GUNN Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)
Developed in the 1970’s by Dr C. Chan Gunn, the Gunn IMS approach is a total system to diagnose and treat persistent myofascial pain syndromes. Based on a neuropathic muscle pain model of musculoskeletal dysfunction the aim of treatment is to alleviate chronic pain conditions of the musculoskeletal system and release muscle shortening, which irritates and presses on the nerve.
Grounded in Western Medical Science, IMS has a solid foundation in a radiculopathic model of pain. Chronic pain is often neurological rather than structural and thus not detected by X-rays, MRI, CT and bone scans. Trained IMS practitioners recognise physical signs of neuropathic pain through a thorough examination of your physicality when there is no obvious indication of injury or inflammation.
Physiotherapy treatment
The dry needling technique of MRI uses thin acupuncture needles for the alleviation of musculoskeletal and biomechanical problems. The insertion of needles deep into muscles reduces for instance, occurring tightness and neural pain of distressed or injured muscles, joints, tendons, bursal and connective tissue of fascial. This technique also addresses biomechanical problems. Through the stimulation of muscle spindles, the needles become a unique tool for the diagnosis of Neuropathic Muscle Pain. IMS treats the underlying neuropathic (functional) condition which causes your pain and has remarkable success rate when performed competently.
Gunn IMS treats the root cause of the problem and can also treat local muscle spasm as well as complex sports injuries which are often have a neuropathic origin.
Olympic squads and some national teams require IMS practitioners to be part of their core therapy team as sports athletes have recovered much quicker from their injuries when Gunn IMS has been practiced.
Practising during COVID-19
Standard Gunn IMS protocol is that clinic surfaces are disinfected, the patient’s skin is disinfected with alcohol swabs, the needles are sterile, IMS practitioners wash their hands and wear gloves disinfected with hand sanitiser.
If you would like to make an enquiry as to how we can help you with your problem, you can email us on info@reachphysiotherapy.com or call on 01273 732835.
* Contact Reach Physiotherapy for a list of references used for this blog content.
