Microcurrent Point Stimulation (MPS) therapy is a relatively new form of physical therapy that uses very low-voltage electrical impulses to stimulate specific points on the body. The therapy is based on the principle that the body’s cells have electrical properties, and that by applying small electrical currents to specific points, the cells can be stimulated to repair and regenerate themselves.
MPS therapy uses a device that delivers microcurrents to the skin surface through electrodes placed on specific points on the body. The electrical impulses are designed to mimic the body’s natural electrical impulses and stimulate the cells to repair and regenerate themselves. The therapy is non-invasive, painless, and can be completed in a short period of time.
One of the main benefits of MPS therapy is that it can be used to reduce pain and inflammation. The therapy works by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms to reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area. This can be particularly beneficial for patients suffering from conditions such as arthritis, neuropathic pain, and chronic back pain.
MPS therapy can also be used to improve muscle function and coordination. By stimulating the muscles, the therapy can help to improve muscle strength, endurance, and coordination. This can be beneficial for patients recovering from injuries or conditions such as stroke, spinal cord injury, or cerebral palsy.
MPS therapy can also be used to improve the skin’s appearance. By stimulating the cells, the therapy can help to improve the skin’s tone, texture, and elasticity. This can be beneficial for patients suffering from conditions such as acne, rosacea, or aging skin.
MPS therapy is a safe and well-tolerated treatment option, with few side effects. However, as with any treatment, there can be potential side effects. Some patients may experience mild skin irritation or discomfort where the electrodes are placed, or muscle soreness or fatigue after the therapy. Additionally, MPS therapy may not be suitable for some patients, such as those with certain heart conditions or pacemakers. It is important to consult with a medical professional before starting MPS therapy.
MPS therapy can be used in conjunction with other forms of physical therapy and rehabilitation. For example, it can be used to help patients recovering from a stroke or spinal cord injury by improving muscle strength and function, and then used in conjunction with traditional exercises to improve mobility and coordination.
Electro therapy is a very effective use of small electric stimuli to heal wounds and treat pains. This method was introduced in the pain treatment history over one hundred years ago. According to scientific studies, this therapy has lead to amazing results in treating both chronic and acute pain.
Electric therapy can be used in several ways. However, it usually blocks the transmission of pain in the nerves to reach to the brain. It also enhances the production of endorphins, which is basically the natural painkiller hormone present in the body.
The following are the common Electrotherapeutic devices:
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
The affected part of the body is covered with a self-adhesive pad. The device is then turned on to generate electric pulses that stimulate the nervous system. Each pulse lasts only for millionths of one second. The pain signals are blocked to carry forward to the brain due to high frequencies electric pulses. On the other hand, low frequencies help to stimulate the production of natural painkillers in the body. The relief from pain resulted from the therapy lasts for many hours.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS)
The electrodes are usually placed on the motor point spot over the muscles. A motor point is an area of the body where motor nerve can enter in the muscles. EMS decides generates electric current in order to stimulate the muscle to contract and expand. This procedure increases the circulation of blood to the muscles and strengthens muscle fiber.
High Voltage Pulsed Galvanic Stimulations (HVGPS)
Also known as galvanic is a therapy that helps to increase the blood flow to affected areas with low-level current. When the blood circulation is increased in the body, it further leads to quick healing of wounds and detoxification. This technology can be used for other purposes than reducing pain, for example, treating acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, fat reduction, and shaping.
Microcurrent
This is a very important and great advancement of electric therapy field. It generates extremely low current. This is why it is considered to be much safer and effective electric therapy method. Aging process and wounds affects the capacity of cells that stores electricity. Microcurrent helps the cell to recharge and enable them to function properly again. This therapy is commonly used for healing acute pain, chronic pain, tendon repair, ligament, frozen shoulder, fibromyalgia, and other sports injuries, by increasing the rate of regeneration.
Microcurrent Stimulator and Ophthalmologists
Microcurrent (MCS) makes use of extremely small electric stimuli running into the millionths of an ampere. The electric current generated relieves pain, increases the wound healing rate and stimulates regeneration of injured tissue. It is also used to change scar tissue. Scar tissues are fibrous in nature and replace normal skin when it is injured. They can be tougher than normal skin. A study demonstrated how the scar tissue was 3 to 5 times less in tissue in skin areas where MCS was used. In treating myofascial trigger points too, this therapy is very useful. These trigger points are like tight contraction knots in muscle. Many times, the joint pain caused by them is mistakenly associated with tendonitis, ligament injury or arthritis.
