Multirole Programmable AC Microcurrent

PAIN TREATMENT AND INJURED TISSUE HEALING







HOW IT WORKS: INTRACELLULAR SECOND MESSENGER STIMULATION TECHNOLOGY



  • Second messengers are molecules that relay the first incoming signals received at receptors on the surface of a cell, to target molecules inside the cell. The incoming messengers that reach the cell are the extracellular signaling factors such as hormones and neurotransmitters that trigger the cell to take specific actions.

  • A key feature of the second messenger signaling system is that it effectively amplifies the first incoming signals.

    • Precise targeting of electrical stimulation to either or both the important cyclic-AMP (cAMP) and cyclic-GMP (cGMP) second messengers.



TWO TYPES OF PAIN

  • Nociceptive pain occurs when sensory neurons signal along their axon fibres to the spinal cord and then to the brain that injury exists or that there is danger of injury to tissues of the body. The pain signals start from the inside-to-outside 'voltage-gated' ion channels at the end of the neuron axons.

  • Neuropathic pain (neuropathy) is caused by damage to nerves themselves from trauma injury, surgery, disease or chemotherapy, so that they no longer function correctly.



Nociceptive type pain signals transmitted from peripheral sensory neurons to the spinal cord and brain




Neuropathic damaged nerve axon fibers (red) within a nerve bundle are therapeutic targets for cyclic-AMP mediated regeneration


  • Increasing cAMP activity directly affects the pain neuron.

    The targeted electrical stimulation does not cover up the natural pain generating process. The second messenger cAMP stimulation naturally modulates the overall activity and the 'action potential' trigger threshold of pain neuron 'voltage-gated' ion channels—reducing or stopping the transmission of pain signals.

    Favourably modulating cAMP also has strong regenerative effects on damaged peripheral nerve tissue that causes neuropathy.




CYCLIC-AMP STIMULATION TECHNOLOGY

  • Cyclic-A-M-P is produced within cells from the A-T-P molecule. A-T-P is likened to the 'energy currency' of life, functioning like a rechargeable battery, providing energy to cells to do work.




Cyclic-AMP (cAMP) second messenger activation and effects in response to injury



  • The cAMP molecular pathways relay and amplify the specific intracellular messages to carry out the healing processes for the injury. Supporting research>

    Programmable to precisely target and modulate up or down the production and utilization of the cAMP second messenger molecule and activation pathway.




CYCLIC-GMP STIMULATION TECHNOLOGY

  • The cyclic-GMP (cGMP) second messenger pathway relays and amplifies signals that increase the mobilization of energy resources by up-regulating glucose metabolism in muscles around the injury. The increase in available energy accelerates injury healing. Signaling from cGMP also enhances cell migration including stem cells to injured tissues such as wounds, and has angiogenesis (regeneration of blood vessel) stimulating effects. Supporting research>

    Programmable to precisely target and modulate up or down the production and utilization of the cGMP second messenger molecule and activation pathway.

    THE SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

    The beneficial effects on pain and injury from increasing cAMP and cGMP activity have been extensively studied with chemical interventions. The SIS technology is the first programmable, targeted electromedical approach that can achieve these results. Supporting research>




SIS AC STIMULATOR TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

  • The SIS technology has been developed from special cooperation between American Physiatrist (pain and injury rehabilitation specialist physician) and scientist, Dr James Woessner MD PhD, and the Electromedicine Clinic in Melbourne, Australia. Dr Woessner pioneered and performed around 4000 non-invasive electrical nerve block treatments, which he recognized were simultaneously actually repairing damaged nerves fibres, probably via cAMP activation. Vita of Dr James Woessner>

    The SIS AC waveform stimulation technology is the result of data based development in parallel with laboratory equipment validation and clinical testing.

    The SIS AC waveform stimulation device has been designed for use by both clinicians and at home.



ELECTROTHERAPY: CHALLENGES FOR INJURY TREATMENTS

  • The healing process in response to an injury is fantastically complex, involving millions of cells. Different cell types perform unique and specialized functions in the work to repair and regenerate the injured tissues, in moment-by-moment constantly changing coordination with other cell types.

