Flaman Physiotherapy offers Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Treatment in Saskatoon
Flaman Physiotherapy provides a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services for your injury needs. These services include Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), which is a specialized physiotherapy treatment used to relieve chronic muscle pain caused by nerve irritation. IMS is designed to treat myofascial pain syndromes of neuropathic origin, meaning the pain is generated by irritated or dysfunctional nerves rather than direct muscle injury.
At Flaman Physiotherapy, Gunn IMS is used to treat persistent muscle tightness, chronic pain conditions, and nerve-related muscular dysfunction.
What Is Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation?
Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation is both a diagnostic and treatment approach used to identify and treat muscle pain that originates from irritated nerves.
Neuropathic pain often does not appear on imaging tests such as:
X-rays
MRI Scans
CT Scans
Bone Scans
The Gunn IMS technique uses standard acupuncture needles to stimulate specific areas of nerve and muscular dysfunction which have been localized by your therapist during their assessment. This direct stimulation has been shown to help normalize nerve root conduction in the region, which can result in decreased pain and dysfunction.
IMS Assessment Process
A proper IMS assessment begins with a detailed physical examination performed by a physiotherapist trained in recognizing signs of neuropathic dysfunction.
Muscle tension patterns
Joint mobility
Trigger points
Areas of nerve irritation
Areas of skin color/elasticity changes
How Intramuscular Stimulation Treatment Works
IMS treatment involves inserting fine sterile acupuncture needles into muscles that have become shortened or hypersensitive due to nerve irritation.
Taut muscle bands
Increased range of motion
Muscles affected by irritated nerve roots near the spine
When the needle reaches a shortened muscle, patients may feel a mild ache, twitch response, or brief cramping sensation. This is often followed by a release of the tight muscle band, promoting normalization of muscle extensibility and nerve feedback from the area, thereby also desensitizing the nerve root.
Physiological Effects of IMS Treatment
Muscle Relaxation
The needle punctures the muscle cell membrane, creating depolarization of the muscle, which helps relax the shortened muscle fiber.
Natural Healing Response
The needle insertion creates a small controlled micro-injury that increases blood flow and stimulates natural healing.
Normalizing Nerve Function
IMS can help normalize communication between nerves and muscles by restoring electrical potential in the tissue.
Benefits of Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation
Reduction of chronic muscle pain
Improved mobility and flexibility
Reduced nerve irritation
Improved muscle function
Long-lasting pain relief
Conditions That May Benefit From IMS
Neck Pain
Sciatica
Shoulder Pain
Muscle Tightness
Persistent Trigger Points
Repetitive Strain Injuries
Chronic Back Pain
Neck Pain
Sciatica
Shoulder Pain
Important Booking Information
IMS treatment requires a physiotherapist certified in Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation.
When booking your appointment, please inform our office manager that you are interested in IMS so you can be scheduled with a certified physiotherapist.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is IMS the same as acupuncture?
No. IMS uses similar needles but is based on Western medical diagnosis and neuromuscular treatment.
Does IMS treatment hurt?
Some patients feel a brief ache or twitch response when the needle reaches a tight muscle.
How many IMS treatments are needed?
The number of sessions depends on the severity and duration of the condition.
Is IMS safe?
Yes. When performed by trained physiotherapists it is considered a safe and effective treatment.
Serving Saskatoon and Surrounding Communities
Saskatoon
Warman
Martensville
Dalmeny
Clavet
Dundurn
Start Your Recovery Today
Saskatoon
Warman
Martensville
Dalmeny
Clavet
Dundurn
Start Your Recovery Today
If you are experiencing persistent muscle tightness or nerve-related pain, Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation may help restore normal function.