Causes of Frozen Shoulder

Normally,   your shoulder ball and socket joint and the surrounding muscles and ligaments are well lubricated and able to stretch easily.  However, if these tissues become inflamed, they lose their elasticity causing your shoulder to tighten up in all directions.  Even simple movements become difficult.  The technical term for frozen shoulder is adhesive capsulitis and the major causes are:

• Gradual pain and stiffness that starts without any obvious cause ( note: women over 40 with a history of diabetes or thyroid disease appear to be at greater risk).
• After a traumatic injury (eg., slip and fall)
• Following surgery where the shoulder is kept still for a long time (e.g., in a sling,).

Three Stages of Frozen Shoulder

Typically, adhesive capsulitis has three stages:

• Freezing stage. Pain is present most or all of the time. Sleeping is difficult and all movements aggravate the pain (usually lasts 3 to 6 months, sometimes more).
• Frozen stage. Pain usually lessens slightly but shoulder continues to stiffen (can last up to 12 months).
• Thawing stage.  Pain goes away and shoulder movements begin to come back (can last up to 24 months).

Unfreezing Your Shoulder with Physical Therapy

Physical therapists are highly skilled at assessing and treating people with frozen shoulder.  Capilano physiotherapists will conduct a thorough examination to determine if you actually have frozen shoulder (eg. not rotator cuff or bursitis) and its stage.

After your exam, your attending Capilano Physiotherapist will: 

• Focus on pain control in the pain stage (e.g., gentle exercises, treatments to gently mobilize the joint, etc.)
• Focus on range of motion in the frozen stage (e.g., strengthening exercises, manual therapy, etc)
• Focus on functional exercises and rehabilitation in the recovery stage to restore flexibility and function

It is important to understand the stage as treatment differs for each stage. Pushing the movement too early can worsen the pain, not pushing enough can lead to more stiffness. Your physical therapist will help you determine how much to push. 

Recovery Expectations

Recovery takes time and success depends upon participation in the treatment plan provided by your physiotherapist.  

For stubborn and non-responsive frozen shoulders, Capilano offers additional treatment options which may assist with your recovery, including but not limited to:

• Shockwave Therapy
• Gunn IMS
• BIODEX
• Acupuncture

If your shoulder is getting stiff and sore, don’t wait for a referral.  Get moving.  Keep Moving. Call Capilano now at (780)-466-1104 to schedule your exam as soon as possible.  Let Capilano help you wake up to painfree living.

Capilano is pleased to offer the BIODEX® System to Edmonton and the surrounding area physical therapy patients. 

The BIODEX® incorporates the latest in auto-programming, tested robotic treatment protocols, and uncompromised accuracy.  All this so that post-surgical knees or shoulders can efficiently and safely regain flexibility and strength as quickly as possible.

What is unique about the BIODEX® System?

 The BIODEX® allows patients to iso-kinetically test and train with the isolated joints and surrounding musculature in biomechanically correct positions and at speeds that replicate actual function.

 Isokinetic exercise is defined as the resistance to a movement that a patient encounters that is in direct proportion to the effort.

 With isokinetic exercise, a patient does not encounter more resistance than they are capable of applying.  This can be especially advantageous to reduce pain while safely trying to improve the quality of the muscle contraction and function.

 What are some benefits of the BIODEX ?

 According to BIODEX®, some benefits that the BIODEX may offer you as part of your injury recovery plan are:

• Measure all the parameters (including acceleration and deceleration) that define muscle functional performance
• Decrease joint effusion
• Increase range of motion
• Improve healing of the articular cartilage and soft tissues
• Reduce risk of re-injury (especially athletes)
• Offer appropriate strengthening protocols for knees and shoulders
• Safe and effective strengthening after injury or surgery
• Determines readiness to return to sport or job
• Provides your attending therapist with an objective report including comparison of strength to the non-injured side

 What type of problems may be suitable for the BIODEX?

While the BIODEX® can be used in various clinical situations, the most common utilization at Capilano Rehab has been for the following:

• Post Shoulder Surgery
• Post Knee Surgery
• Chronic Rotator Cuff
• Frozen Shoulder
• Chondromalacia Patella Syndrome
• Osteoarthritic Knee Pain
• Industrial Injury Rehab (Gripping, Twisting, etc.)