How does microcurrent stimulation work?
Our body has electric current flowing through it. Our cells generate a very small electric current in the range of microamps. When our body is injured, the electric flow is disturbed hence, the natural healing process cannot take place. The electric current in our body bypasses that region.
MCS therapy restores the natural current flow to the injured region. The body cells, energized and recharged, resume their normal functions. Hence, the healing process is sped up.
There are two techniques:
1. Eye and socket is completely covered with pad electrodes and electrode is placed over each eye
2. A probe-type applicator is used on acupuncture points around the eye
MCS and treatment of retinal diseases
Numerous studies have shown the effectiveness of MCS therapy in the treatment of retinal diseases. It is of a non-invasive and painless nature. This is making it an ideal alternative for treating macular degeneration with traditional methods such as Coagulating laser therapy. Age-related Macular degeneration or AMD is an ailment in which patients gradually lose their vision with age. Clinical studies have indicated this therapy’s ability to slow down disease and also promote healing.
It does this by increasing ATP production in retinal cells. ATP is a molecule used for energy storage by cells.
Enhanced production helps in protein synthesis. It also helps retinal cells absorb the required nutrients. The increased blood circulation to the area leaves cells rejuvenated and re-energized. The stimulation therapy boosts the cells’ ability of getting rid of waste products. It is best to get MCS in early stages of macular degeneration but it can benefit people in advanced stages also. The therapy is used in treating wet and dry macular degeneration as well as Stargardt’s disease, retinitis pigmentosa, swelling and retinal vein occlusion including other retinopathies.
How to Get Chronic Pain Treatment
According to pain experts, it might not always be possible to cure chronic pain completely. However, with medications, you can improve the functionality of your body parts affected by chronic pain. The medications will allow you to live life as normally as possible.
The methods used for treating chronic pain are many. Your doctor might develop a combination of treatments to cure chronic pain. Initially patients may feel increased pain because there might be inactive chronic pain and have reduced flexibility and strength. But as treatment continues, the patients will find themselves with increased functionality and reduced pain. Initial treatment will depend on the duration and severity of the pain. The therapies used in initial chronic pain treatment might include:
• Regular exercising
• Consuming a balanced diet
• Getting sufficient sleep
• Using pain-relieving medications
Following are some therapies used for treating pain.
• Analgesics: Analgesics are commonly known as painkillers. They can work by blocking pain signals from being transmitted to the brain. They might also interfere with the brain’s interpretation of pain signals. Analgesics do not work like anesthesia and do not cause any loss of consciousness. Analgesics might have some harmful effects in certain combinations. Hence you should let your doctor know which medications you are currently taking.
• Anticonvulsants: They are used to treat seizure disorders but can also be used to treat chronic pain.
• Antidepressants: They are also used in pain treatment. Anti-anxiety drugs not only work to relax muscles but are also used to relieve pain. A physician will first prescribe analgesics before resorting to these medications. They work by adjusting the levels of brain chemicals.
• Anti-migraine medications: They are specifically used to treat migraine headaches. However, anti-migraine drugs have some side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
• Creams: They are applied on the affected area and may contain medicines or a combination of them.
• Electrotherapy: People also undertake electrotherapy to cure pain. It makes use of small electric stimuli which are directed towards nerves. The nerves are stimulated with the electricity generated. Electrotherapy refers to TENS, Microcurrent therapy, Interferential current or galvanic stimulation. Interferential current for instance makes use of current generated from two electric sources. The resulting force easily penetrates the skin and interferes with the pain signals from transmission to the brain.
• Nerve block injections: The affected nerve is injected with an anesthetic for pain relief. The pain relief lasts for quite a few days but might return. Normally nerve blocks cannot cure chronic pain but it allows you to initiate physical therapy.
• Trigger point injections: Trigger points are injected with a local anesthetic. However, not everyone gets pain relief with this treatment.