IMS Dry Needling in Squamish, BC

What is IMS?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a dry needling technique developed by Dr. Chan Gunn to treat neuropathic pain — pain arising from nerve supersensitivity rather than active tissue damage or inflammation. Unlike acupuncture, which is guided by TCM meridian theory, IMS is based on neurophysiologic principles: physical signs in the body indicate where needle insertion is needed.

Mina Kavia uses IMS as part of her physiotherapy practice at the Squamish clinic, often combining it with manual therapy and Functional Medicine protocols for patients whose pain has not responded to conventional treatment.

How IMS Works

Chronic pain frequently involves a cycle of nerve supersensitivity and muscle shortening. Supersensitive nerves cause muscles to contract and shorten around them; shortened muscles compress and further irritate the nerves. IMS breaks this cycle.

A fine needle is inserted into a tight, shortened muscle band. The needle causes a brief, involuntary muscle contraction — described as a cramp or Charlie horse sensation — followed by a release. This mechanical stimulus desensitises the nerve ending and releases the muscle shortening. The process resets the nerve-muscle relationship, reducing pain signals and restoring normal function.

Effects are cumulative. Sessions are typically scheduled weekly. Published research on low back pain suggests an average of 8.2 treatments, though the number varies based on condition duration, scar tissue involvement, and individual healing capacity.

What IMS Can Treat

IMS is most effective for chronic pain conditions where neuropathic sensitisation is the primary driver — particularly cases with no clear structural cause on imaging.

IMS at Our Squamish Clinic

Sessions combine a physical assessment to identify supersensitive areas with targeted needling of the affected muscle bands. Most patients notice meaningful improvement within 3–4 sessions. Mina pairs IMS with exercise prescription and, where appropriate, Functional Medicine protocols to address the systemic factors — inflammation, nutritional deficiencies, blood sugar — that can perpetuate nerve sensitisation.

Conditions Treated

• — Chronic neck and low back pain
• — Headaches and migraines
• — Tennis elbow and golfer's elbow
• — Frozen shoulder
• — Whiplash and post-injury pain
• — Sciatica
• — Knee and hip pain
• — Plantar fasciitis
• — Chronic muscle tension and spasm
• — Post-surgical pain