PATIENT INFORMATION – Frequently Asked Questions
WHAT IS THE ELECTRO-ACUSCOPE?
The Acuscope is a highly sophisticated electronic medical instrument which is designed to scan and treat many types of painful conditions.
It is one of a class of FDA approved devices called TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation). TENS means that electricity is used to treat pain by stimulating the nervous system of your body without puncturing the skin in any way.
However, unlike common TENS units which (much like pain medication) are designed to temporarily block the pain signals from registering in the brain, the Acuscope is technologically advanced. It uses a much milder level of electricity that actually helps the tissue where the problem is located; and as a result of treatment, the painful sensations subside. Incorporating bio-feedback and computerized calculations to deliver precision currents, it is boosting the ability of your tissue to restore itself to a normal, healthy state. Improved nerve transmission can eventually result in complete relief.
WHAT IS THE MYOPULSE?
Companion instrument to the Acuscope, the Myopulse is in the FDA category of EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation) and insurance is billed for the use of a muscle stimulation modality to one or more areas.
Low level micro-electricity however, unlike ordinary milli-amperage Muscle Stimulation, will not cause a contraction, muscle fiber exhaustion, or tetanize a muscle. It is a completely painless treatment –
no pain; great gain!
The Myopulse gently stimulates connective and contractile tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia) with appropriate sloping waveforms, proven to correct abnormal electrical potentials of these types of cells.
As a result, treatments release painful knots, tightness, and spasms, quickly improving range of motion; inflammation is reduced and regenerative activity in torn and traumatized connective tissue is increased.
By restoring normal electrical potentials, it simply helps promote the ability of muscles to fully self-repair and finally become strong once again. Especially helpful after surgery for speedier healing.
Like the Acuscope, sophisticated biofeedback technology gives the Myopulse the ability to constantly monitor the soft tissue while it is being treated; this feedback is then utilized by programming that adjusts its output accordingly. The goal is to correct abnormal signals until normal cellular activity is detected in structures damaged by traumatic injury. Remarkably effective change takes place when this happens, and patients can usually feel dramatic effects right away.
WHERE IS THIS EQUIPMENT BEING USED?
The Acuscope System is used in hospitals and by doctors and therapists in every field of pain and stress management. According to widespread publicity, many outstanding athletes have been significantly helped by Electro-Acuscope treatments. It is being used by professional athletic teams and in sports medicine practices. The Acuscope System is also very effective with animals; especially dramatic results are reported with equine athletes (horses in competition), and it is being used extensively in veterinary rehabilitation therapy. See www.animaltherapysystems.com .
HOW DOES THE SYSTEM WORK?
Two separate units make up the system; together they provide speedy neuromuscular rehabilitation.
Two-way communication is achieved by incorporating biofeedback circuitry that can monitor the area(s) of the body while it is being treated. The Acuscope measures nerve conduction and treats the nerves; the Myopulse uses myofascial feedback technology. The operator can identify where levels of microelectricity are very low, usually in areas of chronic pain. Readouts will be abnormally high in areas of acute pain.
Both modalities measure “cellular capacitance” in general, which is the capacity of tissue cells to “hold a charge.” Treatment introduces gentle microamperage waveforms identical to the body’s own electrical currents. The effect is increased or reduced electrical activity, as needed to return a problematic area to a normal pain-free state, and improve the overall level of “cellular energy.” This is experienced by the patient as relief in the area of involvement and a greater sense of vitality in general.
HOW LONG IS EACH TREATMENT?
Treatments are from 30 minutes to one hour (or more), depending on the degree of your problem(s) and the number of treatments you have already had. In a series of treatments, the first few sessions generally take longer because most people have tissue that is quite depleted and “discharged.” Plus the damage must be located and assessed by you and your bio-technician. For example, it will take longer to treat both shoulders, the neck and back than to treat a smaller area such as a single wrist, foot, knee or ankle joint. After several treatments, less time may be required to boost nerve transmission to the most highly conductive level and to return muscles and tendons to an undamaged, unrestricted state. Since the effects of treatment with the Acuscope & Myopulse are cumulative (the results accumulate over time), the results of each treatment last longer and the time required to produce results may be shorter. Once the pain syndrome has been eliminated, maintenance treatments are highly recommended; booster sessions are one hour, once per week, monthly, or as needed. Your doctor will help you to decide what is best for you.
WHAT WILL TOUCH MY SKIN DURING TREATMENT?
