What is IMS?
Gunn IMS is a very effective type of ‘westernized’ dry needling that we use to improve nutrition to the nerve and help resolve neuropathic dysfunction.
When a muscle is in spasm because your wiring has been impacted and your nerve is neuropathic, Gunn IMS treatment produces immediate relaxation in muscles supplied by that nerve, which reduces compression and helps restore nutritional supply to the nerve. Gunn IMS is like re-setting your fuse box because, after treatment, nerves are less compressed and can finally get the nutrition they need to function normally. This leads to restoration of normal nerve function and therefore wiring that will no longer burn out the light bulb. Our innovative care strategies at Expert Physio Plus will help you find quick relief.
How does IMS help resolve Neuropathic Pain?
Once your Physiotherapist determines which nerve levels are neuropathic, IMS treatment is used to normalize the function of these nerves. IMS uses acupuncture needles (approximately the size of a hair) which are placed into the muscles which have been made tight by the unhealthy/abnormally functioning nerve. The needle is both diagnostic and therapeutic, in that if a nerve and the muscles it supplies are normal, the client will feel nothing when the needle is inserted. If a nerve and the muscle it supplies are neuropathic, the tightened muscle will ‘grab’ the needle and produce a cramping sensation.
This will result in 3 effects:
- A stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated which results in an immediate reflex relaxation of that muscle.
- The needle causes a micro trauma to the muscle which brings blood to the area and helps heal the muscle.
- The treatment causes electrical current and nutritional flow that will help heal the nerve. Overall, these 3 effects reduce the sensitivity and improve the health in the nerves and muscles, which should lead to a reduction in your muscle, skin and joint pain and increase your joint range of movement. The results are cumulative and, while improvement should occur following your first or second treatment, your symptoms should continue to improve and last longer with each appointment.
Request an appointment with us today to see how Gunns IMS can help you!
