What is frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM)?
Frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) is a technique for treating pain by using low-level electrical current. The current is delivered to certain parts of your body in an attempt to relieve pain. A frequency is the rate at which a sound wave or electronic pulse is produced. This measurement is registered in hertz (Hz). During FSM treatment, various frequencies can be used to potentially reduce swelling (inflammation), repair tissue, and reduce pain.
How does FSM work?
Frequency-specific microcurrent works on the principle of biological resonance. Microcurrent frequencies seem to be able to resonate with the biological tissue when the correct frequency is applied. Each cell has an ideal resonant frequency. When your body experiences any type of injury, trauma, stress, or increased inflammation, the normal resonant frequency of that tissue is altered. The desired effect of FSM is to return the tissue back to its normal frequency. As a therapy, FSM uses various frequencies (often determined by the condition and tissue time) and these frequencies are transmitted through the body using Micro-currents. Microcurrent has been shown to increase ATP (energy) production in the cells of your body and in doing so, dramatically increases the tissue’s healing rate. The almost immediate response to the correct microcurrent suggests that other mechanisms are involved as well. The exact effects or changes that result from microcurrent frequencies have not been proven because no biopsies have been done after microcurrent has been applied. However, the changes in the tissue are unmistakable; scars will often suddenly soften; trigger points often become less painful; swelling often drains within minutes when the “correct” frequency is applied. Changes are often long-lasting and in many cases permanent.
Benefits of FSM treatment include:
- Acceleration in healing of acute injuries up to 200%
- Improved oxygenation and cellular repair
- Decreased cellular electrical resistance
- Reduced inflammatory chemicals in tissues
- Increased feel-good endorphin levels
- Increased cell energy (ATP) levels by up to 500%
- Boosts protein synthesis by 70%
- Restored adrenal function
- Repaired regulation of nerve tissue
- Boosted immune function
- Improved cellular function
- Softening of tight tissues
- Emotional release
- Pain Relief
- Reduction of muscle spasms
- Increased blood circulation to injured areas,
- Maintenance and/or increase range of motion to injured areas
The results are impressive and consistent. Chronic injuries clear up in record time. FSM can remodel scar tissue in one therapy session which would normally take months to do manually.
Conditions effectively treated with FSM:
- Conditions effectively treated with FSM:
- Achilles tendonitis
- Adhesions
- Asthma
- Back pain
- Carpal Tunnel syndrome
- Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Concussion
- Fibromyalgia associated with cervical spine injury
- Fractures
- Frozen shoulder
- Kidney stone pain
- Lymphedema
- Migraine headaches
- Myofascial pain
- Neuromuscular pain and inflammation
- Osteoarthritis
- Peripheral neuropathy
- Post-herpetic Neuralgia
- Post-surgical pain
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Reflexive Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD)
- Scar tissue
- Sciatica
- Shingles
- Sinusitis
- Spinal Disc Pain
- Sports injuries
- Sprains/strains
- Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ) Pain
- Tendon and ligament injury or pain
- Tension headaches
- Tennis elbow
- Whiplash
Once the tissue is changed and stable, it seems to be able to stay in the new configuration with proper nutritional support.
How long do the benefits last?
Every patient responds individually but the changes to the muscle seem to be long-lasting. About 60-80% of the changes created in one treatment last until the next treatment, about 4-7 days. Your muscles are often used to being the way they are and may return to the old configuration if not treated again. Although patients have had permanent changes in one treatment, the average number of treatments depends on the complexity of the problem. Treatments also need to be supported by appropriate lifestyle changes. (Ex: if the problem is chronic trigger points due to poor posture, FSM will help treat the trigger points. However, if the postural issues are not addressed the problem will likely recur.)
Why is Hydration So Important for FSM?
In order to be effective the patient must be hydrated. This means approximately 1-2 quarts of water in the 2 hours preceding treatment and then again following treatment. Athletes may need more. This will also help reduce some potential side effects. Taking a good quality antioxidant supplement can also be helpful.
How does FSM compare to other devices?
FSM works on a cellular level. Other devices such as TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) units cannot heal on a cellular level because their current is 1000 times too large. The current doesn’t match, or resonate with the cells in a way that can invoke a healing response. As such, the TENS is limited to temporary pain relief. Other microcurrent devices are also significantly different from FSM. Microcurrent has been used for years to speed the rate of healing, control inflammation, increase the rate of fracture repair, and treat myofascial pain and dysfunction. However, early devices allowed only a limited number of frequency settings and therefore treatment options. FSM is unique in that it can deliver a large number of frequency combinations targeted to the cells that need it most. Utilizing FSM we can treat a much broader array of conditions and do so much more effectively.
Is FSM For Everyone?
People who should not receive FSM treatment include those who have pacemakers, implanted pumps, uncontrolled seizures, and women who are pregnant. Also, patients with cancer may also avoid treatment. Again, this is more as a caution instead of any known negative side effects. Consult Dr. Eng to find out whether this applies to you.
