Gunn IMS Dry Needling
What is Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) Dry Needling?
Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS), also known as dry needling, is a highly regarded treatment for chronic pain and tension. It’s an incredibly effective way to release shortened bands of muscles that feel like ropes or knots which are caused by abnormal functioning of the nervous system. These tight muscles compress nerve roots if they are close to the spine or pull at tendon insertions in your arms or legs.
IMS is a very different technique then acupuncture, but utilizes acupuncture needles to release the trigger points or taut bands in a muscle belly. The release happens when a needle is inserted into a trigger point which induces a small twitch contraction that feels like a light cramp. Post contraction, the muscle fibres are able to return to their resting length which offloads the nerves or tendons the tight muscle fibres were compressing and stimulates healing by drawing blood to the area. The contraction also creates an electrical potential in the muscle that helps the nerve to function normally again. The sessions have a cumulative effect over the course of 4-8 weeks but many feel improvements after 2-3 sessions.
What type of conditions are treated with Gunn IMS/dry needling?
Low Back pain
Sciatica
Neck pain
Knee pain
Hip pain
Shoulder pain
Tennis elbow
Golfer’s elbow
Achilles tendonitis
Does Gunn IMS/dry needling hurt?
The twitch contraction that some of the needles induce feels very odd at first and can be uncomfortable. The needles go in and out and do not stay in for a prolonged period of time. IMS can cause an increase in pain or discomfort for 24-48 hours post treatment that often feels like the delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) you experience after a big workout. It’s typically then followed by an improvement in the overall pain state. The increase in pain is related to overactive shortened muscle bands that have not been released.
When is Gunn IMS/dry needling contraindicated?
It’s contraindicated if you are within 6 months of a surgery, if you’re pregnant, if you have a pacemaker, if you’re feeling unwell or if you’re on any medication that is considered blood thinners.
Learn more about Gunn IMS/Dry Needling
Learn everything you need to know about Gunn IMS and dry needling in my recent blog post.
Inside, you’ll see what Gunn IMS is, how the treatment is used, results to expect, and so much more. You can also find the link to book your dry needling session.
