Thin acupuncture-style needles target deep muscle knots and trigger points — releasing chronic tightness, resetting overactive muscles, and restoring pain-free movement.
What It Is
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a highly targeted physiotherapy technique used at our Surrey, BC clinic that uses thin, flexible acupuncture-style needles inserted directly into tight muscle bands and trigger points. Unlike traditional acupuncture, which follows meridian pathways, IMS is rooted in western neurophysiology and specifically targets dysfunctional motor points within the muscle where nerve sensitivity and chronic tightness originate.
When a needle enters a shortened, hypersensitive muscle, it creates a brief involuntary twitch response. This micro-release resets the muscle to its normal resting length, relieves compression on nerves and joints, and restores proper blood flow to the area. The result is an immediate reduction in pain and tension that other approaches often can’t reach.
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When It’s Used
Deep spinal muscles that stay contracted after injury or from prolonged posture, causing persistent aching and stiffness that massage alone can’t resolve.
Overactive muscles in the suboccipital region and upper trapezius that refer pain into the head. IMS releases these trigger points to reduce headache frequency.
Tight muscles compressing peripheral nerves. IMS releases the muscular compression, alleviating radiating pain, numbness, and tingling down the limb.
Chronic tendon overload at the elbow driven by forearm muscle tightness. IMS addresses the muscle dysfunction feeding the tendon pain.
Capsular stiffness combined with guarding muscle tension. IMS helps release the deep rotator cuff and peri-scapular muscles restricting shoulder movement.
Persistent tightness that doesn’t respond to stretching or massage — often caused by neuropathic shortening of muscles from nerve irritation at the spine.
What To Expect
Your physiotherapist will begin with a detailed assessment to locate the specific muscles and motor points contributing to your pain. Needles are then inserted into the identified areas — you may feel a deep, brief cramping sensation as the muscle releases. This twitch response is actually the goal — it indicates the muscle is resetting.
Sessions typically last 30–45 minutes. Most patients experience significant relief within 2–4 sessions, though chronic conditions may require more. Mild soreness similar to a post-workout ache is common for 24–48 hours as the muscle recovers to its new, relaxed state.
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