 And remember.  The BIODEX is typically only one component of your total rehab experience at Capilano.  You will likely have other treatment modalities and exercises included in your individualized rehab program.

What could I do next?

If you have had shoulder or knee surgery, or another related problem, and would like to find out if the BIODEX would be appropriate for you, please call our office at (780) 466-1104 to schedule your physical therapy examination.  Capilano offers Modern Treatments and Old Fashioned Care.

For over a decade, Capilano Rehab Centre has been prescribing and dispensing custom foot orthotics for adults, teens, and athletes.  We have provided comfortable and lightweight orthotics for dress, casual, and a variety of athletic footwear, including soccer cleats and hockey skates. 

How Long Do Orthotics Usually Last?

Ideally, your orthotics should be re-assessed every two to three years.  Not only do feet change over time, but weight changes, heath problems, activity level variation, and simple wear and tear can affect the fit that you are getting from your orthotics.  Simply stated, you may not be getting the same orthotic support as you were at the time of dispensing.

What are some features of Capilano’s orthotics?

Most of Capilano’s Footmaxx orthotics are made from semi-rigid materials and this allows a small amount of flex and movement for your feet and are therefore often tolerated better than hard, rigid appliances.  Here are some other Capilano features:

• Certified Physical Therapist
• No referral needed*
• Custom fit orthotic from a 3-Dimensional digitizing scan or cast
• Quick turnaround time from order to fitting
• No obligation fit check-up(s)
• Additional foot and ankle pain treatment services available on site, including: Physical Therapy, Graston Technique, Kinesio-taping, IMS (Gunn Certified), and Radial Shockwave Therapy.

*(unless your insurance plan requires a doctor’s prescription and/or a gait report)

What Can I Do?

If you feel that your orthotics are doing more harm than good, or want a check on their current status, please call Capilano at 780-466-1104 to arrange your no obligation check-up today.

Here is Some Bad News

But another reason for neck pain is that you have wear and tear on your cervical discs and joints that produces limited and restricted spinal mobility.  With limited mobility, simple pulling, pushing lifting or even just looking up can cause neck pain.

Here is Some Good News

Capilano Rehab Centre offers a state-of-the art Spinal Decompression therapy program for your stiff and sore neck.  Capilano’s Spinal Decompression is an advanced computerized treatment that can safely, gently, and quickly reduce neck pain caused by arthritis, bulging discs and pinched nerves.  And best of all, there are no drugs or needles involved.

How Does Spinal Decompression Work?

Spinal Decompression works slowly and scientifically to increase the spacing between the vertebrae.  This logarithmic decompression can improve the vertebral spacing and vertebral disc hydration (moisture/nutrition), and consequently, this not only allows your joints to have more flexibility, but it also helps retract the bulging discs off the nerve and back into place.

Why Are My Discs Important?

Your discs are located between your neck vertebrae.  The discs function like hydraulic shock absorbers and also provide a specialized surface for the vertebrae to move on.  Your spine requires this movement for not only movement, but also for disc nutrition and health.

How Do Discs Bulge?

The inside of your disc has a gel structure (nucleus) and an outer cartilaginous border (annulus).  They work together to handle the stresses of moving your neck.   Over time, and with repetitive stresses, the outer border can be weakened and the gel can be squeezed out of position, thereby forcing the outer disc wall to bulge or even herniate.  And this can put pressure onto your nerve roots, causing severe neck pain.

Can Spinal Decompression Help?

A clinical outcome study of 219 patients with herniated and degenerative disc disease showed that 86% of the patients who completed the spinal decompression therapy program reported immediate resolution of symptoms, while 84% remained pain-free 90 days post-treatment. Physical examination findings showed improvement in 92% of the 219 patients, and remained intact in 89% of these patients 90 days after treatment.

How Many Treatments Might I Need?

Spinal Decompression system suppliers and the leading researchers advise that neck pain patients should expect between ten to twenty DTS sessions, regularly applied over a six week period.  Your neck discs and joints need this continual attention to heal properly.  Although we cannot guarantee results, we typically follow this approach in order to optimize the best outcomes.

 Is Spinal Decompression Right for Me?

