Intramuscular Stimulation

Intramuscular Stimulation Treatments and Trigger Point Dry Needling

What is Intramuscular Stimulation?

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) was developed By Dr. C. Chan Gunn, MD, Founder and President of iSTOP and Clinical Professor at the University of Washington Pain Center, and an Honorary Fellow of Peterhouse Cambridge. Dr. Gunn received the Order of British Columbia (2001) and the Order of Canada (2002) for his pioneering work on the concept of pain following neuropathy, which marked a major shift in the diagnosis and treatment of pain. IMS treats Neuropathy or Radiculopathic pain: Ongoing pain with no obvious signs caused by a malfunction in the peripheral nervous system, leading to supersensitivity in the pain sensory system.

The Process

IMS takes from 5- 30 minutes to perform and when a shortened muscle or trigger point is deactivated, one can experience a cramping or "charlie horse" sensation. The muscle is "grasping" the tiny non-hollow needle. The effects can sometimes be immediate or may take a couple days. The treatment is usually performed on a weekly basis, allowing time for the body to start healing itself, and the effects are cumulative. The treatment sessions can average from 6-12, all dependent on chronicity and age/health of patient. If you are suffering from chronic pain and have decided to seek treatment using Intramuscular Stimulation, please make certain your practitioner is a certified member of iSTOP.