IMS therapy (Intramuscular Stimulation IMS) is an effective physiotherapy treatment used to address muscle pain, chronic pain, and neuropathic pain that originates from the nervous system. Based on western medical science, IMS was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn to treat pain of neuropathic origin, where nerves malfunction and contribute to ongoing muscle pain.

IMS treatment may help patients experiencing:

• Chronic neck, shoulder, and back pain
• Headaches and TMJ pain
• Tennis elbow and repetitive strain injuries
• Sports injuries and injured muscles
• Rheumatoid arthritis–related pain
• Muscle tightness, muscle shortening, and muscle tension
• Scar tissue buildup and tender muscle bands
• Pain caused by irritated nerves along the spine

By targeting trigger points, restricted muscle tissue, and affected nerves, IMS therapy helps treat the root cause of pain rather than just the symptoms.

IMS is a proven treatment option for patients who continue to experience pain despite other forms of physiotherapy, acupuncture, or extensive medical tests showing no clear structural damage. Many patients suffer pain because muscles remain tight, shortened, and under-stimulated.

Unlike traditional acupuncture, intramuscular stimulation uses fine acupuncture needles that are inserted directly into shortened muscles to penetrate deep into the affected area. This stimulation triggers a response that helps:

• Release muscle shortening
• Improve blood flow
• Reduce inflammation
• Restore normal nerve function
• Support optimal healing

IMS treatment can cause brief discomfort, particularly when needles contact trigger points or tight muscle tissue. Patients may experience a cramping sensation, twitch response, or momentary discomfort during needle insertion.

This response is expected and indicates that the stimulation is reaching the affected nerves and muscles. The sensation is usually short-lived and often followed by muscle relaxation and pain relief.

IMS therapy is safe when performed by certified physiotherapists trained in IMS. At Balance Physiotherapy, IMS treatment begins with a thorough physical examination to determine whether your pain has a neuropathic origin and whether IMS is appropriate.

Sterile, single-use needles are used to create a controlled, small wound that activates the body’s natural healing process. Temporary soreness, mild inflammation, or tenderness may occur, but serious side effects are rare.

IMS can also be safely combined with other treatments such as physiotherapy, dry needling, acupuncture, manual therapy, and applying heat.

Results from IMS treatment depend on several factors, including how long symptoms have been present, how much scar tissue has formed, and whether nerves continue to be irritated. Some patients experience noticeable pain relief after the first session, while others require a series of treatments to address long-standing muscle tightness and nerve dysfunction.

Following treatment, it is common to experience temporary soreness or fatigue in the treated muscles for 24–48 hours as the body begins to heal. This response is part of the stimulation-based recovery process and often leads to improved mobility, reduced muscle tension, and decreased pain.

At Balance Physiotherapy, IMS is integrated into a comprehensive physiotherapy treatment plan that may include movement retraining, exercise therapy, education, and other modalities. Our goal is to support long-term healing, not just short-term relief, so you can return confidently to work, sports, and your daily life.