Before any treatment begins, you need to have your neck thoroughly examined to determine if you are a candidate for the treatment.  Capilano’s DTS clinicians are registered Physical Therapists. They conduct a clinical DTS examination before your DTS treatment is started and supervise your ongoing program and recovery.  If appropriate, they may prescribe complimentary exercises and/or other treatment modalities such as therapeutic heat, cold laser, and so forth.  Every patient receives individualized Capilano care.

What Can I Do Next?

Call Capilano at (780)-466-1104 to schedule your exam.  Plan to attend for at least 30 minutes and bring all relevant x-ray and MRI reports.  If Spinal Decompression is not for you, there are other professional Capilano treatment options that may be just what you need to wake up to pain free living.

Proud to support the YOU movement. Physiotherapy gets you moving. Physiotherapy keeps you moving.

Every body is different. Every injury is unique.

Capilano’s licensed physiotherapists will help you understand what’s causing your problem and will develop a customized treatment plan to get you moving and doing the things you love, again and again.

Your Movement Professionals.

Physiotherapy treatment can help you get back to life. As physical function and mobility professionals, Alberta physiotherapists are university trained with advanced skills and knowledge to assess, diagnose, and treat your physical symptoms and limited movement caused by pain, injury, or other health conditions. Physical therapists treat your whole body and can show how to avoid future injury.

Some of the common problems treated by physiotherapists are:

*Back Pain   *Rotator Cuff Syndrome   *Whiplash
*Tendonitis   *Hip & Knee Replacements   *Sports Injuries
*Work Injuries   *Surgery & Fracture Rehab    *Foot & Ankle Pain
*Chronic Pain   *Sprains & Strains   *Tennis Elbow

Get Moving.  Keep Moving.

Capilano physiotherapists use a hands-on approach to help you restore, maximize and maintain your movment. Now and for the rest of your life.

Don’t wait for a referral.

Get your individualized, experienced Capilano physiotherapy diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible. Call 780-466-1104 and visit Capilano Rehab at 5832 Terrace Road, Edmonton when pain or discomfort gets in your way.

Graston Technique utilizes specially designed stainless steel instruments to specifically detect and effectively treat conditions such as back pain, neck pain, arm pain, leg pain, tennis elbow, golfers elbow, knee pain, joint pain, and sport injury.  Listed below are some detailed conditions and the effect of treatment by Graston Technique therapy.

Reducing Adhesions

How can Graston Technique help with numbness & tingling? There are many common sites where soft tissue can have scar tissue-like adhesions from muscle, joint pain, fascia, and ligaments anywhere along the path of a nerve. Releasing this compression or impingement can safely help many cases of numbness and tingling where surgery is not required.  Rehabilitation with Graston Technique addresses acute and chronic pain.  Capilano addresses pain management as a whole and incorporates physical therapy and Graston Technique in order to heal the injury without any use of drugs or medication.  Graston Technique treats the cause of the pain without masking the symptoms with medication.

Our registered physical therapists also use Graston Technique to combat pain located outside the spine.  Physical therapy treatment is used to heal the body as a whole because the body is a system of nerves, bones, muscles, and joints.  Back pain and neck pain are intimately related to nerve pain, joint pain, muscle pain and proper alignment as they all function of co-exist together.

Injury must be looked at multiple levels of the body’s system in order to rehab pain and reestablish proper function.  A combination of conventional Physical Therapy and Graston Technique is vital for achieving this goal.    

Clinical Applications of the Patented GT Instruments

The Graston Technique (GT) tools enhances our physical therapists ability to detect pain, injury,  fascial adhesions and restrictions.  The use of Graston Technique has been shown to achieve positive outcomes in treating both acute and chronic conditions, including:

• Cervical sprain/strain (neck pain)
• Lumbar sprain/strain (back pain)
• Carpel tunnel syndrome (wrist pain)
• Plantar Fascitis (foot pain)
• Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow)
• Medial epicondylitis (golfers elbow)
• Rotator cuff tendonitis (shoulder pain)
• Petellofemoral disorders (knee pain)
• Achilles tendonitis (ankle pain)
• Fibromyalgia
• Scar tissue
• Trigger points
• Shin splints

Capilano’s Swiss Dolorclast Shockwave Therapy program has delivered significant pain relief treatment results for chronic heel pain, calaneal spurs, plantar fasciitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, shoulder pain, hallux rigidus (painful & stiff big toe), as well as Achilles tendinitis.

