IMS treatment being conducted at Vancity Physio, a physiotherapy and sports medicine clinic located in Vancouver, British Columbia.

IMS: Intramuscular Stimulation

Clinical Physiotherapy - In Person Sessions

WHAT IS IMS?

IMS is an effective treatment for acute and chronic pain of neuropathic origin. It is based on scientific neurophysiological principles. IMS involves the insertion of fine acupuncture type needles into the body where muscles have shortened or contracted.

Intramuscular stimulation (IMS) is used to treat acute and chronic pain in neuropathic or musculoskeletal systems. IMS involves the insertion of very fine needles into the affected muscle. This process stimulates healing and is often referred to as “dry needling”.

IS IMS RIGHT FOR YOU?

IMS helps to relax and release muscles, as well as improve circulation to the area. IMS is best suited for patients experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain such as lower back pain, tennis elbow, carpal tunnel, chronic whiplash, sciatica, fibromyalgia, and more. This is not an exhaustive list and the benefits of IMS can be used to treat a wide array of issues. IMS is not advised for patients suffering pain as a result of cancer, arthritis, diabetes, or Parkinson’s disease. Pregnant women and people who are recovering from surgery or infection are not advised to use IMS. Talk to your physiotherapist to see if this treatment is right for you.

Vancouver Physiotherapy Clinic IMS Therapy Dry Needling

HOW IT WORKS

IMS treatment uses acupuncture needles inserted into tight muscle bands, or close to the spine, to target compressed nerve roots. Each needle causes a small, therapeutic injury which causes the muscle to cramp onto the needle. This process stimulates spinal cord reactions which relaxes the muscle and returns nerves to regular function. Improved circulation to the area also encourages the healing process.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Once the needle is inserted into the affected muscle, you can expect to feel a twitch or deep ache from the muscle. While this sensation is not painful, it will feel mildly uncomfortable. The achy feeling may last for 24-46 hours. Patients usually see benefits from IMS within 6-10 treatments. Your physiotherapist will determine the appropriate length and timeline of treatment based on your condition.

HOW TO PREPARE

Prior to any recommended treatments your physiotherapist will screen you to ensure you are a safe candidate for dry needling. Before your IMS session you should have a light snack, refrain from any caffeine, alcohol, or nicotine for at least 2 hours, and dress in treatment-appropriate clothing (tank top, shorts, etc.)

POST-SESSION

IMS sessions are cumulative, meaning the more you do it, the better off you’ll be. Time will be allotted between treatments to ensure the tissue heals effectively. If aches or discomfort are felt after a session, try drinking water, soaking in a warm bath, or applying hot compresses to the area. Patients who have experience with acupuncture may find IMS slightly more painful as the needle is inserted into the affected muscle, rather than in specific acupuncture points. Bruising and local tenderness are common side effects of IMS. These effects shouldn’t last more than 24-36 hours.

View our Resources

FEES

To book, please select Clinical Physiotherapy from our online booking platform. To maximize your session’s value, and take advantage of our diverse treatment options, fees are inclusive of all treatments used during your session. Your physiotherapist will work with you to help assess which treatments will be most beneficial during your visit.

VanCity Physio offers direct billing.

Practitioners

Tim Fung

Physiotherapist

Tim completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Kinesiology from Simon Fraser University and a Master of Physiotherapy Degree from the University of Sydney.

Tim has extensive experience working with a wide range of individuals including youth, working professionals, recreational/semi-professional athletes and weekend warriors.

Tim has additional training and specialization in the following skills: sports injury management, running injuries/running and treadmill assessments, office/workplace injury management, repetitive overuse injuries, injury prevention technique, functional reconditioning, and personalized, tailored exercise prescription.

Our team. Vancity Physiotherapy located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Your trusted Physiotherapy experts.

Isabel Aganon

Physiotherapist


Isabel Aganon graduated with a Master of Science in Physical Therapy at the University of Toronto. Boasting over a decade of experience as a dedicated physiotherapist, she is committed to improving her patient’s functional outcomes and enhancing their overall well-being.

With a steadfast commitment to providing exceptional care, she has honed her expertise through specialized training in Vestibular Rehabilitation, Chronic Pain Management, Pilates, Pelvic Health, Acupuncture, and Arthritis Care. She also possess expertise with returning injured workers back to their optimal level through work conditioning programs.

Notably, Isabel played an essential role in shaping the Advanced Practice Physiotherapy role within the Hip and Knee Surgical Assessment Program at Vancouver Coastal Health. Additionally, she collaborated closely with orthopaedic surgeons at the University Health Network in Toronto, contributing her expertise to triages in upper and lower extremity programs and spine clinics. Her experience in treating chronic pain has given her valuable insights into the interplay of psychosocial and environmental influences on patient recovery.

Beyond her professional endeavours, Isabel is deeply engaged in personal growth and wellness pursuits. She has delved into the study of mindfulness meditation and finds rejuvenation through her passion for hiking. During her journeys to India, she diligently honed her skills in Ashtanga yoga and various breathing techniques, integrating them into her practice when it is suitable.

Amy Edwards at Vancity Physiotherapy. Physiotherapists Vancouver

Allison Kryskow

Physiotherapist

Allison is a dedicated physiotherapist with a passion for holistic, whole-body care. She earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Alberta before completing her Doctor of Physiotherapy at Bond University in Gold Coast, Australia.

With over six years of experience working with sports teams—including university-level hockey, rugby, and AFL—she specializes in injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance optimization. She believes in proactive physiotherapy, focusing on preventative care rather than just reactive treatment.

In addition to sports physiotherapy, Allison is a pelvic floor physiotherapist, providing specialized care for women with pelvic health conditions. She has also pursued advanced training in concussion rehabilitation through Complete Concussions and is certified in dry needling through Foundations Health Education.

Committed to helping her patients achieve long-term health, mobility, and resilience, Allison works with athletes, active individuals, and those seeking improved well-being in daily life.


Allison Kryskow

Ranko Vukovic

Physiotherapist | GUNN IMS Practitioner

Ranko is a Registered Physiotherapist (RPT) licensed with the College of Physiotherapists of British Columbia and a member of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. 

He graduated from UBC in 2015 with a Masters of Physical Therapy. A passion for sport saw Ranko work as a BCRPA Certified Personal Trainer and Kinesiologist, creating tailored training programs for a diverse group of clients, educating and motivating them to reach their personal fitness goals. 

Ranko has post-graduate training in treating jaw pain, otherwise known as TMJ and Orofacial pain.  He’s also a Certified CGIMS Practitioner, and has completed his training at UBC. In addition, Ranko finished his Functional Dry Needling (FDN) certification in University of Navada Las Vegas. Ranko's training also includes ShockWave Therapy, Mobilization with Movement and Kinetic Link Training. He was featured in the Top 100 Canadians Magazine for 2020.

Our team. Vancity Physiotherapy located in Vancouver, British Columbia. Your trusted Physiotherapy experts.
Canadian Physiotherapy Association logo Canadian Physiotherapy Association Orthopaedic Division logo Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia logo Canadian Physiotherapy Association Acupuncture Division logo