IMS | Dry needling | Acupuncture

Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS) is a system for diagnosing and treating chronic myofascial pain syndromes, developed by Dr. Chan Gunn and grounded in Western medical science. It uses dry needling to target and release shortened, hypersensitive muscles caused by nerve dysfunction (neuropathy). 

Core Concepts

• Neuropathic Pain Model: Gunn IMS is based on the theory that chronic pain often stems from dysfunction in the nervous system, not just localized injury or inflammation.

• Muscle Shortening: Following nerve irritation (radiculopathy), muscles supplied by the affected nerve can become chronically shortened, taut, and supersensitive, forming "trigger points" or "knots".

• Dry Needling: Very fine, sterile acupuncture needles are inserted into these tight muscle bands. No substance is injected, which is why it's called "dry needling".

• Therapeutic Response: When a shortened muscle is needled, it "grasps" the needle, causing a brief, cramp-like sensation (a muscle twitch or "jump"). This response helps to:

  • Stimulate a spinal reflex to cause the muscle to lengthen and relax.

  • Promote blood flow to the area, initiating the natural healing process.

  • "Reset" the nerve function, reducing its hypersensitivity. 

Key Differences from Acupuncture

While both use similar needles, Gunn IMS differs from traditional acupuncture in its diagnostic and theoretical approach. 

• Basis: Gunn IMS is based on a Western medical understanding of anatomy, physiology, and neurology, whereas acupuncture is rooted in traditional Chinese medicine meridians.

• Assessment: Gunn IMS requires a thorough physical examination by a trained practitioner to identify physical signs of neuropathic pain, which may not appear on X-rays or MRIs.

• Goal: The aim is to release specific, objectively identified tight muscle bands associated with nerve dysfunction, not to balance "Qi" or energy flow. 

Benefits and Conditions Treated

Gunn IMS is a whole-body approach used to treat a variety of persistent musculoskeletal pain conditions, including: 

• Chronic back and neck pain

• Headaches and migraines

• Fibromyalgia

• Carpal tunnel syndrome

• Sports injuries and repetitive strain

• Arthritis and joint problems

Practitioner Training

The Gunn IMS training program is a rigorous certification course for experienced physiotherapists and medical doctors, integrated into the University of British Columbia (UBC) Faculty of Medicine since 2011. Practitioners who complete the program are certified as CGIMS practitioners. You can find more information on the official Gunn IMS website.