IMS stands for intramuscular stimulation; it is a style of needling which involves using a single, sterile, thin acupuncture needle into muscle (without injecting any substance) to release muscle and ease pain.
IMS works by relieving muscle tightness and shortening which can irritate the underlying nerve causing tissue to be super sensitive. When the muscle is released these areas eventually return to a more normalized threshold of sensitivity, therefore are less painful.
IMS is an effective treatment option for those with persistent pain that have an underlying muscle and nerve restriction. Your physiotherapist can help determine if this may be the cause of your symptoms.
During the session, your physiotherapist will clean the skin with alcohol before inserting the needle into areas of tight banding within the muscle. You may feel cramping and an achy sensation during the needling. Once the needling is over, you may feel sore 24-48 hours later within muscle treated. You should avoid any heavy exertion involving muscles needled.