patient information

Back and Neck Pain

IMS was developed by Dr. Chan Gunn, Clinical Professor at the University of Washington's Multidisciplinary Pain Centre in Seattle and at the University of British Columbia's Medical School. It is now used at many pain centres and has gained the respect of practitioners around the world.

Trained in 1998 by Dr Chan Gunn the founder of IMS Dr James Brown uses IMS regularly for the effective treatment of the following chronic conditions:

Chronic "whiplash" pain

Chronic Spinal pain

Repetitive strain injury

Anterior knee pain / Patello-femoral pain

Breaking the Cycle of Pain

The goal of IMS is to release shortened muscles which irritate nerves and, by doing so, desensitise painful supersensitive areas.
It is often successful in breaking the chronic cycle of pain because
it permits accurate diagnosis of muscle shortening in deep muscles. It provides lasting relief and has few side-effects.

Experiencing IMS
IMS treatment begins with a thorough musculoskeletal examination followed by stimulation of shortened muscles by needling. IMS needles are adapted from those used in acupuncture and are much finer than the hollow needles used for injections. They are disposable and are not reused.

The Needling Process
Tender and tight muscle bands indicate where the needle should be inserted. If your muscle is normal, insertion is painless. However, if it is supersensitive and shortened, you will feel a cramping sensation as the needling causes your muscle to contract more than ever. This uncomfortable cramping lasts for only a few seconds and is critical to the healing process. It subsequently allows your muscle to relax and is followed by long-term relief. Soreness after treatment is normal and may last for several days.

Treatments - How Often and for How Long?
An appointment once every week to two weeks allows for healing between treatments. The number of treatments needed depends on factors such as the duration and extent of your condition, the presence or absence of scar tissue and the speed at which your body heals. You are likely to notice a marked improvement within six to eight visits.

The Effects of IMS: What to Expect
The impact of IMS is cumulative. Each needling stimulates further healing. If no structural damage has occurred, the condition will eventually heal. If spondylosis is present, symptoms can be greatly relieved and mobility dramatically increased.