Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS or IMS) is a full assessment and treatment approach for myofascial pain syndromes that are of neuropathic origin (nerve generated).
IMS assessment and treatment requires a thorough physical examination by a credentialed physician or physiotherapist trained to recognize the physical signs of neuropathic pain. This physical examination is essential, as neuropathic pain is not visible on X-Rays, MRI, bone and CT scans.
IMS treatment uses sterile acupuncture needles to target muscles that are shortened as a result of neuropathic pain. Intramuscular Stimulation treatment involves dry needling the affected areas of the body. The point of insertion of the acupuncture needle can be at the epicenter of taut, tender muscle bands, or it can be in the muscles near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and supersensitive.
Intramuscular Stimulation needling into a shortened, supersensitive muscle will generally cause an ache or a muscle twitch.
The dry needling causes 3 things to happen in the muscle
- A stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated, producing a reflex relaxation (lengthening).
- The needle also causes a small injury that draws blood to the area, initiating the natural healing process.
- The treatment creates an electrical potential in the muscle to help the nerve function normally again.
Benefits of Intramuscular Stimulation
The goal of Intramuscular Stimulation treatment is to release muscle shortening, which presses on and irritates the nerve. Supersensitive areas can be desensitized, and the persistent pull of shortened muscles can be released. Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation is very effective for releasing shortened muscles that have been contracted, thereby causing mechanical pain from muscle pull. IMS, in effect, treats the underlying neuropathic condition that causes the pain.
Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation requires a medical examination by a practitioner or one of our trained physiotherapists in Markham who is extremely knowledgeable in anatomy. IMS needle insertion points are indicated by findings and physical signs. All needle points in IMS are directed into muscles. Measurable changes are experienced immediately with IMS.
