What is IMS (intramuscular stimulation)?
4 minute read. Written by the Back in Health team, Kelowna.
In short
IMS, or intramuscular stimulation, is a needling technique in which a physiotherapist with extra training places a very fine, single-use needle into tight, irritable muscle, often both near the sore area and in the muscles alongside the spine that share its nerve supply. It is used as one part of a physiotherapy plan, alongside exercise and hands-on work, rather than as a treatment on its own. At Back in Health it is booked as part of a physiotherapy appointment at Kirschner.
How IMS works, in plain terms
IMS is a type of dry needling with its own way of assessing the problem. The reasoning is that some persistent muscle pain involves muscle that stays shortened and sensitive, and that the nerve supplying it is part of the picture. So your physiotherapist examines the nerve pathway as well as the sore spot, and looks for the tight bands of muscle along it.
The needle goes into those bands. Muscle that is tight often grips the needle briefly or twitches, then lets go. Nothing is injected, which is why this family of techniques is called dry. The aim is to settle the tight band so that movement and exercise are easier to do, which is why IMS sits inside a physiotherapy plan rather than replacing it.
How IMS differs from acupuncture
The needle looks much the same. The training and reasoning behind it are different. Acupuncture in BC is its own regulated profession, with a full system of assessment and point selection, and needles usually stay in for a while as you rest. IMS is a technique that physiotherapists add with extra training, guided by a physical examination of muscles and nerves, and needling is usually brief and followed by exercise and hands-on work in the same visit.
Our article on acupuncture and dry needling covers the wider comparison. The short version: if you want needling to be the main event, book a registered acupuncturist; if you are already in physiotherapy for an injury and needling might help as part of that plan, ask your physiotherapist about IMS.
What it feels like
The needle going in is barely felt. When it reaches a tight band of muscle, most people feel a deep cramp or ache, sometimes with a twitch, that fades quickly. Some soreness in the treated muscle for a day or so is common, much like the day after a hard workout.
Tell your physiotherapist if you take blood thinners, are pregnant, have a needle phobia or have fainted with needles before, and eat something beforehand. IMS is optional, and your physiotherapist will only use it if it fits what they find and you are comfortable with it.
Booking IMS at Back in Health
IMS is offered at our Kirschner Road clinic by physiotherapist Tess Mihell, and it is booked as part of a physiotherapy appointment rather than as a separate appointment type. If you are new, book a physiotherapy initial assessment and treatment with Tess, which is 45 minutes and $135, and mention that you are interested in IMS. Follow-ups are $100 for 30 minutes or $135 for an extended 45-minute session.
Because it is part of physiotherapy, it is billed as physiotherapy. No doctor's referral is needed to book in BC, though some extended health plans ask for one before they reimburse. Glenmore offers massage therapy and acupuncture only, so IMS is not available there.
Common questions
Is IMS the same as dry needling?
IMS is a type of dry needling. Both use a fine needle with nothing injected; IMS follows its own assessment model, which looks at the nerve supply to the tight muscle as well as the muscle itself.
Does IMS hurt?
The needle going in is barely felt. When it reaches a tight band of muscle, most people feel a deep cramp or ache, sometimes with a twitch, that fades quickly. Soreness for a day or so afterwards is common.
Is IMS covered by insurance?
At Back in Health IMS is part of a physiotherapy appointment, so it is billed as physiotherapy and claimed under your plan's physiotherapy benefit. Check your own policy for limits and any referral rule.
Do I need a referral for IMS in BC?
No. In British Columbia you can book a physiotherapist directly, and IMS is offered within that physiotherapy appointment. Some extended health plans ask for a referral before they reimburse.
Which Back in Health clinic offers IMS?
Kirschner, at #120-1815 Kirschner Rd, where physiotherapist Tess Mihell offers it as part of physiotherapy. Glenmore offers massage therapy and acupuncture only.
Book physiotherapy in Kelowna at our Kirschner Road clinic.
General information, not a diagnosis or a treatment plan. If something is getting worse, or you are unsure whether it is right for you, speak to a clinician.