IMS can loosely be described as a highly advanced form of acupuncture, but in reality is much more complex. IMS involves the use of acupuncture needles to specifically target injured muscles, which have contracted and become shortened from distress. These shortened muscles cause pain not only in the affected muscle itself, but also from the resulting stress on surrounding tendons and joints.

IMS treatment causes the muscle to 'grasp' the needle, which in turn forces the shortened muscle to release, providing pain relief.