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| Acupuncture/IMS |
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Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is one of many treatments
used at Coast Physiotherapy. IMS is very effective for problems due to a
type of problem known as neuropathic pain. With neuropathic pain, nerves
malfunction following minor irritation. Nerves and nerve endings become
extremely sensitive and cause innocent, harmless signals to be exaggerated
and misinterpreted as painful ones. This characteristic is known medically
as hypersensitivity. The result is pain. This minor malfunction of a nerve
cannot be measured using standard medical tests, therefore tests often show
nothing wrong. Until recently, hypersensitivity has received little
attention in medical circles.
Although IMS uses implements adapted from traditional
acupuncture, it is based on scientific, neurophysiological principles. The
acupuncture needle used is very thin (much thinner than the hollow needle
used to inject medicine or take blood). You may not even feel it penetrating
the skin, and if your muscle is normal, the needle is painless. However, a
shortened, supersensitive muscle will ‘grasp’ the needle in what can be
described as a cramping sensation. The result is threefold. One, a stretch
receptor in the muscle is stimulated, producing a reflex relaxation
(lengthening). Two, the needle also causes a small injury that draws blood
to the area, initiating the natural healing process. Three, the treatment
creates an electrical potential in the muscle to stimulate the nerve to
function normally again.
When competently performed, IMS has a remarkable success
rate, as proven by the amelioration of symptoms and signs, even for chronic
back pain with root signs. The technique is also unequalled for finding and
diagnosing muscle shortening in deep muscles. IMS is effective and has few
side-effects. If you would like further information on IMS then please feel free to contact us. You can also visit the Institute for the Study and Treatment Of Pain website. Just click on the logo below.
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| 24 Dillwyn Road, Sketty, Swansea SA2 9AE | ||||||||||||||||||