If you’ve been dealing with muscle pain that just won’t quit, you’re not alone. Many people in Richmond and Steveston struggle with chronic tension that doesn’t respond to regular treatments. That’s where IMS comes in—a specialized technique that goes deeper than traditional methods.
IMS, or Intramuscular Stimulation, is a treatment that uses thin needles to release tight muscle bands and calm irritated nerves, offering relief when other approaches have failed. It’s different from acupuncture because it targets specific trigger points based on your body’s anatomy and nerve pathways. Your physiotherapist inserts needles directly into tense muscles to release the knots causing your pain.
What Is IMS and How Does It Work?
IMS uses thin needles inserted directly into tight muscle bands to release deep tension and calm irritated nerves. The treatment targets the root cause of pain rather than just symptoms.
IMS Differences with Acupuncture
IMS and acupuncture might look similar since both use thin needles. But that’s where the similarity ends!
IMS is based on Western medicine. Your physiotherapist uses their knowledge of anatomy and nerve function to find exactly where your muscles are tight or your nerves are irritated. They insert needles directly into these problem spots—usually tight bands within your muscles called trigger points.
Acupuncture follows traditional Chinese medicine principles. Practitioners place needles along energy pathways called meridians. The goal is to balance your body’s energy flow.
The needle insertion feels different too. With IMS, you might feel a deep ache or cramping sensation when the needle hits a tight muscle band. That’s actually a good sign—it means your muscle is releasing! Acupuncture typically doesn’t create that same muscle response.
How IMS Targets Deep Muscle Tension
Your muscles can develop super tight bands that don’t relax on their own. These shortened muscles compress nerves and create ongoing pain.
IMS needles penetrate deep into these contracted muscle bands. When the needle touches the tight tissue, it causes a brief cramping sensation. This triggers your muscle to release and relax—kind of like hitting a reset button.
The process works through several mechanisms:
- The needle creates a small injury that increases blood flow to the area
- Fresh blood brings oxygen and nutrients that help healing
- Your nervous system responds by relaxing the muscle
- Nerve irritation decreases as pressure is released
You’ll often notice your muscle twitching during treatment. That twitch response shows the muscle is letting go of tension it’s been holding for weeks, months, or even years.
IMS for Nerve Pain and Chronic Muscle Issues
Chronic pain often starts with nerve irritation in your spine. These irritated nerves cause muscles to tighten up and stay tight—even when you’re trying to relax.
IMS works exceptionally well for pain that hasn’t responded to other treatments. If you’ve tried massage, stretching, or regular physiotherapy without lasting relief, nerve irritation might be the hidden problem.
Common conditions that respond well to IMS include:
- Lower back pain that radiates down your leg
- Neck pain with tension headaches
- Shoulder pain that won’t improve with exercise
- Tennis elbow or golfer’s elbow
- Chronic muscle tightness without a clear injury
The treatment addresses both the tight muscles and the underlying nerve dysfunction. Most patients need 6-8 sessions to see significant improvement, though some feel relief after just one or two visits.
Why Choose IMS Physiotherapy in Richmond and Steveston?
IMS therapy offers a targeted approach to relieving stubborn muscle pain that doesn’t respond to traditional treatments. You’ll find specialized care at Richmond Steveston Physiotherapy that addresses nerve-related muscle tension and helps you move freely again.
Benefits of IMS for Deep Muscle Pain Relief
IMS reaches muscles that other treatments can’t access. The technique uses thin needles to target tight muscle bands deep within your body, releasing tension at its source.
You might have tried massage, stretching, or heat therapy without lasting results. That’s because surface-level treatments often miss the underlying nerve irritation causing your pain. IMS addresses this root cause directly.
The treatment provides several key benefits:
- Fast pain reduction in areas that have hurt for months or years
- Improved blood flow to tight, oxygen-starved muscles
- Better range of motion in stiff joints and restricted areas
- Longer-lasting relief compared to temporary pain management methods
Many patients notice changes after just one session. Your tight muscles start to relax, and movement becomes easier. The effects build with each treatment as your nervous system resets.
Chronic Muscle Tension Treatment at Richmond Steveston Physiotherapy
Your physiotherapist at our Richmond clinic combines IMS with other proven techniques for complete care. We don’t just needle your muscles and send you home—we create a full treatment plan designed for your specific condition.
Our team has extensive training in identifying neuropathic pain patterns. These patterns show up as tender spots, muscle tightness, and areas that feel weak or tired. We map out these problem zones during your assessment.
Each treatment session is customized based on how your body responds. Some areas need more attention than others, and we adjust our approach as you progress. You’ll also receive exercises and movement strategies to maintain your improvements between visits.
What makes our approach different:
- Detailed muscle and nerve assessment before treatment starts
- Integration with manual therapy and exercise rehabilitation
- Regular progress tracking to measure your results
- Education about why your pain developed and how to prevent it
What to Expect During an IMS Session
Your first visit starts with a thorough discussion about your pain history. We need to understand when it started, what makes it worse, and what you’ve already tried.
Next comes the physical exam. Your physiotherapist checks your posture, movement patterns, and muscle tension. They’ll press on specific areas to find supersensitive spots that indicate nerve involvement.
The actual IMS treatment takes 15 to 30 minutes. You’ll lie comfortably while thin needles are inserted into affected muscles. The needles are much finer than injection needles—most people describe a deep ache rather than sharp pain.
Your muscles might twitch when the needle hits a tight band. This response is actually good! It means we’ve found the right spot and your muscle is releasing. The sensation passes quickly as tension melts away.
Restoring Mobility and Improving Quality of Life
IMS doesn’t just reduce pain—it helps you get back to activities you’ve been avoiding. You can return to sports, play with your kids, or simply sleep through the night without discomfort.
Your improved mobility comes from releasing the mechanical restrictions in your muscles. When chronic tension disappears, your joints move through their full range again. You’ll notice this in everyday tasks like reaching overhead, bending down, or turning your neck.
Most patients complete their IMS treatment within 6 to 8 sessions. The exact number depends on how long you’ve had the problem and how your body responds. Newer injuries typically resolve faster than pain you’ve carried for years.
Between sessions, you’ll practice specific movements that reinforce your progress. These aren’t complicated exercises—just simple activities that keep your muscles working properly. Your quality of life improves as pain stops controlling your daily choices and limiting what you can do.