Acupuncture & IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)

Acupuncture and Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) are therapeutic needling techniques that use very fine sterilized needles to penetrate the body to help reduce pain, swelling, tight muscles, compressed nerve roots and muscle imbalances. Karina is both certified in medical acupuncture and Gunn IMS and has extensive experience using both techniques.

Acupuncture inserts needles into specific points along meridian pathways which have been defined by traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). These needles stimulate the nervous system, muscles and connective tissues. They work through their influence on our physiological system to reduce pain and swelling while promoting healing and well-being. Medical acupuncture combines the principles of traditional Chinese Medicine with Western Medicine. It differs from traditional acupuncture by its needle point selection. Medical acupuncture determines point selection by the location of the injury and the point’s systemic influence. Tradition acupuncture is based on TCM principles and they treat though the stimulation or tonification of chi though the various meridians. Karina is certified in Anatomical Acupuncture through the Acupuncture Foundation of Canada Institute. www.acupuncturecanada.org

IMS is a system for diagnosis and treating chronic pain syndromes that result from musculoskeletal dysfunction. It is a dry needling technique (without injecting any substance) that targets tightened muscle bands or trigger points to create a grasp from the muscle followed by a reflexive lengthening of the tissue. This helps to reduce muscle shortening and the excessive compression on the joints and nerves which are contributing to your pain and dysfunction. Karina is certified in Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation (Gunn IMS) through the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain (iSTOP). www.istop.org

For IMS treatments and acupuncture included with your treatment  book your appointment online at Sea to Sky Sports Physio or contact Karina.