Radial shockwaves are high-energy acoustic waves. They are transmitted through the skin surface by the Swiss Dolorclast applicator and spread radially into the distressed tissue and/or calcification. RSWT stimulates the body’s natural self-healing forces and therefore is well tolerated.

Most people require only four(4) RSWT treatment sessions, each one taking about fifteen (15) minutes.

Treatments are performed by certified Physical Therapists who are university graduates with extensive and unique training in the assessment and treatment of chronic soft tissue problems.

What Does RSWT Treat?

Shockwave therapy is non-surgical, non-invasive, involves no time off your feet, and best of all, no anesthetic is required.  The following problems have responded well to RSWT:

• Plantar fasciitis/Calcaneal spur/Heel Pain
• Tennis Elbow
• Shoulder Pain (Calcific tendinitis)
• Achilles Tendinitis
• Tibial Edge Syndrome
• Jumper’s Knee(Patellar Tendinitis)
• Proximal IlioTibial Band Syndrome
• Hallux Rigidus (Painful & Stiff Big Toe)
• Chronic Trigger Points

The Swiss-made RSWT unit used by Capilano Rehab Centre consists of a control unit, a treatment handpiece, and an applicator. The shockwave is pneumatically generated inside the treatment hand-piece. The tip of the applicator on the hand-piece emits the shockwave that disperses radially (spreads out) into the treatment area. To minimize transmission losses in the layer of air between the applicator and the skin, contact gel is used to conduct the acoustic wave.

Who Performs My Treatments?

At Capilano Rehab Centre, only registered Physical Therapists perform your RSWT treatments. These university-trained professionals who, are licensed with the College of Physical Therapists of Alberta, are uniquely qualified to treat chronic tendinitis with RSWT. 

Capilano is an active member of the International Society of Medical Shockwave Treatment.

Are You a Candidate for Shockwave?

The best results from RSWT treatments has been with clients who have had chronic tendinitis pain for over 3 months and who have who have failed to respond to at least two or three other conventional treatments. These therapies include, but are not limited to:

• soft tissue mobilization
• night splints
• taping
• orthotics
• cortisone injections
• anti-inflammatory medication
• stretching exercises

If you are uncertain as to your suitability for the RSWT program, please call Capilano at (780)-466-1104 to schedule a complimentary screen examination. You do not require a medical referral to do so.

How long does a Shockwave session take?

A Radial Shockwave (RSWT) treatment takes about 15 minutes, and the protocol requires that the patient have a series of up to four (4) treatments at one-week intervals. RSWT treatments are always administered by a registered Capilano Rehab Centre Physical Therapist who is trained in the technique.

How does RSWT work?

There are a couple of theories as to how RSWT works. It is thought that the shock wave takes a chronic problem and turns it back into an acute problem thus creating an increased flow of blood to the area (increased inflammation) in an effort to heal the affected tissue. Healing effects include bone and tendon regeneration, increased blood vessel growth and a chemically induced decrease in pain and sensitivity of the pain receptors.  

How Effective is Shockwave?

A recent study of one hundred fifty (150) patients assessed the clinical safety and effectiveness of shock wave therapy, (RSWT) for the treatment of plantar fasciitis. The results were as follows: 56% of patients reported success at 3 months and 94% success at 12 months post-treatment. Multiple published studies have shown that more than half of patients have resolution of symptoms without recurrence after RSWT treatment. 

Although some people will feel relief after one treatment, it may take up to 12 weeks or more to experience the full benefit of RSWT.

How Much Does it Cost?

Capilano offers a four(4)-treatment session package for a single injury site to patients for $875 (CAN). This includes a summary report to be forwarded to your doctor upon your request, and any additional booster treatments (up to a maximum of two) that may be necessary.

Because the low-energy RSWT is a newer treatment technique, it is not covered by the Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan. Some private insurance plans may provide full or partial coverage but may require your Doctor’s referral first. Interested patients will need to check with their private insurance to determine coverage eligibility and requirements.

Want to Know More?

Here are some links to further information about this new and exciting technology:

Spinal Decompression Therapy is an effective non-surgical treatment alternative for a variety of disc-related problems.  It is also an affordable treatment option. 

