by Dana Bauer, electrotoxicologist, CT
Microcurrent therapy, also known as MENS (microcurrent electrical neuromuscular stimulation), is the use of very low currents of electricity at specific frequencies to improve health and reduce pain.
The benefits of microcurrent therapy include increased blood flow, reduction of inflammation, better tissue healing, more cellular activity/regeneration, detoxification, and the release of myofascial trigger points. MENS is a non-invasive, non-drug option for people wanting to heal naturally.
Because the microcurrent stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate—a naturally occurring energy molecule in the body—as much as 500 times the normal rate, it is an excellent therapy for detoxifying so that healing can take place in a short period of time. Microcurrent therapy has been found to be beneficial in pain reduction (chronic or acute) due to its ability to work at a cellular level, allowing the low frequencies to penetrate areas of resistance in tissue, nerves, or blood, as well as in structural components such as tendons, fascia, ligaments, muscle, and bone. Typically, most patients notice an improvement within three treatments. However, as with all therapies, treatment plans are patient-specific.
MENS is a safe form of treatment when administered by a qualified, trained professional using FDA-approved Class II medical devices. Electrodes are placed on the skin surrounding the area of concern during a sixty to ninety–minute session. Patients experience a calming, comfortable, relaxing session because the amps are so minute that there is no tissue resistance or muscle contraction. The therapy is sometimes referred to as “whispering to the area” because the microcurrents are not strong enough to stimulate sensory nerves, which makes it a pain-free treatment.
Some side effects may include tiredness, flu-like symptoms, or temporary increase in pain. These symptoms can occur any time during the first twenty-four hours following treatment but subside within a day or two. These side effects are caused by stimulation of metabolism, which causes detoxification. To help minimize side effects, drink lots of water prior to and after treatment. Besides, consuming six to eight 8-o.z glasses of water per day is a healthy lifestyle choice. Each patient is different, and some people will not experience side effects at all.
Besides pain management, microcurrent therapy is also used to help aid digestion (gastrointestinal problems), reduce stress, treat some types of depression, relieve insomnia, help with restless leg syndrome, address symptoms of fibromyalgia, improve neuropathy, and detoxify the body of disease-causing agents. Pain does not have to be localized to one area of the body in order to reap the benefits of microcurrent therapy, as comprehensive systemic treatments can be used as well as point-specific treatments.
The therapy is safe for people of all ages, and the only contraindications are pregnancy or people with pace makers. Microcurrent therapy can be safely used post-surgically even if metal plates, screws, or wires were involved. MENS can be used for comfort care for those with a life-challenging illness, including chemotherapy and/or radiation detoxification. Combining microcurrent therapy with regular chiropractic care or physical therapy is a win/win. The area of concern is encouraged to heal by the use of the electrical current, the proper alignment, and movement. Always share all information with your primary physician, including medications, vitamin/supplement intake, and other natural types of healing.
For more information visit www.ptcofec.com or call The Pain Therapy Center of Eau Claire at (715) 514-3544.
Dana Bauer has a science and health background as well as a teaching degree. In May of 2011 she trained through the Thorp Institute of Integrative Medicine and earned the certificate of electrotoxicologist and opened a clinic in Eau Claire.