Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS) is a total system for the diagnosis and treatment of myofascial pain syndromes(Gunn., 2015).  IMS explains pain as the result of dysfunction in the nerves, which is called neuropathic pain. This type of pain often arises and persists indefinitely in the absence of a detectable permanent injury or inflammation (Gunn.,2015).

IMS involves the insertion of fine needles into shortened muscles bands and trigger points, often eliciting a local twitch response, which causes muscle relaxation.  This is a key factor in ongoing pain as shortened muscles decrease joint mobility, alter joint alignment, increase joint pressure, decrease neural range of motion and cause neural entrapment. Some common syndromes that result from shortened muscles include epicondylitis,tendonitis, bursitis, entrapment neuropathies and syndromes (such as IT band and piriformis syndrome).