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500%. However, increasing the current between 1 to 5 milliamperes actually decreases ATP production, and at 5 mil- liamperes, ATP production drops below baseline control levels (4,6,7).

When microcurrents are applied to trau- matised tissues, charged proteins are put into motion, and migration into the lym- phatic ducts is accelerated. The osmotic pressure of the lymphatic channels is thereby increased hastening the absorp- tion of fluid from the interstitial space (7).

Electrical stimulation of the wound also tends to increase the amount of growth factor receptors, which boosts the amount of collagen formation (2) and increases healing to these connective tissues.

Areas of clinical use Microcurrent therapy has been used in a number of other clinical areas (see box). A study of 1,531 patients tested the effec- tiveness of microcurrent therapy for the reduction of pain in twelve types of acute injuries. Ninety four percent of patients reported a reduction in pain during the first treatment, and 88% were pain free after 10 treatments. No side effects were reported during the study (4). Electrical stimulation of fractures and broken bones provides a non-surgical option for repair, and it is being investigated for use in osteonecrosis and osteoporosis (1,2).

Wound healing Perineural cells that comprise 90% of the nervous system surround every nerve cell (2). They have semiconductive properties, which allow them to transmit D.C. signals (2). This analogue system senses injury and controls repair and the activity of body cells by producing specific D.C. elec- trical environments in their vicinity. Polarity reversal of the externally applied microcurrent seems to reinitiate the

wound repair processes in healing. Blood coagulation and thrombosis occurs in the vessel beneath the anode but not beneath the cathode. When the polarity is reversed, the cathode is capable of caus- ing the clot formed beneath the anode to become more soluble (6). Also, the anodal (positive) microamp stimulation appears more effective in healing skin lesions (7).

Bone growth/repair Several methods are available to stimulate bone growth. All require three to six months of treatment, and have similar contraindications. A gap in the fracture greater than half the diameter of the bone, or synovial pseudoarthrosis, will result in failure (2,6,10). The human body is positively polarised along the central spinal axis and negatively polarised peripherally. Injury to bone produces neg- ative voltage potential gradients in the area of injury relative to the undamaged bone (2,7). Osteoblastic (bone-building) activity must occur when a break has occurred, and in order to promote bone growth, the hormone, calcitonin, inhibits osteoclastic (bone-reabsorbing) activity, and lowers the extracellular levels of cal- cium. This might account for the negative potential surrounding the area of injury.

The cathodal (negative) current has been shown to be successful in stimulating bone deposition and nerve repair and regeneration. The normal voltage reading would be -10 µA, however when a fracture occurs, the voltage is depolarised toward zero. With continued use of MENS, the voltage begins to return toward normal (depolarises) by the 5th day, and by the 15th day, the voltage reading is once again at -10 µA (7).

Tendon and ligament repair The use of MENS seems to enhance cell multiplication in connective tissue, and speeds formation of new collagen in injured tendons. Accelerated healing of lig- ament and tendon injuries has been report- ed, and microcurrent applied to rat tendons has been shown to increase healing by over 250% (2).

Contraindications The use of microcurrent is contraindicated during pregnancy as electrical stimulation can affect the endocrine control systems, which can theoretically cause miscarriage. However, no cases have been reported.

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Uses of microcurrent therapy

It is said to be effective in: ● Reducing inflammation and swelling ● Accelerating wound healing

● Treating headaches, temporo- mandibular joint syndrome, neu- ropathies, arthritis, bursitis and ten- donitis

● Preventing delayed muscle soreness common after heavy exercise (1,2)

● Soft tissue injuries, sprains, wounds, post-surgical trauma

● Treatment of long-term residual pain due to post-surgical scars (1,2)

Microcurrent or any other electrical stimu- lus should not be used on patients with demand-type cardiac pacemakers. Other than these there are no known significant adverse side effects (2,9).

References 1. Micro-Current Therapy Ushers In A New Era. PA: ICNR Publications, 1989 2. Kirsch D and Lerner F. Electromedicine: the other side of physiology. FA: St. Lucie Press, 1998 3. Delitto A, Strube M and Shulman A. 1992. A study of discomfort with electrical stimulation. Physical Therapy. 72: 410-424 4. Mylon-Tech research results www.mylon- tech.ca 5. Bauer W. 1983. Electrical treatment of severe head and neck cancer pain. Arch Otolaryngol. 109: 382-383 6. Becker R. The Body Electric. NY: William Morrow and Co, Inc., 1985 7. Wing T. 1989. Modern low voltage microcur- rent stimulation: A comprehensive overview. Chiropractic Economics. 37: 265-271 8. Cheng N, Van Hoff H, and Bockx E. 1982. The effect of electric currents on ATP generation protein synthesis, and membrane transport in rat skin. Clin. Orthop. 171: 264-272 9. Becker R. 1995. The basis for microcurrent electrical therapy in conventional medical prac- tice. J. of Advancement in Medicine. 8 (2)

Resources microcurrent@worldhealthinnovations.com or phone World Health Innovations on 01256 326997.

Dr Mark Atkinson MBBS BsC (HONS) FRIPHH MCMA is a medical doctor and practitioner of integrated medicine. He specialises in the treatment of chronic pain-related conditions.