What Is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?

Intramuscular Stimulation, commonly known as IMS, is a specialized dry needling technique developed by Dr. Chan Gunn at the University of British Columbia. It is one of the most effective treatments available for chronic pain caused by neuropathic muscle dysfunction — a condition where supersensitive muscles shorten and cause pain due to subtle nerve irritation that does not always show up on standard medical imaging.

IMS uses fine acupuncture-style needles inserted directly into shortened, tender muscle bands to trigger a release response. This relieves the tension in the muscle, reduces nerve hypersensitivity, and restores normal muscle function — often producing rapid and lasting relief for conditions that have not responded to other treatments.

What Does IMS Treat?

IMS is particularly effective for persistent or chronic pain conditions, including:

  • Chronic neck and back pain
  • Sciatica and radiating leg or arm pain
  • Tension headaches and migraines
  • Whiplash and motor vehicle accident injuries (ICBC)
  • Shoulder pain, including rotator cuff issues
  • Tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, and other repetitive strain injuries
  • IT band syndrome, knee pain, and hip tightness
  • Plantar fasciitis and heel pain
  • Sports injuries with persistent muscle tension

IMS is especially valuable when pain persists despite rest, massage, or other therapies, and when there is no clear structural cause on X-ray or MRI.

IMS vs. Dry Needling: What’s the Difference?

IMS and dry needling both use thin needles to treat muscle pain, but IMS is a more systematized, medically-grounded approach based on the Gunn IMS model. IMS involves a detailed assessment of nerve root irritation and a targeted, segmental treatment approach that considers the entire nerve supply to the affected muscles — not just the area of pain. All IMS practitioners at Physiolab have completed specialized training in the Gunn IMS method.

What to Expect During an IMS Session

Before your first IMS treatment, your physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment to identify which muscles are shortened and neuropathically sensitized. The needle is inserted into the affected muscle, and you may feel a characteristic “grasp” or brief muscle twitch — this is a positive sign indicating the muscle is responding. Most patients experience some muscle soreness for 24–48 hours after treatment, similar to the feeling after a good workout, followed by a notable release of tension and improvement in pain.

Sessions typically take 30–60 minutes and are often combined with manual therapy and exercise prescription for best results.

Why Physiolab for IMS in Vancouver?

IMS is a core service at Physiolab. Several of our physiotherapists have extensive training and experience in Gunn IMS, making us one of Vancouver’s leading destinations for this treatment. Patients consistently report significant improvement after just a few sessions — even for pain they have lived with for years.

We welcome ICBC and WorkSafeBC referrals, offer direct billing to extended health plans, and have four convenient Vancouver locations. Book online or call us to learn if IMS is right for you.

Chronic pain that hasn't responded to other treatments may finally have a solution.

IMS therapy at Physiolab targets the root cause of your muscle pain at the nerve level. Book your IMS assessment in Vancouver today — many patients feel a difference after the very first session.

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What Our
Patients Say

★★★★★
PhysioLab Little Mountain is honestly amazing. I've been seeing Allison for physio, and her IMS is the real deal. I've tried so many things before, but her IMS actually works — every session gives me real relief and I can feel the difference right away. She just knows exactly where the problem is and treats it directly. Couldn't recommend more.
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Peter Yang
★★★★★
I was actually looking for a RMT for my chronic shoulder and neck pain that troubled me for years but they were all booked. The receptionist recommended that I see Jackson for physiotherapy as the IMS treatment worked wonders for her. I have never been to a physio treatment before and decided to give it a try. The result was amazing. My shoulder and neck pain reduced significantly after the treatment.
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Madeline Huang
★★★★★
I have been going to Physiolab for years at the Main Street location and have stellar experiences with literally the entire team. I've had serious shoulder surgery due to a snowboard accident and needed work from the physiotherapists, massage therapists, kinesiologists, chiropractors, and acupuncturists. I have had stellar results with IMS (intramuscular stimulation) to which I have regularly gone to the Main Street location in the past years. Now with this location, it's even more convenient for me.
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Bianca LC
★★★★★
I can't recommend Allison and Physiolab enough! I've been seeing Allison for the past three years, and her expertise and care have made a huge difference in my recovery. Every session is personalized to what I need — whether it's IMS dry needling, taping, or building a solid foundation of exercises to help prevent future injuries. She is thorough, knowledgeable, and genuinely cares about her patients.
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Benson Yang

FAQs

Common questions about IMS therapy, intramuscular stimulation, and how it compares to dry needling and acupuncture in Vancouver.
What is IMS therapy and how does it work?

IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation) is a dry needling technique developed by Dr. Chan Gunn that uses fine needles to treat chronic muscle pain caused by nerve hypersensitivity. The needle triggers a release in shortened, overactive muscle bands, reducing tension and desensitizing the nerve to provide lasting relief.

Is IMS the same as acupuncture?

No. While both use similar thin needles, IMS is grounded in Western neurological science and treats musculoskeletal pain based on the Gunn model of neuropathic pain. Acupuncture is rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine and works on different principles. IMS targets specific shortened muscles identified through a clinical assessment.

What is the difference between IMS and dry needling?

Both techniques insert needles into muscles, but IMS (specifically Gunn IMS) involves a systematic assessment of spinal nerve irritation and a segmental treatment approach. IMS practitioners follow a specific training and certification framework developed at UBC. Dry needling is a broader term with varying protocols and training standards.

Does IMS hurt?

During IMS, you may feel a brief ache or muscle twitch when the needle contacts the shortened muscle — this ‘grasp’ response is a sign the muscle is responding to treatment. Mild muscle soreness for 24–48 hours after the session is common and similar to the feeling after exercise. Most patients find the discomfort well tolerable given the relief it provides.

How many IMS sessions will I need?

Many patients notice improvement after just 1–3 sessions. For chronic pain conditions, 4–8 sessions are typical to achieve lasting results. The number varies depending on how long you’ve had the condition, the severity of muscle dysfunction, and your overall health. Your physiotherapist will provide a personalized estimate after assessment.

What conditions is IMS most effective for?

IMS is particularly effective for chronic neck and back pain, sciatica, tension headaches, whiplash, shoulder injuries, tennis elbow, IT band syndrome, plantar fasciitis, and sports injuries where persistent muscle tension hasn’t resolved with other treatments.

Can IMS help with pain from a car accident (ICBC)?

Yes. IMS is an approved and commonly used treatment for ICBC (motor vehicle accident) claims, particularly for whiplash-associated disorders and persistent soft tissue injuries. Physiolab accepts ICBC referrals for IMS therapy.

Is IMS covered by extended health insurance in BC?

IMS performed by a registered physiotherapist is typically covered under extended health insurance plans that include physiotherapy benefits. Physiolab offers direct billing to most major providers. Contact your insurer to confirm your specific coverage.

Who performs IMS at Physiolab?

IMS at Physiolab is performed by registered physiotherapists with specialized training in the Gunn IMS technique. Our practitioners have completed formal IMS certification and have extensive hands-on experience treating a wide range of chronic pain conditions with this method.

Our
Locations

We are proud to serve multiple convenient locations, ensuring quality physiotherapy care is always within reach.