Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation (MES/MET)

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Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation (MES/MET)

• Overview
• microamperage
• subsensory stimulation
• simulates bioelectric current
• cellular stimulation for cellular physiological
  effects
• ESTR, pain control, mood alteration (brain stim)

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History of Microcurrent

• based out of the work of Dr. Robert Becker on the
  biolelectrical system. Other contributors -
  Nordenstrom, Picker, Kirsh
• microcurrent developed to magnify correct this
  bioelectrical system - - - augment healing
  decrease pain by increasing membrane transport,
  ATP production protein synthesis.
• Controversy regarding efficacy, limited varied
  research. Anecdotal evidence of effectiveness
  abounds.

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Theory of Application

• By applying microcurrent at the correct
  amplitude, frequency, polarity time to the
  correct location, healing can be enhanced via
  magnification or restoration of cellular
  functions such as membrane transport, ATP
  production, protein synthesis.
• Based largely on Cheng et al Clinical
  Orthopaedics, 1982.

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Specific Mechanisms of Action

• Original Theory Electrical stimulation flows
  thru a cell and restores it to a normal
  electrical state - thus normalizing physiology
• NOT LIKELY - the phospholipid bilayer membrane is
  resistant to current flow.

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Mechanisms continued...

• Microcurrent acts at the membrane by stimulating
  the opening of ion channels in the membrane. The
  influx of ions enhances the cellular physiology.
• MORE ACCEPTED MECHANISM.
• This assumes that ion channels can be
  bioelectrically controlled.

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Waveform Parameter Recommendations

• Exact amplitude, freq, polarity, time method of
  application historically unknown varied-
  Dogmatic protocols abound. Example Frequency
  
  Specific Microcurrent
• Amplitude 0 - 900 microamps
• Frequency 0.1 - 100 Hz
• Polarity alternating
• Time ??, based on response (pain, AROM)
• Application probes or silver electrodes 3-D
  approach to area

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• Alpha-Stim 100 Microcurrent Cranial
  Electrical Stimulator
• Daniel Kirsh, PhD
• Since 1981, AS-2000
• Amp 10 - 600 microamps Freq 0.5, 1.5, 100
  Hz Harmonic Resonance
• Waveform assymet Time 1 - 20 min Application
  probes for 10 sec, pads - 20 min
• Cost 900 (or 25 for 450)

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Alpha-Stim Waveform
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Cranial Electrical Stimulation

• Goal - stimulation of hypothalamus to induce mood
  change reduce stress anxiety.
• Induces the Alpha State - focused mind
  relaxed body.
• Application - ear clips
• Outside the discipline of PT ???

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Efficacy Issues

• Evidence for use with musculoskeletal pathologies
  has been largely testimonial uncontrolled
  clinical studies case reports.
• Limited research has mixed findings AND each
  study uses different Rx protocol.
• A great deal of investigation is needed to
  determine efficacy in comparison to other Electro
  and modality treatments.

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Informative MET Website

• http//www.alpha-stim.com/
• Alpha-Stim 100 device