    We cannot know exactly what each cell type involved in the healing process is doing at any time: trillions of intra- and extra-cellular biochemical reactions take place in the body every second—and most remain unknown to medical science. This makes appropriate electrical stimulation at any point in time extremely hard to predict and determine.


  • No two injuries are the same. Every injury, even of the same anatomical structure, is a unique occurrence in each individual, requiring their body's precisely coordinated, unique healing response.

    Most electrotherapy devices for injury and pain treatments, transmit waveforms and frequencies into the body, in an unrealistic non-targeted, 'blanket' bombardment of electrical stimulation (energy transfer). Some cellular processes can be temporarily enhanced as a result, while others can be negatively interfered with or completely inhibited.

    The SIS second messenger stimulation technology solves these electrotherapy challenges, by directly targeting and boosting what the body is already doing to heal the injury, via precise stimulation of the involved second messengers that protect, and accelerate healing and regeneration of the damaged tissues.


CYCLIC-AMP AND CYCLIC-GMP STIMULATION EFFECTS

  • Signaling from cAMP favorably modulates the pain sensing neuron membrane 'voltage-gated' ion channel activity, so that neuropathic pain signals reduce or stop.


  • Relays and greatly amplifies the first incoming extracellular messages to begin and continue the metabolic activity for healing—including genetic expression.


  • Increases neuron cell body and axon survival and regeneration following injury.


  • Immune and non immune system pro-inflammation modulating effects, giving immediate and long term injured tissue protection.


  • Circulation enhancement—induces and enhances localized vascular relaxation that increases blood flow..


  • Reduces localized muscle tension and exerts central nervous system antispastic actions after injury.


  • Enhances the effects of functional stimulation and regeneration of muscles and nerves following injury.


  • Enhances angiogenesis in injured tissues (regeneration of blood vessels).


  • Increases mobilization of energy resources from carbohydrate metabolism processes, accelerating tissue healing.


General overview: Journal articles across the field of microcurrent stimulation

These are a selection of research journal article references from the database on electrotherapy.org. They include articles on programmable frequency specific microcurrent.

