IMS vs acupuncture: What is the difference?

Acupuncture and intramuscular stimulation (IMS) can both be effective modalities for pain management. The two treatments are similar in that they both involve the insertion of a thin, sterile needle to stimulate healing. The rationale for the use of these modalities distinguishes IMS from acupuncture.

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS): IMS, or functional dry-needling, is a technique based in Western medicine and is used to treat musculoskeletal and joint pain. IMS involves needles being directly inserted into the muscle tissue to elicit a twitch response from the muscle resulting in decreased tension and nerve de-sensitization. The specific insertion points are determined by a thorough physical examination to assess and ascertain the muscle contribution to tightness and pain. IMS needle insertion is typically shorter in duration than acupuncture. IMS may result in some immediate muscle soreness, but the treatment may help to improve range of motion, muscle movement patterning and provide relief of muscular pain and stiffness long-term. 

Read more about IMS / functional dry needling HERE

Watch a video of IMS / functional dry needling on the shoulder HERE   

Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a technique based in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has been developed over thousands of years. Acupuncture is used to treat a variety of body ailments including migraines, nausea, anxiety, and musculoskeletal pain. Acupuncture needles are inserted into body tissue at points along meridians which are mapped out throughout the body — this aids to balance energy flow and support the function of internal organs. An acupuncture session will typically consist of the insertion of several needles into the body for a pre-determined amount of time.

IMS and acupuncture seem similar because they use the same instrument — needles. However, the rationale and methods for each treatment are different. At Elios Health, located in Vancouver’s Little Mountain neighbourhood, there are physiotherapists providing IMS treatments, along with acupuncturists and a naturopathic doctor offering acupuncture services.

Original post by Rachel Rubin-Sarganis
Photo by Vi Vi on Unsplash