Equine Microcurrent: Electrical Neuromuscular Stimulator

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:

MicroPlus Device x 

Elastic Surcingle x

Splitter Cables x

Lead wire extenders 6' x 

Conductor Gel x

9 volt Batteries x&x

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

1 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Microcurrent_electrical_neuromuscular_stimulator
2 http://www.medsci.org/v10p1286.htm
3 http://www.thehorse.com/articles/28153/equine-physical-therapy-and-electrical-stimulators
4 https://therapyproducts.net/Matrix-pdfs/Micro-Device-Comparison.pd

^{5 https://therapyproducts.net/articles/Conductive-Gel.php
6 https://therapyproducts.net/articles/About-Microcurrent-Therapy.php
7 https://therapyproducts.net/articles/MicroEquines.php
8 http://www.minglewoodsolutions.com/PerformanceEssentials/microcurrent-electro-therapy-rejuvenation-ff8081811fa08b01011fa995ddd1067d-p.html
9 http://www.naturopathic-physician.com/index.php?page=41}

^{10 http://www.bioelectroequinetherapy.com/micro-current-technology.html}