Is a technique used to treat neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain is caused by an irritation of a nerve, often by a tight muscle. The irritation of the nerve causes hypersensitivity and shortening of any of the muscles that the nerve innervates which leads to further mechanical pain from the pull of the muscle. This can be referred to as myofascial pain syndrome and is often the cause of chronic pain. Because these conditions are present in the absence of any obvious signs of injury or inflammation there is often no findings on medical imaging such as MRI, CT, or X-Ray.
The IMS technique inserts needles (similar to acupuncture) into tight/tender muscles in the periphery or near the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and hypersensitive. This causes a spasm or cramping of the muscle. It stimulates the stretch receptor in the muscle causing a reflex relaxation or muscle lengthening of the tight muscle. This release decompresses the nerve and the constant pull of the shortened muscle. The small trauma of the needle draws blood to the area to promote healing. It also creates an electrical potential in the muscle that stimulates the nerve to function normally again.