What is Gunn Intra-Muscular Stimulation?

Gunn IMS is a comprehensive approach to all musculo-skeletal conditions. It is highly effective on problems such as back ache, headaches, tennis elbow and frozen shoulder – often with fast and dramatic results.

How does IMS work?

Many causes of pain and chronic problems don’t show up on expensive imaging such as MRI scans. This is because the pain is often neuropathic (functional) as opposed to structural.  So Gunn IMS relies on a thorough physical examination of the patient to find the physical signs of neuropathic pain.

Distressed or injured muscles can become contracted and shortened. The Gunn IMS practitioner uses thin acupuncture needles to target deep inside these muscles. Often the needling site is close to the spine where the nerve root may have become irritated and supersensitive, causing different problems in many different parts of the body.

The result is threefold:

One, a stretch receptor in the muscle is stimulated, producing a reflex relaxation (lengthening).

Two, the needle causes a small injury that draws blood to the area, initiating the natural healing process.

Three, the treatment creates an electrical potential in the muscle to make the nerve function normally again.

Does Gunn IMS hurt?

Penetration of a normal muscle with an acupuncture needle is painless. A shortened, supersensitive muscle will ‘grasp’ the needle in what can be described as a cramping sensation. This is followed either by an immediate feeling of release from pain or a dull ache that gradually wears off to give long lasting relief.

Is Gunn IMS the same as acupuncture?

Gunn IMS uses acupuncture needles because they are the thinnest implements available but it is grounded in Western Medical Science, and has a solid foundation in its radiculopathic model of pain, which is now supported by many experts in the field.

How long will it take to get better?

After your first session the practitioner can give you an idea of how many sessions it will take to treat your problem. For most patients, this is a matter of weeks or a few months.  Even in chronic conditions Gunn IMS can produce long lasting and often permanent results.