Microcurrent
Microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulator [MENS] is a device used to produce low-amplitude currents that mimic the electrical
exchanges that occur at the cellular level.6, 3 When damaged,
the cells become electrically imbalanced. Microcurrent helps to reestablish
normal electrical current to stimulate and accelerate healing, as well as
increase levels of ATP up to 500%. ATP is Adenosine Triphosphate and is the
body’s energy reservoir and is necessary for almost all body function. When
injured, the tissue’s ATP supply can become diminished. Microcurrent increases
ATP levels and therefore increases the body’s healing process.6
The primary benefits of microcurrent therapy includes improved circulation,
increase red blood cell count, nerve repair without scar tissue, stimulated
lymph circulation, elimination of toxins, increase ATP production by 500%,
lengthening the connective tissue, improved nutrition to joints. These effects
aid and comfort in conditions such as suspensory, ligament, tendon, and hoof
issues, body soreness, boosts the immune system, boosting and speeding the
healing process.6
Research & Studies:
In a 2013 study done in Japan, they subjected mice to continuous hindlimb
suspension and treated one group with microcurrent. The results, respectively,
were the regrowth of atrophied soleus muscle in microcurrent treated group was
faster than that in control group. Significant increases in phosphorylated
levels of p70 S6 kinase and protein kinase B (Akt) in microcurrent treated
group were observed.
This means that during the hindlimb suspension, the mice lost the bulk of their
soleus muscle, their calf muscle. They were treated the following days with an
hour if microcurrent treatment. The treated mice’s calf muscle development increased
faster than the untreated mice.2
My Products:
The MicroPlus is a small handheld device, made in the USA, and is
FDA, CE, and ISO certified. Fueled by a 9-volt battery this is one of the best
low-cost systems on the market costing around $200. The MicroPlus “has five
frequencies, can adjust between positive, negative or alternating current, and
is able to switch from microamps to milliamps. The MicroPlus has polarity
control as well as stable and accurate current selections, which is unique for
a device in this price range. The MicroPlus has very soft voltage outputs,
which makes it one of my favorites in the low-cost category. Quality is very
good and it has FDA, CE, and ISO certification. One con is that you must know
the little tricks to get the best results and effectively use the full features
of this unit. The MicroPlus has a 5-year warranty and overall is a good choice
for the price.”4
“It is necessary when treating animals is to create a constant
moisture barrier between the electrode and the animal's skin. The moisture from
the gel or water provides the medium for electron flow. Without a moisture
barrier the treatment will be both irritating and non-effective. Gels are
preferred because only using water can be messy and tends to dry to fast. Gels
are a thicker consistency and can last the duration of a treatment while
keeping the session comfortable and productive.” “Choosing a high viscosity gel
is your best choice. This means it will maintain its thickness longer. Plain
aloe vera gel will work, but the breakdown will be much faster than a gel made
for electrical stimulation treatments.”5
It doesn’t matter what type of electrodes are used, as you are
going to be gel’ing and taping them on either way. Extension wires and splitters are necessary for
microcurrent in horses, as to treat multiple areas at once or the legs, you
will need additional wire. Vet wrap is your friend to help control the cords
and keep the taped electrodes in place.
Administering Treatment:
Positive & Negative Polarity
50uA – 500uA Frequency
0.5 – 1.0Hz Range
2 Second Pulses
To set up, you want some type of blanket or bellyband to secure your
Microcurrent system on. Attach the splitters to the extensions to the
electrodes. Apply the gel to the electrodes and take masking tape to secure the
‘nodes onto the horse; follow up with vet wrap.
Once you’re all hooked up, there are many different settings that one could
apply, though it is important not to cause any discomfort or irritation. For
the MicroPlus there is switchable polarity, five
most popular frequencies, micro amperage, and low level TENS (milliamps).”
Positive polarity is most useful with a new injury as it reduces swelling, controls
pain, helps prevent stiffness, and increases the range of motion. Negative
polarity is useful for chronic injury as it increases circulation, draws excess
fluid away from injured body tissue, and aids in promoting the natural healing
process. You can run both positive and negative polarities at the same time,
though use your judgment.8
“Microcurrent increases ATP
production my 500%. In a study done by Ngok Cheng, M.D. entitled "The
effects of Electric Current on STP generation, Protein Syntheses and Membrane
transport in Rat Skin." ATP production increased five times with currents
from 50uA to 1000uA.”9 To induce healing, 100uA is used. It maximize
ATP at 500%, 500uA is used. This is taken from different sources, and is meant
to be a guideline not a fact. ATP generation decreased at greater than 500uA,
ATP increased 30-40% using levels 100-500uA.
To reduce inflammation process, degeneration by restoring equilibrium, restore polarization
to nerves, stimulate the ATP function of freshly injured muscle, micorcurrent
in the .5-1.0Hz range with 2.5second pulses.10