Please see below for more information and helpful answers about this effective and affordable treatment.

Spinal Decompression Therapy (DTS) is an effective treatment option for:

• Herniated Discs
• Degenerative Discs
• Facet Syndrome
• Sciatica
• Neuropathy/Radiculopathy
• Spinal Stenosis

Do you have a herniated disc, multiple herniated discs, degenerative disc disease, facet syndrome, or any other type of spinal problem? Is you doctor suggesting surgery, pain management or physical therapy? Have you tried other types of treatment and just could not get enough relief?

Research indicates the disc is responsible for a significant number of lumbar/leg pain and neck/arm pain syndromes. Compression increases intradiscal pressure leading to annular compromise and possible extrusion of nuclear material.

Since the disc is a relatively avascular structure, it doesn’t receive fresh blood and oxygen with every beat of the heart. It requires “diffusion” created by motion and ‘decompression’ to restore nutrients and enhance healing.

Capilano’s new Chattanooga DTS  is one of the leading Decompression Traction System available today. Cervical and lumbar Decompression is delivered utilizing the Chatanooga DTS in a safe, controlled and proven method.

Capilano has made their Decompression therapy program affordable for their patients.

FAQs about Spinal Decompression

What is Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is a non-surgical, comfortable traction therapy for the relief of back and leg pain or neck and arm pain. During this procedure, by cycling through distraction and relaxation phases and by proper positioning, a spinal disc can be isolated and placed under negative pressure, causing a vacuum effect within it.

What can this vacuum effect do?

The vacuum effect accomplishes two things. From a mechanical standpoint, disc material that has protruded or herniated outside the normal confines of the disc can be pulled back within the disc by the vacuum created within the disc. Also, the vacuum within the disc stimulates in growth of blood supply, secondarily stimulating a healing response. This results in pain reduction and proper healing at the injured site.

What machine is used for this purpose?

There are a number of spinal decompression machines presently used in North America. After significant investigation, Capilano Rehab Centre has chosen to use the Triton DTS machine manufactured by Chattanooga, Inc., a premier North American manufacturer of rehabilitation medicine equipment.  Capilano’s modern DTS System is a Health Canada and FDA approved Spinal Decompression System.

Who can benefit from Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Spinal decompression therapy is designed to unload the spinal disc. Any back pain or neck pain caused in whole or in part by a damaged disc may be helped by spinal decompression therapy. These conditions include herniated, protruding or bulging discs, spinal stenosis, sciatica or radiculopathy (pinched nerves).

Are there conditions where Spinal Decompression is not indicated?

Spinal decompression therapy is usually not recommended for pregnant women, patients with disc fragmentation, patients who have severe osteoporosis, severe obesity or severe nerve damage. It is not recommended for some patients over 70. However, every patient is evaluated on an individual basis. Spinal surgery with instrumentation (screws and metal plates or “cages”) is also contraindicated. Surgery to the discs without fusion or fusion using bony replacement is not contraindicated.

How often do I take DTS treatment sessions? How long does each session last?

Each session includes decompression therapy and a follow-up which couyld include spinal stabilization exercises.  This typically  takes about 45 minutes. Researchers and DTS medical engineers recommend that for the best clinical results, Spinal Decompression is to be performed 3 times a week for up to 18-30 sessions.

What are the results of Spinal Decompression Therapy?

Clinically, over 85% of patients have positive pain relief.  DTS is recommended by Neurological Research.  In a spinal decompression study, it was found that out of 778 cases of patients receiving spinal decompression 92% said that they showed improvement (Neurological Research; Volume 20, Number 3, April 1998).

Will I need oxygen, herbal supplements, or whole-body vibration with my DTS?

No. There is no current credible scientific evidence that these additional interventions enhance DTS delivery or results.

Can I try Spinal Decompression?

Yes.  Spinal decompression therapy can help almost anyone with neck or lower back pain, even those who have already experienced a failed spinal surgery. Our registered Physical Therapists will perform a consultation, health history, and examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

How much does it cost?

Capilano’s DTS costs are very affordable. There is NO upfront pre-payment required for the entire treatment program. You only pay PER treatment!  Capilano staff care for their patients!

