistic approach to pain management. Our experienced team uses IMS needling techniques tailored to your unique muscle imbalances and injury history.
Whether you're dealing with IMS for sciatica, chronic tension, or post-injury recovery, we’ll guide you through every step.
Understanding IMS Treatment
Personalized IMS Therapy
Enhanced Mobility Solutions
Supportive Healing Environment
IMS Needling vs. Acupuncture: What's the Difference?
Although IMS dry needling and acupuncture both use thin needles, they differ significantly in approach. IMS is a medically-based treatment rooted in Western medicine principles, targeting myofascial trigger points and muscle dysfunction. Acupuncture, on the other hand, is based on Traditional Chinese Medicine and focuses on balancing energy flow.
IMS needling is especially effective for neuromuscular conditions and chronic pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments.
Benefits of IMS Dry Needling for Chronic Pain
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Lasting Pain Relief: Addresses the root causes of muscular and nerve-related pain.
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Faster Recovery: Accelerates tissue healing and reduces inflammation.
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Enhanced Range of Motion: Loosens tight muscles and restores mobility.
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Drug-Free Relief: A non-pharmaceutical option for long-term pain management.
Additional Services at Active Living Physio
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Kinesiology: Personalized rehab, strength building, and return-to-work programs with our certified Kinesiologist, Lexi Travanut.
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Physiotherapy: Expert-led sessions focused on pain relief, mobility, and performance with practitioners like Evan Somerville, Naomi Cole, and others.
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Group Classes: Small-group fitness and education classes offered both on and off-site.
Active Living Physio- Larwood Plaza
2380 South Island Highway, Unit #2Campbell River, BC
V9W 1C3 View Staff & Treatments
Active Living Physio- Hilchey & Dogwood
801 Hilchey Rd, Unit #102Campbell River, BC
V9H 1T8 View Staff & Treatments
Book Your IMS Therapy Session Today
Take the first step toward lasting relief. Whether you're curious about what IMS treatment is, comparing IMS vs acupuncture, or ready to try IMS for sciatica, we’re here to help. Book your initial consultation with one of our Campbell River physiotherapists today.