Allen, J. D., C. G. Mattacola and D. H. Perrin (1999). "Effect of microcurrent stimulation on delayed-onset muscle soreness: a double-blind comparison." Journal of Athletic Training 34(4): 334-337.
Bailey, S. (1999). "How microcurrent stimulation produces ATP -- one mechanism." Dynamic Chiropractic 17(18): 16, 18-19.
Bonacci, J. A. and E. J. Higbie (1997). "Effects of microcurrent treatment on perceived pain and muscle strength following eccentric exercise." Journal of Athletic Training 32(2): 119-123.
Butterfield, D. L., D. O. Draper, M. D. Ricard, J. W. Myrer, E. Durrant and S. S. Schulthies (1997). "The effects of high-volt pulsed current electrical stimulation on delayed-onset muscle soreness." Journal of Athletic Training 32(1): 15-20.
Byl, N. N., A. L. McKenzie, J. M. West, J. D. Whitney, T. K. Hunt, H. W. Hopf and H. Scheuenstuhl (1994). "Pulsed microamperage stimulation: a controlled study of healing of surgically induced wounds in Yucatan pigs." Phys Ther 74(3): 201-213; discussion 213-208.
Chan, H. K., D. T. Fung and G. Y. Ng (2007). "Effects of low-voltage microamperage stimulation on tendon healing in rats." J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 37(7): 399-403.
Chapman-Jones, D. and D. Hill (2002). "Novel microcurrent treatment is more effective than conventional therapy for chronic Achilles tendionpathy: randomised comparative trial." Physiotherapy. 88(8): 471-480.
Davis, P. (1992). "Microcurrents in motion: an effective clinical tool." Chiropractic Journal 7(1): 46.
Davis, P. (1992). "Treating headaches with microcurrent electro-acupuncture." Chiropractic Journal 6(8): 22.
Driban, J. B. (2004). "Bone stimulators and microcurrent: clinical bioelectrics." Athletic Therapy Today 9(5): 22-27.
DuPont, J. S., Jr., R. Graham and J. B. Tidwell (1999). "Trigger point identification and treatment with microcurrent." Cranio 17(4): 293-296.
El-Husseini, T., S. El-Kawy, H. Shalaby and M. El-Sebai (2007). "Microcurrent skin patches for postoperative pain control in total knee arthroplasty: a pilot study." Int Orthop 31(2): 229-233.
Frick, A. (2005). "Microcurrent electrical therapy heals a recalcitrant wound in a horse." Journal of Equine Veterinary Science 25(11): 418-422.
Gardner, S. E., R. A. Frantz and F. L. Schmidt (1999). "Effect of electrical stimulation on chronic wound healing: a meta-analysis." Wound Repair Regen 7(6): 495-503.
Gentzkow, G. D. and K. H. Miller (1991). "Electrical stimulation for dermal wound healing." Clin Podiatr Med Surg 8(4): 827-841.
Gersh, M. R. (1989). Microcurrent electrical stimulation: putting it in perspective, Clin-Manag-Phys-Ther. 1989 Jul-Aug; 9(4): 51-4.
Gossrau, G., M. Wahner, M. Kuschke, B. Konrad, H. Reichmann, B. Wiedemann and R. Sabatowski (2011). "Microcurrent transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation in painful diabetic neuropathy: a randomized placebo-controlled study." Pain Med 12(6): 953-960.
Greenlee, D. L. (1995). Another look at microcurrent: it could be better than you think, Dig-Chiropractic-Econ. 1995 Sep-Oct; 38(2): 50-1.
Johnson, M. I. (2001). "A critical review of the analgesic effects of TENS-like devices." Phys-Ther-Rev. 6(3): 153-173.
Johnson, M. I. (2001). "Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) and TENS-like devices: do they provide pain relief?" Pain Reviews 8(3/4): 121-158.
Johnson, M. I., P. Penny and M. A. Sajawal (1997). "An examination of the analgesic effects of microcurrent electrical stimulation (MES) on cold-induced pain in healthy subjects." Physiother-Theory-Pract. 13(4): 293-301.
Katz, M. A. (2003). "Treating lower back pain after back surgery: a combination of dry needle injection (acupuncture) and microcurrent stimulation." Pain-Clin---Bernardsville. 5(6): 23.
Kim, M. Y., D. R. Kwon and H. I. Lee (2009). "Therapeutic effect of microcurrent therapy in infants with congenital muscular torticollis." Pm R 1(8): 736-739.
Kirsch, D. L. (1996). A basis for understanding microcurrent electrical therapy (MET) - part I, Am-Chiropractor. 1996 May-Jun; 18(3): 30-4.
Kirsch, D. L. (1997). "How to achieve optimum results using microcurrent electical therapy (MET): A basic clinical protocol for pain management." Am-Chiropractor. 1997 Jan-Feb; 19(1): 24-6, 32 19(4): 16-20.
Kirsch, D. L. (2002). A practical protocol for electromedical treatment of pain. Pain Management : A Practical Guide for Clinicians. R. S. Weiner. Boca Raton, Fla, CRC Press.
