Understanding Muscle Spasms
Muscle spasms occur when a muscle involuntarily and forcibly contracts and cannot relax. This mechanism is often a protective response to injury, but when spasms are frequent or severe, they can highlight an underlying issue. The contraction is a result of an activation of nerve impulses sent from the brain to the muscle. In the case of cramps related to overuse or dehydration, the muscle’s metabolism (including the balance of electrolytes and fluids) can become disrupted, leading to an involuntary contraction.
In addressing muscle spasms, treatments vary depending on their frequency, severity, and the underlying cause. Staying hydrated, ensuring an adequate intake of minerals, and stretching before and after exercise can help prevent muscle spasms. For chronic or severe spasms, especially those not related to simple causes like overuse or dehydration, consulting healthcare professionals is recommended to identify and treat any underlying conditions.
At Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub, our approach to treating muscle spasms involves a comprehensive evaluation to understand the specific needs of each patient. By identifying the root cause of the spasms, we aim to provide targeted treatment to not only relieve the immediate symptoms but also address any contributing factors to prevent future occurrences. Whether through IMS therapy or other specialized treatments, our goal is to restore our patients’ comfort and mobility, allowing them to return to their daily activities without the disruption of muscle spasms.
For IMS treatments, we recommend the following:
What is IMS?
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a therapeutic treatment that combines principles from traditional acupuncture and modern neurophysiology to offer relief from chronic pain and muscle spasms. By using acupuncture needles to target specific muscles and nerves, IMS works to release muscle tension and reduce pain, offering a new path to those who have found little relief in other treatments.
To learn more about our approach to IMS and dry needling, click here.
How Does IMS Work?
IMS targets muscles that have become shortened and sensitive due to the nervous system’s abnormal processing of pain. By inserting fine needles into these tight bands of muscle, IMS stimulates the muscle, causing a reflex relaxation (a “twitch” response). This process helps to reset the muscle’s length, relieve pain, and restore function. The treatment also encourages a healing blood flow to the area and can desensitize supersensitive areas of the nerves.
Benefits of IMS for Muscle Spasms
Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) offers a distinct approach to treating muscle spasms, diverging from conventional methods by targeting the neuropathic origins of pain. This specialized treatment boasts several benefits, making it a compelling choice for individuals seeking relief from chronic muscle spasms:
- Directly Addresses Neuropathic Pain: Unlike traditional treatments that may focus on symptomatic relief, IMS targets the root cause of muscle spasms—neuropathic pain. It helps in resetting the nervous system’s abnormal pain processing, offering a deeper level of healing.
- Reduces Dependency on Medication: By effectively addressing and mitigating pain, IMS can reduce an individual’s dependency on pain medication, including over-the-counter and prescription drugs, thus minimizing the risk of side effects associated with long-term medication use.
- Improves Mobility and Function: IMS helps in releasing muscle tension and restoring normal muscle length, which in turn enhances mobility and function. This improvement is crucial for individuals whose muscle spasms have limited their daily activities or overall quality of life.
- Long-term Relief: Patients often experience long-term relief from chronic pain and muscle spasms following IMS therapy. This lasting impact is attributed to the treatment’s ability to alter the underlying neuropathic condition causing the pain.
- Minimally Invasive with Few Side Effects: IMS uses fine needles without injecting any substance, making it a minimally invasive option. While some may experience temporary soreness or bruising at the needle sites, these side effects are typically mild and transient.
What to Expect During IMS Treatment
Understanding the IMS treatment process can help alleviate any apprehensions and prepare patients for what lies ahead. Here’s a detailed overview of what to expect during an IMS treatment with our physiotherapists at Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub:
- Initial Assessment: Your journey begins with a comprehensive assessment by one of our skilled physiotherapists to determine the suitability of IMS for your condition. This evaluation includes a review of your medical history, a physical examination, diagnostic tests and educating you on your condition and viable treatment techniques for it.
- Treatment: Once you and your physiotherapist have determined if IMS is suitable for you, your physiotherapist will insert fine needles into specific areas of your body. These are not random but are carefully chosen based on your unique pain patterns and the underlying neuropathic issues. The insertion of the needle is quick, and while the sensation varies among individuals, most report feeling a minor pricking or cramping sensation. During the treatment, it’s common to feel a twitch response as the needle contacts the tight muscle bands. This is a positive sign that the treatment is targeting the right areas. Some patients report immediate relief following this twitch response.
- Post-Treatment Experience: After treatment, you might feel soreness in the treated areas, similar to the sensation after a rigorous workout. This is normal and typically subsides within a day or two. Our team will provide you with aftercare instructions to manage any discomfort.
- A Treatment Plan: The number of IMS sessions required varies based on your response to treatment. Some may see significant improvements within a few sessions, while others may need a more extended treatment period to achieve optimal results. Your physiotherapist will determine with you the amount of sessions you may need to resolve your issues.
FAQs
What does IMS do to muscle?
IMS induces a small, controlled injury to the muscle, causing it to contract and then relax, breaking the cycle of muscle tension and pain. This process helps to reset the muscle’s normal functioning, relieving pain and improving mobility.
What are the side effects of IMS?
IMS is a safe treatment with minimal side effects. Some patients may experience temporary soreness or bruising at the needle sites, but these are typically mild and resolve quickly.
Can dry needling help muscle spasms?
Yes, dry needling, a technique similar to IMS, can also help relieve muscle spasms. It involves inserting needles into trigger points to cause a twitch response, relieving muscle tension and pain.
What is the difference between IMS & traditional treatments for muscle spasms?
Compared to traditional treatments for muscle spasms, such as medication or conventional physical therapy, IMS offers a targeted approach that addresses the root cause of the pain. While traditional methods may provide temporary relief, IMS seeks to restore the normal function of muscles and nerves for long-term improvement.
Conclusion
At Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub, we’re committed to providing innovative and effective treatments like IMS to help our patients achieve their best possible health outcomes. If you’re struggling with chronic muscle spasms, IMS might be the solution you’ve been seeking. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to relief and recovery.
IMS offers a promising solution for those burdened by muscle spasms, providing a path to recovery that is rooted in understanding and addressing the underlying causes of pain. At Vancouver Physiotherapy Hub, we’re here to guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you receive the care and support you need to live without the constant shadow of muscle spasms.
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