Other Related Questions & Answers

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

1. What is IMS?

Intrasmuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndromes (chronic pain conditions that occur in the musculoskeletal system when there is no obvious sign of injury or inflammation). IMS is grounded in Western Medical Science. The treatment, which utilizes acupuncture needles because they are the thinnest implements available that are designed to penetrate deep within muscle tissue, specifically targets injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened.

Like acupuncture the treatment involves needling of affected areas of the body without injecting any substance. The needle sites can be at trigger points within the muscle, or they can be near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated.

2. How is IMS different from Acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Intramuscular Stimulation or IMS relies on neurology and a Western understanding of anatomy for diagnosis and treatment. Many doctors perform traditional acupuncture by inserting needles into locations according to acupuncture "maps." They are not seeking the center of the painful muscle.

3. Does IMS hurt?

Penetration of a normal muscle is painless; however, a shortened, sensitive muscle will often ‘grasp’ the needle in what can be described as a cramping sensation.

4. Are there any risks with IMS treatment?

Our facilities use only sterile single use needles for treatment so the risk of infection is absolutely minuscule.

There is a small risk for puncturing the lung tissue with deep treatment of thoracic points. If this were to occur generally the lung will seal itself off with no significant effect. In the very rare occasion the lung will need medical attention in order to re-inflate.

5. How many treatments will I need?

The number of treatments required depends on several factors: your general health, the duration and extent of your condition, how much scar tissue there is, and how quickly your body can heal. If the pain is of recent origin, one treatment may be all that is necessary. The average number of treatments required is 8.

Treatments are usually once a week because time is needed between treatments for the body to heal itself.

6. Who pays for IMS treatment?

Like acupuncture, IMS treatments are not covered under the CRP. As a private service you would be required to pay for your treatment at the time of service. You may seek reimbursement from any private insurance that your may have. Nor Med Therapies will provide you with any documentation you require for reimbursement. It is advisable that you determine any coverage you have for both physiotherapy and acupuncture prior to your first appointment.