Microcurrent Therapy

Microcurrent therapy is one of the latest physical therapy techniques used for treatment of certain diseases and disorders. It is also referred to as Microcurrent Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulation (MENS). As the name suggests, a very low-voltage microamperage (millionths of an ampere) current is passed onto the affected cells or tissue trigger points in order to stimulate the body's healing process. The current used in microcurrent therapy is much smaller than the previously recommended currents for clinical treatments.

Each and every cell of the body has its own electric impulses. Due to abnormal conditions or injury, the bioelectric frequency of the cell is disturbed. Microcurrent therapy is based on the principle that, application of current that is similar to the body's bioelectric current enhances the tissues response to healing and repair. Microcurrent therapy is most effective for soft tissue inflammation, muscle pain and chronic pain such as fibromyalgia, neuropathy and shingles. According to medical studies, this therapy can also be used as a potential method in order to cure addiction.

Microcurrent Therapy: Procedure and Healing Process

In microcurrent therapy, the physical therapist or the physician administers the microamperage current to various parts of the patient's body by using vinyl graphite gloves or electrodes. The duration for microcurrent application may last for about 60 - 90 minutes. The applied current varies from one person to another depending upon the severity of pain. Some patients recover from pain within a few weeks, whereas some may take up to two years for complete recovery.

Studies have revealed that microcurrent therapy helps in restoring metabolic processes that are responsible for healing. It regulates the energy levels of the body by promoting ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which is the major energy fuel for all the biochemical reactions. As the energy level increases, the body's ability to remove metabolic wastes via active transport is enhanced, hence preventing accumulation of toxic substances. The same process takes place in injured cells, which in turn, enhances nutrient distribution, blood circulation and removal of wastes. This way, new healthy cells replace the injured ones.

The body after receiving microcurrent therapy also stimulates protein synthesis, ion exchange and maintains neuromuscular systems. In such a condition, the body restores its enzymatic activities and their corresponding metabolic processes. Microcurrent therapy also promotes the glycogen utilization by the muscle cells. Overall, the normal functioning of the body's cells and tissues are restored. For better results of microcurrent therapy, the physical therapist may recommend mild aerobic exercise and a change in the diet plan.

Microcurrent therapy is more effective than other electrotherapy procedures. In this technique, the current is so small that there is no tissue resistance, which is observed in case of electrotherapy. Consequently, the patient rarely feels the current while undergoing the treatment. However, microcurrent therapy is not recommended for those people who have pacemakers and who cannot tolerate electromagnetic fields.

Though microcurrent therapy is safe for people of all ages, its use is quite controversial, mainly because of its unpredictable results. In some people, it is more effective than the traditional acupuncture method; whereas, in others the clinical results are not so satisfying. As of now, there are no significant side effects of microcurrent therapy.