Kirsch, D. L. and M. Gilula (2007). "Cranial electrotherapy stimulation in the treatment of depression - Part 2." Practical Pain Management 7(5): 32-40.
Kloth, L. C. (2005). "Electrical stimulation for wound healing: a review of evidence from in vitro studies, animal experiments, and clinical trials." Int J Low Extrem Wounds 4(1): 23-44.
Kloth, L. C. and J. M. McCulloch (1996). "Promotion of wound healing with electrical stimulation." Adv Wound Care 9(5): 42-45.
Koopman, J. S., D. H. Vrinten and A. J. van Wijck (2009). "Efficacy of microcurrent therapy in the treatment of chronic nonspecific back pain: a pilot study." Clin J Pain 25(6): 495-499.
Kulkarni, A. D. and R. B. Smith (2001). The use of microcurrent electrical therapy and cranial electrotherapy stimulation in pain control, Clin-Pract-Alternat-Med. 2001 Summer; 2(2): 99-102.
Lambert, M. I., P. Marcus, T. Burgess and T. D. Noakes (2002). "Electro-membrane microcurrent therapy reduces signs and symptoms of muscle damage." Med Sci Sports Exerc 34(4): 602-607.
Lee, B. Y., K. Wendell, N. Al-Waili and G. Butler (2007). "Ultra-low microcurrent therapy: a novel approach for treatment of chronic resistant wounds." Adv Ther 24(6): 1202-1209.
Leffman, D. J., D. A. Arnall, P. R. Holman and M. W. Cornwall (1994). "Effect of microamperage stimulation on the rate of wound healing in rats: a histological study." Phys-Ther 74(3): 195-200.
Lennox, A. J., J. P. Shafer, M. Hatcher, J. Beil and S. J. Funder (2002). "Pilot study of impedance-controlled microcurrent therapy for managing radiation-induced fibrosis in head-and-neck cancer patients." Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 54(1): 23-34.
Lichtbroun, A. S., M. M. Raicer and R. B. Smith (2001). "The treatment of fibromyalgia with cranial electrotherapy stimulation." J Clin Rheumatol 7(2): 72-78.
Lin, Y. L., H. Moolenaar, P. R. van Weeren and C. H. van de Lest (2006). "Effect of microcurrent electrical tissue stimulation on equine tenocytes in culture." Am J Vet Res 67(2): 271-276.
Maenpaa, H., R. Jaakkola, M. Sandstrom and W. L. Von (2004). "Does microcurrent stimulation increase the range of movement of ankle dorsiflexion in children with cerebral palsy?" Disabil-Rehabil. 26(11): 669-677.
Mannheimer, J. S. (2005). "The effect of microcurrent stimulation on ATP synthesis in the human masseter as evidenced by phosphorus-31 magnetic resonance spectroscopy."
McMakin, C. (1998). "Microcurrent treatment of myofascial pain in the head, neck, and face." Topics in Clinical Chiropractic 5(1): 29-35.
McMakin, C. R. (2004). "Microcurrent therapy: a novel treatment method for chronic low back myofascial pain." J Bodywork and Movement Therapies 8: 143-153.
McMakin, C. R., W. M. Gregory and T. M. Phillips (2005). "Cytokine changes with microcurrent treatment of fibromyalgia associated with cervical spine trauma." J Bodywork Mov Ther 9(3): 169-176.
Medlicott, M. S. and S. R. Harris (2006). "A systematic review of the effectiveness of exercise, manual therapy, electrotherapy, relaxation training, and biofeedback in the management of temporomandibular disorder." Physical Therapy 86(7): 955-973.
Mercola, J. M. and D. L. Kirsch (1995). The basis for microcurrent electrical therapy in conventional medical practice, J-Adv-Med. 1995 Summer; 8(2): 107-20.
Muller, M., D. Tsui, R. Schnurr, L. Biddulph Deisroth, J. Hard and J. C. MacDermid (2004). "Effectiveness of hand therapy interventions in primary management of carpal tunnel syndrome: a systematic review." Journal of Hand Therapy 17(2): 210-228.
Naeser, M. A., K. A. Hahn, B. E. Lieberman and K. F. Branco (2002). "Carpal tunnel syndrome pain treated with low-level laser and microamperes transcutaneous electric nerve stimulation: A controlled study." Arch Phys Med Rehabil 83(7): 978-988.
Noto, K. and P. Grant (2009). "Comparative study of micro-amperage neural stimulation and conventional physical therapy modalities." online access.
Picker, R. I. (1989). "Current trends: low-volt pulsed microamp stimulation... part 1." Clinical Management in Physical Therapy 9(2): 10-14.
Poltawski, L. and T. Watson (2009). "Bioelectricity and microcurrent therapy for tissue healing - a narrative review." Physical Therapy Reviews 14(2): 104-114.
Robinson, A. J. (2008). Electrical stimulation to augment healing of chronic wounds. Clinical Electrophysiology: Electrotherapy and Electrophysical Testing. A. J. Robinson and L. Snyder-Mackler. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: 275-299.
Rossen, J. S. (1989). Microcurrent stimulation - why it is replacing many other forms of electrical therapy, Am-Chiropractor. 1989 Mar; 3: 78-89.
