In Canada as of May 2013, the Gunn Intramuscular Stimulation courses have been sponsored by the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada. Prior to this date, the courses were offered exclusively through The Institute for the Study and Treatment of Pain, the originating corporation representing Gunn IMS since 1994

Although the iSTOP Legacy Website (prior to 2013) is no longer being maintained, it remains a valuable source of information regarding Gunn IMS.

Corporation

iSTOP's new website (since 2013) provides current information regarding Gunn IMS, the legacy continues.

iSTOP

Best access to navigate both websites is through the sitemap.

SITEMAP

Gunn IMS Courses - INTERNATIONAL 

Gunn IMS dry needling courses are also held internationally. 

Find associations and institutes pertinent to your jurisdictional district, location, scope of work, and discipline.

International course providers are listed here.

GENERAL DIRECTORY OF LINKS

Gunn IMS Courses - CANADA

Sponsor: The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC Canada

Gunn IMS Part 1, Part 2, and Review Courses are conducted through UBC under the Division of Sports Medicine, Faculty of Medicine UBC.

UBC GUNN IMS COURSE OUTLINE 

This is an intramuscular dry needling course that goes beyond trigger point dry needling. Gunn IMS is a total system for

the diagnosis and treatment of persistent myofascial pain syndromes, including muscle, joint, tendon, bursal, fascial,

neural and biomechanical problems. The approach is based on a neuropathic model of musculoskeletal dysfunction

developed by Dr C. Chan Gunn and described in his book “The Gunn Approach to the Treatment of Chronic Pain”. His

conceptual framework explains patterns of physical findings commonly seen in persistent myofascial pain syndromes

and has been commended by many physicians practicing in the field of chronic pain including John D. Loeser, Stephen

Butler and Anders E. Sola. Patrick D. Wall describes Dr Gunn’s approach as being, “in the best of the traditions of

classical medicine”.

Dr Gunn has endowed UBC with the responsibility for the ongoing teaching of the Gunn IMS model of treatment - a

teaching program that has run continuously since 1994. Since 2013, the Gunn IMS Program has been part of the UBC

Faculty of Medicine and is now located in the Chan Gunn Pavilion on the UBC Vancouver campus. The course is

coordinated by UBC Faculty of Medicine 's Continuing Professional Development Division, which has certified and

granted the course 27 Mainpro+® credits for physicians. All course proceeds are used to support program development

and research in Gunn IMS.

The program’s focus is the safe, effective management of neuropathic musculoskeletal problems, using intramuscular

dry needling and related postural and rehabilitative concepts. The application of the model requires an advanced level of

clinical reasoning and pattern recognition, mature clinical judgement, extensive anatomical knowledge and precise

palpation skills. For this reason, the prerequisites for attending this course include a minimum of four years experience

treating musculoskeletal conditions.

COURSE FORMAT

This is a two-part course - on successful completion of both parts of the program, participants will be awarded

certification in UBC Gunn IMS. Part 1 of the course (4 days) covers education regarding Dr Gunn’s neuropathic model of

myofascial pain syndromes, the effects of dry needling, and contraindications and safety considerations for dry needling

(including avoiding serious complications). You will learn how to conduct and interpret an assessment based on the

neuropathic model to determine the cause of myofascial pain syndromes, which can then be used to devise a treatment

plan using the Gunn IMS model. Also, on Part 1, you will learn to safely and effectively dry needle muscles of the cervical

and lumbar spine; shoulder and pelvic girdles; and upper and lower limbs. Part 2 of the course (3 days) focuses on

clinical reasoning related to application of the neuropathic model of treatment. Also, on Part 2, you will learn safe and

effective needling of muscles that are more technically-demanding and carry greater risk of adverse effects, including

the thoracic spine and TMJ.

Source: UBC Gunn IMS Certification - UBC CPD (PDF)

UBC Gunn IMS Courses

Temporary restructuring during COVID19 Online offerings!
General Information	Course Calendar
Member Resources	Part 1 & 2 Course
Apply Online	Review & Advanced Training

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What is the difference between Gunn IMS courses and other IMS training programs?

Why are there two directories for CGIMS practitioner members?

See the FAQ page:

FAQ