IMS Therapy in Port Moody

Relieve Pain, Restore Movement

Release Tension and Restore Natural Movement with IMS Therapy

Chronic muscle tightness, nerve irritation, or lingering pain can make everyday activities challenging. At Inspine Therapy, we offer Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS Therapy) in Port Moody to help release muscle tension, reduce nerve sensitivity, and restore natural movement.

IMS Therapy — sometimes referred to as functional dry needling — targets the root cause of pain by addressing muscle shortening and nerve dysfunction. This evidence-based treatment uses fine, sterile needles to stimulate affected muscles and reset how your nervous system communicates with them.

Whether you’re struggling with back pain, tension headaches, sciatica, or postural strain, IMS can help you move more freely and reduce discomfort without relying on medication or invasive procedures.

What is IMS Therapy?

Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a specialized physiotherapy technique that focuses on relieving chronic pain caused by irritated nerves and tight muscles. Unlike traditional massage or stretching, IMS works at a deeper level by directly stimulating the muscle fibers that have become shortened or hypersensitive.

Developed by Dr. Chan Gunn in Vancouver, IMS has been widely adopted across Canada as an effective treatment for neuromuscular pain. The therapy uses acupuncture-like needles, but its goal is different — rather than targeting energy points, IMS specifically treats muscle groups affected by nerve irritation and imbalance.

At Inspine Therapy, our physiotherapists are certified in IMS and use it as part of an integrated care plan alongside Physiotherapy, Chiropractic Care, or Massage Therapy when appropriate.

How IMS Therapy Works

Chronic muscle pain often develops when nerves become irritated, causing the surrounding muscles to contract and remain tight. This tension restricts blood flow, compresses nerves, and limits movement. Over time, the affected muscles shorten, increasing discomfort and stiffness. IMS therapy addresses this by inserting a fine needle directly into the tight muscle band. The brief, localized twitch response you may feel indicates the muscle is releasing. This helps:

Restore normal muscle length and function
Improve blood circulation
Reduce nerve irritation
Relieve pain and stiffness

By releasing muscle tension at the source, IMS allows the body to heal naturally and restores the nervous system’s normal response.

The Benefits of IMS Therapy

IMS therapy offers both immediate and long-term benefits for pain management, flexibility, and overall mobility. It’s particularly effective for chronic or recurring conditions that have not improved with conventional physiotherapy alone.

Key benefits include:

A 2024 report from the Canadian Physiotherapy Association noted that over 70% of chronic pain patients who received IMS therapy reported measurable improvements in pain levels and function within six sessions.

At Inspine Therapy Port Moody, we often integrate IMS into multidisciplinary treatment programs with Active Rehab or Manual Therapy to achieve comprehensive results.

Conditions Treated with IMS Therapy

IMS therapy can be beneficial for a wide range of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal conditions, including:

Chronic neck and back pain
Tension headaches
and migraines
Shoulder, hip, and knee pain
Sciatica
and nerve compression
Repetitive strain injuries
(RSI)
Tendonitis
or tendinopathy
Postural imbalance
and tightness
Whiplash and motor vehicle injuries
Sports-related muscle dysfunction

If you’ve experienced ongoing tightness or pain that hasn’t responded to stretching, massage, or exercise, IMS can provide the missing link — addressing deep neuromuscular dysfunction. For patients recovering from Motor Vehicle Accidents, IMS is often used alongside ICBC-funded rehabilitation as part of an integrated care plan.

Why Choose Inspine Therapy for IMS in Port Moody

At Inspine Therapy, we take pride in offering a compassionate, evidence-based approach to pain management. Our certified physiotherapists combine clinical expertise with a personalized understanding of your body’s needs to ensure each IMS session is safe and effective. Here’s what makes us a trusted choice for IMS Therapy in Port Moody:

Certified IMS Practitioners
: All sessions are performed by registered physiotherapists trained in intramuscular stimulation techniques.
Personalized Treatment Plans
: Each session is tailored to your pain pattern, muscle function, and recovery goals.
Collaborative Care
: We integrate IMS with chiropractic care, massage therapy, and physiotherapy for complete rehabilitation.
Evidence-Based Methods
: Our team uses the latest Canadian research on neuromuscular rehabilitation to guide treatment.
Community-Centered Care
: Conveniently located near Rocky Point Park (Port Moody), we proudly serve patients across the Tri-Cities.

