Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a treatment system that uses microamperage current and the resonance effects of frequencies on tissues and conditions to create beneficial changes in symptoms and health. You may also hear this type of treatment called FSM Therapy. FSM uses low-level electrical current applied to specific areas of the body, typically by a chiropractor or other trained professional.
The History of Frequency Specific Microcurrent
The frequencies used in this approach were developed in the early 1900s and were originally used with electronic equipment. The practice fell out of use in the 1940s. Microcurrent later returned as a battery-operated physical therapy modality in Europe and the United States during the 1980s.
Dr. Carolyn McMakin developed FSM in 1995. She began using frequencies passed on from an osteopath in Canada whose practice included a machine dating back to the 1920s. Dr. McMakin developed protocols for the treatment of myofascial pain in 1996 and presented clinical data at the American Back Society national meeting in December 1997.
How Does Frequency Specific Microcurrent Work?
Frequency Specific Microcurrent uses microamperage current, similar to the type of current used in TENS devices. Microcurrent is approved by the FDA within the category of TENS devices. FSM uses very small amounts of electrical energy at specific frequencies and applies them to the body in a particular sequence.
During treatment, a trained professional observes how the patient’s body responds to different frequencies to help determine which frequencies are appropriate. A chiropractor typically performs FSM treatment.
Frequencies are measured in hertz, which refers to pulses per second. Frequencies may describe sound waves or electronic pulses. FSM uses electromagnetic pulses delivered through two channels at the same time. The frequency thought to address the condition is placed on one channel, while the frequency thought to address the affected tissue is placed on the other channel. The frequencies used in FSM are generally less than 1,000 Hz.
Most microcurrent devices use square-wave pulses because they have been found to be clinically useful.
How FSM May Affect Injured Tissues
One proposed way FSM may work is by increasing production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in injured tissues. ATP is a major source of energy for cellular reactions in the body. The source material for FSM reports that treatment may increase ATP production in target tissues by as much as 500%, which may support the recovery process.
Depending on the condition being treated, FSM may also help loosen or soften muscles, which may help relieve pain and stiffness.
FSM Effectiveness
The effectiveness of FSM depends on identifying the appropriate source of a patient’s symptoms. For example, shoulder pain may originate from muscles, tendons, bursae, discs, nerves, or joints. Treatment directed at muscle tissue may not address pain caused by a nerve or bursa. For this reason, an accurate evaluation is an important part of determining whether FSM may be appropriate.
FSM is commonly used as an approach for pain involving muscles and nerves, as well as inflammation and scar tissue. Depending on the condition and the patient’s level of pain, the effects of FSM treatment may last several days or longer. The source material also describes pain relief following FSM treatment for some acute injuries.
What Can FSM Therapy Treat?
FSM therapy is commonly used for muscle and nerve pain, inflammation, and scar tissue. It has also been used as part of treatment approaches for a variety of acute and chronic conditions.
A qualified chiropractor can evaluate your condition and determine whether FSM may be an appropriate treatment option.
Conditions Treated With Frequency Specific Microcurrent
- Burns
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Disc injuries
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Neuromas, including nerve overgrowth and scarring following an injury
- Tendinopathy
- Recent or chronic musculoskeletal injuries
- Acute and chronic neuropathic pain
- Chronic fracture and bone pain
- Arthritis
- Torticollis
- Discogenic and facet-based pain
- Viscerally referred pain
- Concussions
- Headaches
- Plantar fasciitis
- Sports injuries
- Wounds
- Fibromyalgia
Examples of Conditions Discussed With FSM
The source material describes certain conditions as responding to specific combinations of frequencies. One example is fibromyalgia, including cases associated with spinal trauma and significant pain.
Shingles is another condition described in the source material as responding to a particular frequency combination. The source reports that this approach may reduce shingles-related pain and affect the lesions over time.
The source material also describes a frequency combination used for kidney-stone pain. While the treatment does not remove the kidney stone, it is described as reducing the associated pain.
FSM has also been used following recent automobile accidents or surgery as part of an approach to managing pain and supporting recovery.
Is Frequency Specific Microcurrent Painful?
FSM treatment is non-invasive, and the currents used are very low. Patients often do not feel the current during treatment.
Some people have reported experiencing a light or “floaty” sensation or feeling slightly lightheaded without feeling dizzy. The source material describes this sensation as occurring while a frequency is producing a positive response and lasting only while that frequency is being used.
During treatment, patients may also notice warmth or a softening of the target tissues. Reported side effects are generally described as rare and mild and may include nausea and drowsiness.
How Is Frequency Specific Microcurrent Used?
Before FSM treatment, the caregiver may ensure that the patient has had enough fluids. The practitioner then selects frequencies based on the patient’s condition and response to treatment.
In some cases, two different frequencies are used at the same time. For example, one microcurrent channel may be set to 10 Hz while the second is set to 40 Hz.
The current may be applied using a saturated towel or skin patches, depending on the treatment approach used by the practitioner.
Who Should Not Receive FSM Treatment?
People who should not receive FSM treatment may include those who have pacemakers, implanted pumps, or uncontrolled seizures, as well as pregnant women. The source material also notes that people with cancer may avoid treatment as a precaution.
Talk with your healthcare provider or chiropractic practitioner before receiving FSM treatment to determine whether this approach is appropriate for you.
Benefits of Frequency Specific Microcurrent
FSM is used as a non-invasive approach for certain types of pain and tissue-related concerns. Depending on the condition being treated, FSM may be used to support:
- Relief from acute and chronic muscle and nerve pain
- Management of discomfort associated with conditions such as arthritis and fibromyalgia
- Management of pain associated with headaches and certain injuries
- Reduction of muscle stiffness and discomfort
- Support for recovery following certain acute or chronic injuries
Seeking FSM Therapy From a Professional
Every patient’s condition is different. A qualified chiropractor can evaluate your symptoms, discuss your treatment goals, and determine whether Frequency Specific Microcurrent may be appropriate for your condition.
A Family Chiropractic Clinic provides chiropractic care and other pain-treatment options for patients in Denton, Texas. Our goal is to help patients understand their options and develop an appropriate approach to managing pain and supporting function.
If you would like to learn more about Frequency Specific Microcurrent Therapy or other services we offer, contact A Family Chiropractic Clinic to discuss your treatment options.
