Frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) applies very low-level electrical currents to specific points on the body, stimulating the body’s natural healing mechanisms to reduce inflammation and pain. Electrotherapy has been around for many years, but the emergence of FSM has elevated this technique to new heights. FSM is noninvasive and generally considered safe.
FSM may stimulate the body’s production of ATP by enhancing mitochondria. This increased ATP production, in turn, promotes self-healing activities. FSM may activate an anti-inflammatory response: the electrical currents may stimulate the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines. FSM may promote the release of endorphins. Endorphins have anti-inflammatory properties through their ability to adjust the status of cytokine secretion, and their release may help reduce inflammation and pain.
A client’s health history is evaluated to determine if FSM is appropriate. The client lies on a treatment table, and the skin is is cleaned, and conductive gel patches are applied to the treatment area and connected to a microcurrent device. The device is turned on and delivers very low-level electrical currents to the treatment area. Treatment lasts between 30 minutes to 1 hour. The frequency and intensity of the microcurrent device may be adjusted during the treatment. The electrodes are then removed, as is any remaining conductive gel. Mild discomfort or tingling during the treatment may be experienced, but this should subside after the session.
Because it has few side effects, FSM suits many people looking to reduce pain and improve their quality of life. This group includes individuals with acute or chronic pain, injuries, or inflammatory conditions.
Research
Adams, J., & McMakin, C. (2017). Frequency specific microcurrent resolves chronic pain and adhesions after ulnar transposition surgery. Journal of Novel Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation.
Burnham, B., Katholi, B., & Burke, D. (2019). Complex regional pain syndrome treated with frequency specific microcurrent: A case report. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
Chaikin, L., Kashiwa, K., Bennet, M., Papastergiou, G., et al. (2015). Microcurrent stimulation in the treatment of dry and wet macular degeneration. Clinical Ophthalmology.
Curtis, D., Fallows, S., Morris, M., & McMakin, C. (2010). The efficacy of frequency specific microcurrent therapy on delayed onset muscle soreness. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
Harikrishna, K. (2018). Microcurrent as an adjunct therapy to accelerate chronic wound healing and reduce patient pain. Journal of Wound Care.
Huckfeldt, R., Mikkelson, D., Larson, K., Hammond, L., et al. (2003). The use of micro current and autocatalytic silver-plated nylon dressings in human burn patients: A feasibility study. Frequency Specific Microcurrent.
Kang, D., Jeon, J., & Lee, J. (2015). Effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation on cumulative fatigue and muscle tone of the erector spinae. Journal of Physical Therapy Science.
Lennox, A., Shafer, J., Hatcher, M., Beil, J., et al. (2002). Pilot study of impedance-controlled microcurrent therapy for managing radiation-induced fibrosis in head-and-neck cancer patients. International Journal of Radiation Oncology, Biology, Physics.
Malin, E., Galin, C., Lairet, K., Huzar, T., et al. (2013). Silver-coated nylon dressing plus active DC microcurrent for healing of autogenous skin donor sites. Annals of Plastic Surgery.
McMakin, C. (2004). Microcurrent therapy: A novel treatment method for chronic low back myofascial pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
McMakin, C. (1998). Microcurrent treatment of myofascial pain in the head, neck, and face. Frequency Specific Microcurrent.
McMakin, C. (2017). Nonpharmacologic treatment of neuropathic pain using frequency specific microcurrent. Frequency Specific Microcurrent.
McMakin, C. (2010). Nonpharmacologic treatment of shingles. Practical Pain Management.
McMakin, C., Gregory, W., & Phillips, T. (2005). Cytokine changes with microcurrent treatment of fibromyalgia associated with cervical spine trauma. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
McMakin, C., & Oschman, J. (2013). Visceral and somatic disorders: Tissue softening with frequency-specific microcurrent. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Mercola, J., & Kirsch, D. (1995). The basis for microcurrent electrical therapy in conventional medical practice. Frequency Specific Microcurrent.
Noites, A., Nunes, R., Gouveia, A., Mota, A., et al. (2015). Effects of aerobic exercise associated with abdominal microcurrent: a preliminary study. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine.
Rajpurohit, B., Khatri, S., Metgud, D., & Bagewadi, A. (2010). Effectiveness of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and microcurrent electrical nerve stimulation in bruxism associated with masticatory muscle pain — A comparative study. Indian Journal of Dental Research.
Sharp, S., Huynh, M., & Filart, R. (2019). Frequency-specific microcurrent as adjunctive therapy for three wounded warriors. Medical Acupuncture.
Shetty, G., Rawat, P., & Sharma, A. (2020). Effect of adjuvant frequency-specific microcurrents on pain and disability in patients treated with physical rehabilitation for neck and low back pain. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies.
Thompson, R., & Kaplan, S. (2019). Frequency-specific microcurrent for treatment of longstanding congenital muscular torticollis. Pediatric Physical Therapy.
Additional Information
Frequency-specific microcurrent | Cleveland Clinic
Frequency-specific microcurrent | Dr. Nick
History Of the FSM process | Frequency Specific
How does a TENS unit work? | TENS Units
