Gunn IMS/Functional Dry Needling
Gunn IMS or Functional Dry Needling practitioners are trained physiotherapy and chiropractic professionals who use fine needles to diagnose and treat myofascial and neuropathic pain, particularly when no clear injury or inflammation is present. This technique is based on Western medical science and a radiculopathic model of pain, which attributes chronic pain to irritated or supersensitive nerves affecting muscle function.
What Is Gunn IMS/Functional Dry Needling?
Functional Dry Needling or IMS is a total system for diagnosing and treating myofascial pain syndromes—chronic pain conditions that originate in the musculoskeletal system without clear signs of injury or inflammation. The technique uses acupuncture needles (the thinnest tools available) to penetrate deep muscle tissue and target areas where muscles have shortened or contracted due to nerve irritation.
While the needles are similar to those used in acupuncture, IMS is distinct in its medical foundation, requiring a thorough physical examination and diagnosis by a practitioner trained to recognize the physical signs of neuropathic pain. Chronic pain is often neurological rather than structural, and may not appear on X-rays, MRIs, bone scans, or CT scans.
How Does It Work?
IMS involves dry needling—meaning no substances are injected—of affected muscles and nerve pathways. Needle insertion points may be located in taut, tender muscle bands or near the spine, where irritated nerve roots are often the source of dysfunction.
Penetrating a healthy muscle typically causes no pain. However, inserting the needle into a shortened, supersensitive muscle may trigger a deep cramping sensation or a reflexive "grasp" of the needle. This reaction is both diagnostic and therapeutic.
Each treatment can produce three key effects:
Muscle relaxation
Stimulating a stretch receptor in the muscle prompts a reflex that releases tension and restores length.Localized healing
The needle causes a small, controlled injury that draws blood to the area and triggers the body’s natural healing response.Neurological reset
The needling creates an electrical potential in the muscle, helping normalize nerve function.
Because IMS directly stimulates muscle spindles, it becomes both a diagnostic and therapeutic tool for treating neuropathic muscle pain.
How Is IMS Different from Acupuncture?
While IMS may appear similar to acupuncture, there are important differences:
IMS is grounded in anatomy and Western medical science, not traditional meridian theory.
Needle locations are determined by physical signs, not predefined points.
A medical diagnosis is required before treatment.
Patients often feel immediate effects, both subjectively and objectively.
Care is collaborative here.
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