So, you’ve made the decision to start running. Congratulations! It’s a great way to improve your health and your quality of life. Like all physical activity, however, running carries the risk of injury. It is important to know how to prevent injury and what steps to take should injuries happen.

The following S.M.A.R.T. tips for running (Stretch, Move, Add it up, Reduce strain, Talk to a physiotherapist) have been prepared for you by the Canadian Physiotherapy Association (CPA) to help you get the most enjoyment out of your running program.

STRETCH – Before and After Your Run

Stretching will help to relax your mind, as well as:

• Prepare your body for activity
• Reduce the risk of muscle injury
• Restore full mobility after an injury
• Improve performance in your running
• Reduce muscle tension
• Promote circulation

When stretching, physiotherapists recommend that you:

• Warm up by walking for at least five minutes
• Do slow, controlled movements to the point where you feel a mild tension in the muscle. If this pull lessens, stretch a little more – it should never be painful
• Hold the position for 20 – 30 seconds, and don’t ‘bounce’
• Breathe regularly throughout the stretch
• Repeat the stretch on the opposite side, 3 -5 times

Runners should concentrate on stretching the calf (gastrocnemius, soleus), thigh (quadriceps, hamstrings), groin (adductors), buttocks (gluteals), hip flexors (rectus femoris, psoas and tensor fascia lata), the iliotibial band (outside of thigh) and back.

Cool down

When your run is over, take time for a cool down –a brief, relaxed walk along with some of the same stretches you did before your run. Spend at least 10 minutes cooling down to help work the metabolic wastes and excess fluid out of your muscles, and to allow your heart rate to slow down gradually. By the time you stop, your pulse should be within 20 beats-per-minute of your resting heart rate.

MOVE – Today for Tomorrow

Running is a great activity to get your whole body in motion, and body posture is an important part of your running technique.

Before your run, take a couple of deep breaths to expand your lungs. After you exhale, maintain this position, with shoulders down, relaxed and slightly back. Keep your head up and avoid excessive arm movement while running.

ADD IT UP – An Hour is Power

With proper clothing you can plan your runs 12 months of the year.

• In winter, wear a hat to minimize heat loss
• In summer, drink at least two glasses of water before a run to ensure proper hydration
• Wear shoes that give your feet the support they need – proper shoes can help improve the biomechanics of your feet and legs, which will help prevent injuries
• Ask for advice at a specialized running shop

REDUCE STRAIN – Use what works for you

• Start running at a slow pace if you haven’t been active for a period of time – increase speed as your conditioning improves
• Use the run / walk technique – start with a two-minute run / one-minute walk, gradually increasing your run time• Increase your distance by 10 per cent each week
• Your running pace should always allow you to carry on a conversation, while you breathe comfortably
• Take time to recover between runs, the most important day in any running program is your rest day, and are as vital as training days because rest days give your muscles time to recover and build strength
• Vary the direction or route you run – repeating the same course puts strain on the same parts of your body each time you train
• Eat sensibly and drink plenty of fluids – get to know the best time for you to eat or drink before running to prevent cramps or nausea and to maintain your level of hydration

If you do experience an injury, use the R.I.C.E steps to reduce pain, minimize internal swelling, and promote healing.

Rest – to protect yourself from further injury

Ice – to help reduce pain and swelling within the first 48 – 72 hours after an injury – Note: Ice packs should never be on longer than 15 minutes or more than twice an hour

Compression – wrap an elastic bandage around the injured area to control swelling, but it should not feel uncomfortably tight

Elevation – use pillows to raise the injured limb above the level of the heart while lying down

Before you can safely return to running it is essential to regain strength, flexibility, balance and co-ordination – begin your retraining at 50% of your pre-injury level – Consult a physiotherapist for detailed assessment and management of your injury.

Talk to Your Capilano Physiotherapist

Your Capilano physiotherapist will assess your injury and provide appropriate treatment that will promote an earlier return to running as well as advice on how to prevent recurrence of injury. Physiotherapists are healthcare professionals who help people of all ages and lifestyles gain and maintain their desired level of active living and physical functioning. With their applied knowledge and understanding of the human body in action, physiotherapists are able to help you to increase mobility, relieve pain, build strength and improve balance and endurance. Physiotherapists not only treat injuries, they can also teach you how to prevent the onset of pain or injury that can limit your activity.