The points of contact with the body are generally moistened with a specially formulated, (Conductive Electrolyte) wetting solution or cream. The probes have rounded brass or silver-alloy tips that are applied in a gentle pressure-point massaging fashion on the skin; the electrode plates are held in place with light adhesive tape; the rollers slide easily over muscles and around curves. Some patients with swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch may experience some discomfort from the pressure of the probes; but heavy pressure is unnecessary. Your hands, feet or other surfaces may be placed on the large brass plates; or you may have a relaxation treatment using Ear Clips or a Headband set. Whichever attachment or set of probes is used with the Electro-Acuscope and Myopulse, the experience of treatment is generally quite pleasant and comfortable, even enjoyable
WHAT WILL THE TREATMENT FEEL LIKE?
The Acuscope delivers a level of electricity that is below the “threshold of perception,” in other words, most likely you will only feel the smooth metal-alloy probes touching your skin. Some patients will feel a tiny pulse, vibration, or an occasional gentle prickling sensation. Have no concern. If there is ANY discomfort whatsoever, simply mention it to your bio-technician and the settings will be reduced to insure your comfort. It is not best for you to “grin and bear it;” it is not at all necessary. In fact, the Acuscope and Myopulse are most effective when you do not feel the treatment at all. During treatment, it is most likely that you will feel nothing but relief. Most patients report only the sensations of general relaxation and soothing release in the area being treated and report feeling as if the problematic issue had simply been “erased.”
HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Usually, a series of sessions is necessary to complete the job of achieving lasting results. BE PATIENT. The body’s cells in their seemingly miraculous, innate wisdom know how to repair themselves. The Acuscope helps them to do what they do automatically and naturally – but much faster and more efficiently. After your first treatment, when your body has used up the increased supply of microelectricity and the pain (and/or limited range of motion) returns, it comes back to a lesser degree. If the second treatment is administered the next day, it is likely that the second treatment will produce more dramatic results that last even longer. It is not unusual that from three or four treatments, significant changes are perceived; however, it may take five to ten or eleven treatments to produce lasting results. There is no way to know how an individual will respond. Fortunately, in cases that take longer to resolve, when the breakthrough takes place, it is quite dramatic!
The readings (audio tones and digital feedback) during treatment will indicate to your bio-technician what is likely to be the required course of therapy. Please note: the average patient with severe acute or long-term chronic pain usually require a series of six to ten treatments over a two to four week period in order to obtain lasting or permanent relief. It is recommended that you complete your entire series of treatments prescribed by your doctor to insure that your body will be able to repair and restore itself completely.
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS FROM THE TREATMENTS?
There are no long-term side effects. Occasionally, some temporary increased discomfort may be felt after the first treatment, or possibly following the first few. This will depend upon the condition of each painful area. These may include headache, stomach upset (before it subsides), and increased pain levels at the site(s) involved. Fortunately these side effects are rare and usually occur, if at all, only at first. Many people simply begin to feel much better right away. Once you start feeling better, pain relief will last longer and longer until the problems begin to subside, the pain is completely eliminated and normal function is restored.
Why does this happen? During the first one to three treatments your body is more actively releasing backed-up toxins and adjusting to having increased microcurrents available to improve self-repair activity. This is sometimes referred to as an “initial healing crisis.” The possible effect on your body will depend on your level of toxicity and your degree of electrical depletion at the cellular level. During your treatments, notice the numbers and the sounds made by the Acuscope (the biofeedback). This will tell you how your body is doing on any given day.
You will find that the readouts improve each time you are treated. You will soon see and hear better (higher) readings, which indicates that your cells are “holding a charge” (improved cellular capacitance).
GOOD NEWS! Any change, including temporary increased discomfort is a good sign. It shows that change is happening (and you must admit you could use a change!) Almost everyone who feels some
increase in discomfort immediately or soon after the first treatment or two has very good long-term response. The goal? Complete pain-relief and stress reduction. For most people, the “side effects” are purely positive, simply feeling that the pain has been erased for the moment – what a relief!
The body repairs itself when it is “fully charged.” The cells, like trillions of little batteries, become depleted trying and trying to resolve issues. With improved metabolism, they go to work actively again; it is as if they have been “energized” and are able to finish their job of tissue repair. Once it is done, inflammation that causes the collecting of fluids, heat, increased electrical activity, is no longer required. Once microcurrent is introduced, the demand for microelectrical activity in the area is met.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I AM MORE UNCOMFORTABLE AFTER TREATMENT?
Relax. Pay attention to the changes that are taking place as a result of the microcurrent boosting your body’s currents, balancing and restoring order. Notice the degree and length of time that this effect lasts and report it to your doctor and/or bio-technician at the start of your next treatment session. Remember: change of any kind, improvement or otherwise, is a good sign. After several treatments, lasting relief will occur.
Remember, if it “hurts worse at first” that this is a good sign. If you experience some type of discomfort such as a headache or nausea, perhaps because of the toxicity in your cells, do not become alarmed. Getting rid of toxins is very beneficial. Increased electrical activity and improved metabolism in a painful area is just what the doctor ordered! Ask your doctor or bio-technician for his/her opinion as to why this may have occurred. And remember, don’t worry; the effect is temporary. In all likelihood, long-overdue relief will soon follow.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS SHOULD I TRY IF IT DOES NOT SEEM TO BE HAVING ANY EFFECT ON MY CONDITION?