Sarhan, T. M. and M. A. Doghem (2009). "Effect of microcurrent skin patch on the epidural fentanyl requirements for post operative pain relief of total hip arthroplasty." Middle East J Anesthesiol 20(3): 411-415.
Sedenu, B. U. (1997). "The effect of microcurrent on recovery from fatigue in the pretibial muscles in healthy adults."
Simons, D. G. and J. Dommerholt (2005). "Myofascial pain syndromes -- trigger points." Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 13(1): 53-64.
Sizer, P., S. Sawyer and J. Brismee (2000). The effect of microcurrent stimulation on postoperative pain after patellar tendon-bone anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. American Physical Therapy Association. Indianapolis, Indiana.
Smith, R. B. (2001). "Is microcurrent stimulation effective in pain management? An additional perspective." American Journal of Pain Management 11(2): 64-68.
Smith, R. B. (2002). "Microcurrent therapies: emerging theories of physiological information processing." NeuroRehabilitation 17(1): 3-7.
Smith, T. O. (2005). "Physiotherapy in the management of TMC: a review of the literature part 2... including commentary by Minakuchi H and Deodato F." International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation 12(1): 30-37.
Stone, J. A. (1997). "Prevention and rehabilitation. Microcurrent electrical stimulation." Athletic Therapy Today 2(6): 15.
Sussman, C. (2007). Electrical stimulation for wound healing. In Wound Care: A Collaborative Practice Manual for health Professionals. B.-J. B. Sussman C. Philadelphia, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins: 505-554.
Tan, G., T. Monga and J. Thornby (2000). "Electromedicine. Efficacy of microcurrent electrical stimulation on pain severity, psychological distress, and disability." American Journal of Pain Management 10(1): 35-44.
Teachworth, J. L. (1995). "Microcurrent acupuncture and the two faces of popliteal myofascial syndromes." Dig-Chiropractic-Econ. 37(6): 34, 38.
Todd, I., R. H. Clothier, M. L. Huggins, N. Patel, K. C. Searle, S. Jeyarajah, L. Pradel and K. L. Lacey (2001). "Electrical stimulation of transforming growth factor-beta 1 secretion by human dermal fibroblasts and the U937 human monocytic cell line." Altern Lab Anim 29(6): 693-701.
Volz, D. (1995). "Microcurrent therapy: making gains in medical community." Advance for Directors in Rehabilitation 4(7): 38-41.
Weiss, D., G. D' Amore and R. W. Rothrock (1988). "Microelectrical neuromuscular stimulation: theory and techniques." Am-Chiropractor. 1997 Jan-Feb; 19(1): 24-6, 32(May): 80-82.
Wieder, D. L. (1991). "Microcurrent therapy; wave of the future?" Rehab Manag 4(2): 34-35.
Wing, T. (1989). Modern low voltage microcurrent stimulation: a comprehensive overview, Dig-Chiropractic-Econ. 1989 Jul-Aug; 32(1): 76-81.
Wing, T. W. (1997). Microcurrent primer: introduction and history of the chiropractic modality, Am-Chiropractor. 1997 Jan-Feb; 19(1): 24-6, 32.
Zuim, P. R., A. R. Garcia, K. H. Turcio and M. M. Hamata (2006). "Evaluation of microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation (MENS) effectiveness on muscle pain in temporomandibular disorders patients." J Appl Oral Sci 14(1): 61-66.

NEW PAIN & INJURY TREATMENT

  • Enhanced and faster injury healing. Targeted bio-signaling stimulation of intracellular 'second messenger' molecule pathways: cyclic-A-M-P and cyclic-G-M-P that relay and amplify the messages for metabolic activity and healing.

  • Neuropathic pain blocking. Modulates the overall activity and the 'action potential' trigger threshold of pain neuron 'voltage-gated' ion channels, reducing or stopping the transmission of pain signals.

  • Increased nerve cell and axon survival and regeneration after injury. Prevention of future neuropathic pain and loss of function.

  • Effects on inflammation. Modulates both immune and non immune system inflammatory processes—protects injured tissues from chronic degradation.

  • Enhances circulation. Neurogenically relaxes localized small blood vessels.

  • Reduces muscle tension. Enhances function and regeneration of muscles and nerves following injury.

  • Increases localized carbohydrate metabolism. More available energy accelerates tissue healing.

  • Non-invasive and no drug side effects. For home and clinic use.

  • Australian patented & international application pending device & technology.

CONTACT US

Read our FAQs and answers >