Physiotherapy

IMS/Dry Needling

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) or Dry Needling is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndromes. At SKYE HEALTH, we offer Dry Needling treatment in London, Ontario. The treatment uses acupuncture needles and penetrates injured muscle tissue that has become contracted and shortened from distress.

IMS is grounded in western medical science and has a solid foundation in its Radiculopathic Model of Pain, ongoing pain (without ongoing injury) caused by a malfunction in the pain sensory system. 

IMS relies heavily on a thorough physical examination of the patient by a Physiotherapist trained to recognize the physical signs of neuropathic pain. Examination, diagnosis, rationale for selection of points for treatments, as well as progress of therapy are all determined according to physical signs of radiculopathy.

How Does Dry Needling Work? 

The treatment involves dry needling of affected areas of the body without injecting any substance (Botox, pain killer, corticosteroid). The needle sites can be at the epicenter of taut, tender muscle bands, or they can be near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and supersensitive. Penetration of a normal muscle is painless; however, a shortened, supersensitive muscle will ‘grasp’ the needle in what can be described as a cramping sensation.

What are the Benefits?

1)    A stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated, producing a reflex relaxation (lengthening).

2)    The needle also causes a small injury that draws blood to the area, stimulating the natural healing process.

3)    The treatment creates an electrical potential in the muscle to make the nerve function normally again.

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The goal of treatment is to release muscle shortening, which presses on and irritates the nerve. Supersensitive areas can be desensitized, and IMS is very effective for releasing shortened muscles under contracture, thereby decreasing mechanical pain from muscle pull. It effectively treats the underlying neuropathic condition that causes the ongoing pain.

Get relief from pain and get moving, living and thriving again! Please contact our clinic for more information about our dry needling services in London, ON.