Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a relatively new form of electrical stimulation utilized by Physicians, Osteopaths, Nurse Practitioners and Physical and Occupational Therapists. It is classified by FDA under the TENS category.
Every tissue in the body has a unique frequency. This was determined years ago and has been utilized by many healthcare organizations for various types of healing using a myriad of frequencies – many representing diseased tissues. Spokane Rehab & Pain Clinic utilizes only frequencies which match the body’s tissues which allows us to avoid side effects while optimizing healing. FSM functions at one millionth of an amp, which is 1000 times less than TENS. This amperage represents the natural current of the body and generally cannot be felt by the patient.
FSM focuses on stimulating specific tissues functions (Channel A) directed at the affected tissues (Channel B). The treatment utilizes the body’s ability to respond to frequencies to promote healing acute and chronic conditions. There are thousands of frequencies directed at specific tissues and frequencies which stimulate the cells to perform specific functions. Psychological and emotional conditions often show immediate responses to depression, anxiety and other negative emotional states.
From a physiological perspective, FSM increases ATP production up to 500%, protein synthesis to 70% and amino acid transport to 40%. It also reduces cytokine levels to their normal range. These factors contribute to an imminent decrease in pain while increasing metabolic function and energy.
There are no side effects other than occasional initial drowsiness due to release of toxins and changes in neurological and tissue function. Treatment of post-surgical abdominal adhesions may also initially cause discomfort with the therapist providing complementary visceral manipulation as the viscera realigns itself to a less restrictive environment. Adhesions which may have developed years ago from trauma or surgeries, can be markedly reduced.
FSM treatments are combined with Craniosacral therapy, Visceral Manipulation, Strain-Counterstrain and other traditional and alternative interventions. Sessions are 50-60 minutes in length and are always 1:1 throughout the session. Patients may also pay privately for non-attended FSM treatment once the program has been established.
Incremental lifestyle changes are introduced and encouraged to complement treatment interventions, encourage permanency of progress and expedite positive changes.
FSM has been effective in decreasing the effects of hypertonicity in TBI and CVA. Patients with Parkinson’s and progressive neurological conditions often report increased muscle coordination and strength. Concussions and decreased thought processes are addressed using frequencies which stimulate – or inhibit targeted brain components and neural pathways. Inflammation, a physiological response in many diagnoses, is significantly reduced using acute or chronic settings. Healing orthopedic injuries including fractures and torn or inflamed soft tissues are addressed utilizing frequencies specific to the target tissue while facilitating the function of that tissue.
The effectiveness of treatment varies from provisional to complete healing. This often depends on the patients’ compliance with therapeutic recommendations and efficacy of the target tissues. Generally, inflammation and joint laxity (as with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome and post hip/knee replacement) are often immediate and may last weeks to months or longer.
Choosing to utilize Frequency Specific Microcurrent as a therapeutic tool allows patients who may not be able to tolerate surgical or other medical/ rehabilitation interventions programs to decrease pain and increase function with fewer medications. FSM is the least restrictive intervention which presents with no side effects and is very effective in helping your patients return to a higher quality of life. It may provide the stimulus to a significant reduction in pain with those patients who have resisted the traditional methods of pain control.