Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn to treat chronic pain syndromes that affect the musculoskeletal system.
IMS is a dry needling technique (dry in that no drugs are injected) that involves the insertion of acupuncture needles into taut muscle bands. According to GunnIMS theory, the effect of IMS/dry needling is 3-fold:
- there is a reflex relaxation and lengthening of taut muscle,
- improved healing of injured tissue and
- restoration of normal nerve function.
IMS, or dry needling, may be used to release specific taut muscle bands that hold specific parts of the body (pelvis, foot, shoulder blade, humerus) in poor alignment or posture. This malalignment often contributes to poor movement patterns, posture and pain. IMS/dry needling is used in conjunction with manual therapy and movement training to help restore better posture and movement patterns for multiple tasks and conditions.
To ensure a lasting effect from IMS/dry needling, your physiotherapist will provide you with home instruction for maintaining the muscle’s length/relaxation. It is not uncommon to experience some achiness in the treated muscles for a few hours after your treatment. The application of dry or moist heat can help to ease this discomfort. You should experience a welcome improvement in mobility in spite of the local ache, which is only temporary.
More information on GunnIMS can be found at http://ubcgunnims.com/what-is-ims/gunn-ims/.
Related Practitioners
Cathy Rogers
Cathy received a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of British Columbia in 2000. As a member of the varsity women’s volleyball team at UBC during those years she was first exposed to physiotherapy and it’s positive impact on her own personal athletic career.
Leigh Fortuna
After studying kinesiology in university for two years, Leigh decided that pursuing a career in physiotherapy was the path she wanted to follow. She graduated from The University of British Columbia in 2005 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Therapy.
Eric Perkio
Eric has been practicing Physiotherapy since 2006. He received his Masters of Physiotherapy from the University of Sydney, Australia and began his career working in a private clinic where he gained valuable experience in working with Rugby, Soccer, and Aussie Rules Football clubs.
Brittany Wade
Brittany graduated from the University of Ottawa with an undergraduate degree in Human Kinetics followed by a Master’s Degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Toronto.
Sarah Hamanishi
Sarah received her Bachelor of Science with a minor in Nutritional Sciences at the University of British Columbia. She then pursued a Master of Physical Therapy degree, graduating in 2013 from UBC. Sarah has taken post-graduate courses for dry needling, rehabilitation Pilates, visceral and neuromeningeal manipulation, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction.
Lily Han
Lily is passionate about assisting her clients in gaining and regaining their function. She obtained her Master’s of Science degree in Physical Therapy from the University of Alberta. She has diverse experience within the healthcare field, including in diagnostic laboratory, pharmacy, medical first aid, and with other interdisciplinary teams allowing Lily to approach each patient’s condition holistically. Lily is fluent in both English and Mandarin.
Tina Lin
Tina began her career in rehabilitation by completing a Bachelor’s of Kinesiology with a minor in Nutritional Science at the University of British Columbia. She then went on to pursue a Master’s Physical Therapy degree from the University of British Columbia. Tina has experience in a variety of settings including medical and critical care units in the hospital, a Clinical Pilates studio, and volunteering with Skate Canada and Women’s Rugby teams. Tina has a special interest in helping both women and men with their pelvic health (incontinence and prolapse).
