The possibilities and parameters

The frequency of the treatment is based on the aims of the treatment. Conditions such as inflammation, fibrosis, mineral deposition, scar tissue formation, allergic reactions, viral infection and spasm, are treated with frequencies that are considered to be effective to treat specific to connective tissue, fascia, arteries, muscles, and nerves (McMakin, 2004).  The frequency that is selected should be based on patient and an assessment of the tissues that will be treated. McMakin (2004) outlines the possible frequencies used to treat different conditions:

.3Hz for healing therapy

3Hz  for stimulation of acupuncture points

300Hz for treating odema

Dosage parameters for treatment should be based on the manufacturer’s recommendations. Using the example of the Dynatron 950+ electrical stimulation machine, the following parameters are the default settings on the machine for a treatment using two electrodes:

Bipolar wave

Frequency        .3Hz

Intensity           50 μA

Treatment time   20 minutes              

Examples of dosage parameters used in various studies are outlined in the following table.

Study	Aim of Study	Frequency	Intensity	Treatment time
DOMS	Decreasing Pain	3Hz	200 μA	20 Minutes
Tennis Elbow	Decreasing Pain	10Hz	400 μA	30 Minutes
Equine Wound Case Study	Wound Healing	0.5Hz	100 μA	24Hours/7Days

Placement of electrodes varies depending on the treatment given and where the pain is. McMakin (2004), as depicted below, applied the microcurrent therapy via gloves.

Picture below shows the electrode positioning used to for wound healing on a horse. The electrode pairs are placed either side of the wound. It is important that the electrodes do not touch (Frick & McCauley, 2005).

REFERENCES

Dynatron 950plus & Dynatron 650plus Service Manual. (n.d.) Retrieved 29 March, 2012 from

http://www.ersbiomedical.com/Manuals/Dynatron/D950_650plusService%20Manual%20with%20schematics.pdf

Frick, A. & McCauley, D. (2005). Microcurrent electrical therapy, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 25(1), 418-422. doi: 10.1016/j/jevs.2005.09.012

Ho, L.O.L., Kwong, W.L. & Cheing, G.L.Y. (2007). Effectiveness of microcurrent therapy in the management of lateral epicondyltis: A pilot study, Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal, 25, 14-20

McMakin, C.R. (2004). Microcurrent therapy: A novel treatment method for chronic low back myofascial pain, Journal of Bodywork and Movement, 8, 143-153