Other Options

For nagging problems that don’t seem to resolve with rest, exercise, or even physiotherapy, Capilano offers adjunct treatment options such as:

• Graston Technique
• Footmaxx Custom Orthotics
• IMS (Intramuscular Stimulation)
• Shockwave Therapy (RSWT)

Print out this information

Chronic neuropathic pain sufferers can become even more frustrated & depressed when conventional treatments such as medication, massage, manipulation, exercise, and even surgery do not provide lasting or significant relief.

Doctors and other health practitioners seldom have a problem treating pain resulting from obvious injury. However, it is pain that does not present with any obvious tissue damage that can often be a problem. If you have this type of pain, your pain could be neuropathic pain.

Intramuscular Stimulation is an innovative and effective treatment for chronic pain of neuropathic origin. IMS is a similar technique to acupuncture and uses filament needles to assess and treat tight muscle bands.

What is Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS)?

IMS is an innovative and effective treatment for chronic pain of neuropathic origin. This scientifically and clinically proven technique is unequaled for finding & diagnosing muscle shortening in deep muscles. IMS was largely developed by Dr. Chan Gunn who is a clinical physician and professor at the University of Washington’s Pain Center in Seattle. Dr. Gunn has been awarded the Order of British Columbia as well as the Order of Canada for his contributions towards resolving chronic pain.

IMS is effective and has few side-effects; the technique is also unequaled for finding and diagnosing muscle shortening in deep muscle.

The Shortened Muscle Syndrome

An important factor in understanding neuropathic pain is muscle shortening. This produces pain by pulling on tendons, straining them as well as distressing the joints they move. This can also occur with spinal pain, secondary to “spondylosis”, which is a common. degeneration of the spine. Spondylosis irritates nerves and can lead to neuropathy and muscle shortening.

What is the goal of IMS?

IMS directly treats the cause of the pain by relaxing the shortened muscle and allowing it to return to its normal state. The goal of treatment is to release muscle shortening which presses on and irritates the nerve. Supersensitive areas can be desensitized and the persistent pull of shortened muscles released, thereby restoring motion and function.

The Effects of IMS?

The effects of IMS are cumulative-each needling session stimulates a certain amount of healing, until eventually the condition can more fully recover and pain dissipates as muscles loosen. It is often successful in breaking the chronic cycle of pain because it permits accurate diagnosis of muscle shortening in deep muscles. It provides lasting relief and has few side effects.

Conditions that can be treated using IMS

Capilano Rehab has treated a broad range of musculoskeletal problems using the relatively new technique of Intramuscular Stimulation (IMS). We can treat a variety of neuropathic pain ailments using IMS including:

• Nagging Sports Injuries
• Arthritic Conditions
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Chronic Tendonitis or Bursitis
• Chronic “Whiplash” Pain
• Headaches
• Iliotibial Band Syndrome
• Low Back Pain
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome
• Neck Pain
• Patello-femoral Syndrome
• Recurrent or Persistent Injuries
• Repetitive Strain Injuries
• Sciatica
• Shin Splints
• Shoulder Injuries (including Frozen Shoulder)

Frequency of Treatments?

Treatments are usually once a week to allow time between treatments for the body to heal itself. The actual number of treatments that you require will vary depending on factors such as the extent of your condition, the amount of scar tissue present (usually increased after previous surgery), and how quickly your body heals. The rate of healing depends on the condition of your nerves and the amount of previous nerve irritation. If your pain is of recent origin, one or two treatments is possibly all you may need. In published studies of patients with low back pain, the average number of IMS treatments required was 8.2.

IMS Costs?

IMS is not covered by Alberta Health or the Capital Health Authority. You may be eligible to be reimbursed by your private insurance plan. Please speak to our administrative staff and they will assist you in your investigation and provide you with treatment cost estimates.

How to Access IMS Treatment?

If you think you have a condition that may benefit from IMS, simply call us to make an appointment with one of our Gunn IMS qualified Physiotherapists. They will assess you and will offer you advice on the best approach to treating your condition, and can answer any further questions that you may have. Physiotherapists at our clinic who utilize IMS have been certified by the Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain, founded by the developer of the IMS technique, Dr. Chan Gunn M.D.