Needling Care
Your Choice for Calgary IMS Dry Needling
What is IMS Dry Needling?
IMS Dry Needling is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndromes. These are painful conditions that occur in the musculoskeletal system when there is no obvious sign of injury or inflammation.
IMS is grounded in Western Medical Science and has a solid foundation in its nerve model of pain, which is now supported by many experts in the field. It was developed by Dr. Gunn while he was a physician at the Worker’s Compensation Board of British Columbia in the 70′s. Dr. Gunn investigated a large number of mysteriously stubborn cases after frustration with the ineffective modalities at his disposal. The treatment specifically targets injured muscles that have contracted and become shortened from distress.
IMS relies heavily on a thorough physical examination of the patient by a competent practitioner, trained to recognize the physical signs of neuropathic pain. This physical examination is indispensable since chronic pain is often neurological as opposed to structural, and therefore, invisible to expensive X-rays, MRI Tests, Bone, and CT Scans. Failure to recognize these signs will result in an inaccurate diagnosis, and thus, a poor starting point for physical therapy.
A Clinic You Can Trust
It is the practice of a strong work ethic, continuous education, and prioritizing patient outcomes that makes the difference. Together with our knowledge, programs and expertise, our mission is to help you live a perpetual life of wellness. We are National Spine & Wellness, and we invite you to experience proven results through expert care.
So How Does This Treatment Work?
At National Spine & Wellness, our physiotherapists are certified in the Gunn technique of IMS as well as Dry Needling.
The treatment involves using tiny acupuncture needles to the affected areas of the body without injecting any substance. 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 super sensitive. 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. The result is threefold:
- A stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated, producing a reflex relaxation (lengthening).
- The treatment encourages blood supply to the area, initiating the natural healing process.
- The treatment creates an electrical potential in the muscle to make the nerve function normally again.
The goal of treatment is to release muscle shortening, which presses on and irritates the nerve. Supersensitive areas can be desensitized, and the persistent pull of shortened muscles can be released, easing any mechanical pain this muscle contraction may have been causing. IMS, in effect, treats the underlying neuropathic condition that causes the pain. When competently performed, IMS has a remarkable success rate, as proven by the relief of symptoms and signs, even for chronic back pain, neck pain, and nerve pain.
Testimonials
National Spine & Wellness’ 3 Step Treatment Plan
Our care involves the diagnosis and treatment of mechanical disorders
of the muscles, bones, and joints, especially the spine. Your first visit to National
Spine & Wellness is dedicated to learning about the history of your pain and how
it impacts your daily life.
The information we gather during your initial assessment is used to create a 3-
step treatment plan.
Step One: Pain Relief
Did you know that manual therapy is one of only very few treatments science has proven to be the most effective for relieving your back and neck pain? Our team are experts at this treatment but also understand that this isn’t all you may need to get better.
They also work collaboratively with your health care team to get you out of pain and get you moving in a safe, controlled fashion.
Step Two: Rebuild Strength & Agility
Ask yourself, if you were 100% what would you be doing?
That is the question we put to you first and foremost so we can customize your treatment plan.
Once your pain begins to go away we empower you to gain the knowledge, understanding, and tools to build your resiliency to get back to the activities you love.
Step Three: Maintain & Improve
By using a wellness model customized to your specific needs, we can give you the knowledge and tools to maintain and improve your health in a wellness model. Once the problem that was causing your symptoms is corrected, we will also work with you to learn ways to prevent the pain from returning.
The goal of our care is to offer preventative maintenance for pain-free living.
What is the Difference between IMS Dry Needling & Acupuncture?
IMS is comparable in some ways to acupuncture; however, there are a number of important differences. IMS requires a medical examination and diagnosis by a practitioner knowledgeable in anatomy. Needle insertions are indicated by physical signs and not according to predefined, non-scientific meridians, while subjective and objective effects are usually experienced immediately.