That is between you, your doctor, and your bio-technician. The majority of patients experience obvious improvement from the first treatment; many from the 2nd, 3rd or 4th. There are numerous cases on record where the improvement did not begin until the tenth treatment and then a major breakthrough occurred. If you have exhausted all other safe methods for pain relief, it is probably wise not to give up before the tenth treatment. Look for the subtle changes in the way you feel and even the slightest reduction in your level of pain.
If you have immediate relief, even if it is brief, or if there is any noticeable change, no matter how slight, you may be totally pain free and far more relaxed long before your tenth treatment with the Electro-Acuscope & Myopulse.
Another factor is that there are “layers of pain.” When the worst level has been removed, previously hidden layers are then perceived. Additional treatments may be required to chase away every last bit.
WHAT CAN I DO TO HELP GET THE BEST RESULTS?
- Be sure to increase your intake of water while you are receiving treatments to help flush out the
by-products of improved cellular metabolism. This is a healthy habit in general and especially advisable during Acuscope/Myopulse Therapy. - Do not overuse the area in the first few hours after a treatment. Allow the benefits to “absorb” and take complete effect. For example, if your damaged knee has just been treated and it suddenly feels great, don’t go right out jogging!
- It is best to rest quietly for at least 15-30 minutes, up to several hours if possible, immediately after a treatment. Then, take it easy for awhile to allow maximum tissue regeneration.
- Do not submerge yourself in water for at least 4 – 5 hours as this will diminish the effect of the treatment. In other words, do not take a bath or go swimming within the first few hours after treatment.
ARE THERE ANY GENERAL RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PATIENTS RECEIVING ACUSCOPE/MYOPULSE THERAPY?
Be sure to follow whatever program of rest or exercise your doctor and/or bio-technician recommends. Except in the most severe cases, an exercise program will be recommended, according to your condition and ability. Stretching and restoring alignment and balance, weight-resistance to strengthen bones and muscles, and safe cardiovascular aerobic activity should be combined with expansive breathing and an awareness of the necessity of hydration (drinking water consistently throughout the day). Live, leafy green plants and indoor trees in your indoor spaces will provide increased Oxygen to breathe where you live at home, where you workout, and at work (if possible). Cells need oxygen to do their repair work. Be sure to provide an ample supply! And breathe expansively to activate as much lung capacity as possible.
Good nutrition is also a must for your cells to regenerate; avoid sugary/starchy comfort foods as much as possible! Habits of a healthy lifestyle include a diet of eating natural, colorful fruits in the morning; consuming vegetables (raw, juiced, steamed, and as soup); limiting carbs to nutritious (not empty) types; and being diligent when it comes to finding wholesome sources of protein (free of toxins such as hormones, fattening agents, antibiotics and pesticides). Understand your Glycemic Index and eat accordingly. Avoid all those things that you already know to be bad for you! In between meals, drink plenty of natural spring water. In order to achieve and maintain a true state of health, learn how to relax your mind and your muscles, rest and recharge yourself during the day (take “Power Naps”); unwind and clear your mind before bedtime so that sleeping is regenerative and refreshing. And when you talk to yourself about how you’re doing, visualize yourself (and all your body parts) energetic and healthy with youthful vitality!
DOES THIS PROGRAM WORK FOR EVERYONE?
No, however, most doctors and bio-technicians experienced in its use report that it helps a very high percentage of their patients.
MY PAIN SEEMS TO BE STRESS RELATED. CAN ELECTRO-ACUSCOPE/MYOPULSE
THERAPY HELP ME?
Yes. This therapy is renowned as highly effective stress management, especially when combined with massage. It can release pent-up tension, relax the nerves and muscles, and improve circulation. If you are under excessive stress or your pain is obviously stress-related, your doctor will most likely recommend a general systemic well-being procedure first to boost and balance your overall level of energy. Then, treatment may be applied directly on the site(s) of pain with the Acuscope and/or the Myopulse - over joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia. Treatments are usually concluded with the Relaxation Mode using the Ear Clips or Headband while you rest comfortably, relaxing deeply and completely.
IF I HAVE TRIED MANY OTHER FORMS OF THERAPY WITH LITTLE OR NO LASTING RELIEF, CAN THESE TREATMENTS HELP ME?
Very possibly! The Acuscope System delivers a different type of treatment than any other form of pain management. It is very often effective where nothing else has been able to help before.
It is frequently the case that a patient begins treatment with the Acuscope System when all else has failed!
Success is usually the result in the majority of cases.
To Schedule Your Treatments – call: (303) 249-7742