What
is the Electro-Acuscope/Myopulse System?
The Electro-Acuscope, introduced to the public in 1978, is the original (and
still the only) electronic medical instrument that delivers treatment to
damaged and impaired tissue in feedback-modulated micro-current
transcutaneous nerve stimulation
Unlike most electrical stimulators called TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical
Nerve Stimulation), that blindly blast milli-amperage current to block pain
signals from reaching the brain, the Acuscope delivers miniscule doses of
micro-electricity (the exact level, frequency, intensity, and waveform
patterns that healthy living tissue conducts through the nerve network).
The Acuscope is particularly unique in that its output is precisely
configured based on the biological feedback being continuously gathered from
the tissue during treatment. The I/O (Input/Output) computerized circuitry is
calibrated to calculate appropriate corrective waveform patterns by comparing
impedance readings to universal norms, in a process similar to the “search
and seek” technology of a missile-guidance system.
After each stimulation, the resulting readouts, both digital and auditory,
reflect the changes in conductivity over the course of the treatment (unlike
all other electrical stimulation devices that provide no feedback to the
operator). Simultaneously, the patient frequently experiences a corresponding
reduction in pain and increased range of motion.
The cellular effect is to boost the body's self-healing mechanisms by
adjusting levels of micro-electrical activity, (“charging-up” the trillions
of miniscule biological batteries when depleted; and/or decreasing abnormally
over-active signals found where inflammation is no longer beneficial) and
restoring normal conductivity throughout the nervous system. Over a series of
treatments, the effect is cumulative, until the neurological network can hold
a healthy charge.
The Myopulse, companion instrument to the Acuscope, gently stimulates
connective tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia) delivering
electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) in feedback-modulated micro-current
sinusoidal (sloping) waveform patterns identical to that produced by
contractile tissue. Reducing spasm and inflammation, restoring range of
motion, and strengthening tissue damaged by traumatic injury, even in the
most acute and chronic cases, the Myopulse produces remarkable results.
Together these two incomparable instruments comprise the most technologically
advanced and effective neuro-muscular treatment system available to health
care practitioners today. As the only self-regulating electro-therapeutic
micro-current devices on the market (feedback signal processing; e.g. the
tissue impedance input continuously controls and adjusts the waveform
output), this system is used for a wide variety of applications, acceleration
of tissue repair, pain and stress management.
How is probe placement
determined?
Generally applied to the skin over specially formulated Electrolyte solution,
Acuscope placement electrodes are placed either on or around the area of
involvement.
Throughout the electrical “wiring” of the body, certain points function as
signal boosters or amplifiers similar to any electrical system.
Point-specific probes are applied to strategic high-conductive points along
the neural pathways (meridians) accessing Acupoints, Auricular (ear) points,
Odonton points, Reflex, Trigger and other protocols.
One can “find” these points of higher conductivity relative to the
surrounding tissue by utilizing the feedback-only mode prior to initiating
stimulation since tissue impedance is indicated by the LED (digital) readout
in conjunction with the auditory feedback.
Myopulse probes are most frequently placed directly over a particular muscle
or muscle group. Electrodes may be applied at locations of origin and
insertion, or on either side of the “belly” of the muscle. Roller electrodes
are very effective in applying the current along the entire length of a
muscle, tendon, or ligament.
How many treatments
will I need?
The pain relief which follows each treatment of given area will last longer
and longer and each successive treatment will require a shorter amount of
time to be effective. This is commonly referred to as “the cumulative
effect”.
The number of treatments required will depend on the severity and extent of
the condition as well as the body's ability to heal itself. Age, general
state of health, habits such as nutrition, hydration, posture, habitual
activities, exercise (or lack of it), and even state of mind may influence
the length of time required for complete recovery. Somewhere between five and
fifteen treatments is the normal average.
Unlike other forms of pain management, such as therapy with certain drugs or
higher amperage electrical stimulators, the body does not build up a
tolerance to Acuscope/Myopulse treatments. Both with many pain medications
and most hi-amp devices, prolonged use requires higher and higher doses of
medications or increased time and amounts of electricity to achieve the
desired pain reduction effect. With EA/MYO treatments, sessions of shorter and
shorter duration produce more dramatic and longer lasting effects, until
treatment is no longer required. Periodic maintenance treatments, however,
are highly recommended to maintain a healthy state.
Please
explain why the results from an Acuscope treatment are cumulative.
In numerous scientific studies, mild current stimulation, ideally at the
level of 500 UA (micro-amps) or less, has been proven to have a profoundly
beneficial effect on living tissue, promoting regenerative metabolic
activity.
One study in particular is most notable (Ngok Cheng, et al: 1976) and is
often quoted throughout the literature on micro-current therapy. This
breakthrough study determined that micro-amperage stimulation causes the
cells of the body to increase production of the chemical ATP which is
responsible for cellular energy production. It was also found to increase
protein synthesis, the building blocks of tissue, which allows the cells to
begin to repair themselves. This low level of current was discovered to
improve certain cellular functions, such as (in technical terms) normalizing
cell membrane potential, enhancing protein synthesis, opening the voltage
sensitive channels that allow ions (such as sodium, calcium, potassium, etc.)
to pump more freely into the cells, and to increase the transport of waste
products out of the cells thereby assisting the flushing of toxins out of the
tissue. (It is therefore recommended that patients increase their intake of
fluids, primarily water, during their course of Acuscope/Myopulse
treatments.)
As these chemical reactions accumulate with each successive treatment, the
tissue is able to repair itself more completely. The "charge" on
the tissue begins to hold and its ability to generate its own normal energy
is restored. In most cases of neuro-muscular pathology, a series of
treatments have “the cumulative effect” leading to long-lasting or permanent
relief.
If I have tried many
other forms of therapy with little or no relief, can Acuscope/Myopulse
treatments help?
Probably; these instruments deliver 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 in the past. Ideally combined with Chiropractic,
Massage, Physical Therapy, Nutritional Counseling, appropriate exercise
activity, and other healthy lifestyle choices for best possible results.
Who can give
treatments with this equipment?
The Acuscope and Myopulse are FDA approved as “Class II” Medical Devices that
can be operated by anyone under the supervision of an M.D., Chiropractor,
Doctor of Oriental Medicine, or Naturopath.
A doctor may also prescribe the home use of this instrumentation with a
prescription for microcurrent Nerve Stimulation. The personal units Acuscope Model 70C (shown here) and
the Neuroscope 230 are most popular for patient self-care.
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