When you choose Inspine Therapy, you’re choosing a team that prioritizes your comfort, safety, and progress — from your first consultation to full recovery. You can book your IMS Therapy session directly via our Jane App today.

What to Expect During Your IMS Session

Your first IMS appointment begins with a comprehensive assessment by one of our physiotherapists. We’ll discuss your symptoms, medical history, and movement patterns to identify areas of muscle tightness or nerve irritation.

During treatment, a fine needle is inserted into the affected muscle. You may feel a brief twitch or deep ache — this is a positive response that signals the muscle is releasing tension. Most people describe the sensation as mildly uncomfortable but short-lived.

After your session, you might experience slight soreness (similar to post-workout muscle fatigue) that typically resolves within 24–48 hours. You’ll likely notice improved mobility, reduced stiffness, and lighter muscle tension immediately after treatment.

Depending on your condition, 4–8 sessions may be recommended for sustained improvement. Your physiotherapist will track progress and may incorporate complementary treatments like Therapeutic Ultrasound or Shockwave Therapy as needed.

Safety and Effectiveness of IMS Therapy

IMS therapy is a safe and evidence-based procedure when performed by certified practitioners. All needles used are sterile, single-use, and handled under medical-grade hygiene protocols.

Clinical studies in Canada and the UK have shown that IMS provides significant long-term pain relief for individuals with neuropathic or myofascial pain syndromes. The treatment helps reset dysfunctional nerve signals and promotes muscle healing naturally.

Our physiotherapists at Inspine Therapy are trained to assess whether IMS is appropriate for your condition. For patients with specific medical concerns, alternative approaches such as Acupuncture or Manual Therapy may be recommended.

Our Team of IMS Experts

Our physiotherapists at Inspine Therapy Port Moody are certified in intramuscular stimulation and advanced neuromuscular rehabilitation. They combine clinical skill with a personalized approach to ensure every treatment is both safe and effective.

Start Your Journey Toward Pain-Free Movement

Living with chronic pain doesn’t have to be your normal. IMS therapy offers a proven, drug-free solution to help you move freely again. Whether you’re dealing with long-standing back tension, neck stiffness, or nerve-related pain, Inspine Therapy’s experienced team is here to help you recover with confidence.

Reclaim your comfort, mobility, and energy — one session at a time.
You can book your IMS therapy session in Port Moody through our Jane App today.

FAQs

1. How is IMS different from acupuncture?

While both use fine needles, IMS focuses on treating tight muscles and irritated nerves rather than traditional acupuncture meridian points. It’s a physiotherapy-based technique targeting the root cause of musculoskeletal pain.

2. Is IMS therapy painful?

Most patients feel only a brief muscle twitch or ache during treatment. Discomfort typically lasts a few seconds, and the relief afterward often outweighs the temporary sensation.

3. How many sessions will I need?

Results vary based on your condition and how long you’ve experienced pain. Many patients notice improvement within 2–3 sessions, with optimal results seen after 4–8 treatments.

4. Is IMS therapy covered by insurance or ICBC?

Yes. IMS performed by a physiotherapist is often covered under extended health insurance and ICBC-funded physiotherapy programs. Our team can help you confirm eligibility before starting treatment.

IMS Therapy in Port Moody

What is IMS Therapy?

How IMS Therapy Works

Restore normal muscle length and function

Improve blood circulation

Reduce nerve irritation

Relieve pain and stiffness

The Benefits of IMS Therapy

Pain Relief

Improved Mobility

Enhanced Circulation

Faster Recovery

Long-Term Results

Drug-Free Solution

Conditions Treated with IMS Therapy

Tension headaches

Shoulder, hip, and knee pain

Sciatica

Repetitive strain injuries

Tendonitis

Postural imbalance

Whiplash and motor vehicle injuries

Sports-related muscle dysfunction

Why Choose Inspine Therapy for IMS in Port Moody

Certified IMS Practitioners

Personalized Treatment Plans

Collaborative Care

Evidence-Based Methods

Community-Centered Care