Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM)

Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a non-invasive and painless way to address numerous conditions, such as pain and inflammation, by using very low levels of pulsed electrical current.  The current is sub-sensory, meaning you will not feel the electrical pulses which entrain the frequencies of your innate cellular electrical fields. The gentle current is delivered to specific body parts via either warm towels, electrode sticky pads, or graphite gloves.  A frequency is the rate at which an electronic pulse is produced, measurable in hertz (Hz). 

Clinical FSM use has indicated that various frequencies can potentially reduce inflammation (swelling), repair tissue, reduce pain, and more.

Depending on the expertise of your FSM practitioner and your treatment goals, these frequencies can be customized to specifically address your unique presentation and restore your body to optimal function, potentially without drugs or surgery.

Microcurrent is approved in the category of TENS devices by the FDA.  The main difference between these two electrotherapeutic modalities is that TENS devices deliver milliamperage current, while FSM delivers microamperage current.  This is a 1,000-fold difference.  We know that subsensory microcurrent, when kept below 500 µA, increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP, the energetic currency of cells) production. 

Frequency Specific Microcurrent is actually increasing cellular energy and optimizing cell function.  TENS, on the other hand, works to block pain messages by overwhelming nerve signals, having no or adverse effect on ATP.

There have been no reported adverse effects to practitioner or patient since Dr. Carolyn McMakin began using FSM in 1994 and trained practitioners have been practicing with FSM since 1997. So long as the practitioner follows appropriate precautions and contraindications associated with both FSM and the use of microcurrent, there are no known risks.

There are precautions around how we approach different conditions with FSM.  For example, the frequencies used to remove scar tissue and adhesions should not be used within 6 weeks of a new injury.  Sometimes when muscles are successfully treated, joint range of motion increases so much that joints and nerves can become temporarily painful until the brain accommodates to the newly available range (imagine if your shoulder hasn’t moved past 150 degrees in a few years and suddenly it can reach to 170 degrees: the brain may react to this sudden increase and may send a pain signal until it determines that this newfound range is safe).  After treatment for muscles, there is a potential for an occasional detoxification reaction similar to what is seen with massage therapy.  There are ways your provider will educate you on the expected and possible effects depending upon what is treated. Please see https://frequencyspecific.com/faqs/   for more, directly from Dr. Carolyn McMakin)

The warnings and contraindications for a TENS unit (FSM is classified by the FDA in the category of TENS) include the presence of a demand-type pacemaker, pregnancy, blood clot, any type of electronic pump (insulin, baclofen), and cardiac monitor.  Some listed are absolute contraindications and others are precautions, meaning it is important for your provider to know if you have any of these listed conditions so that she can modify your care plan and utilize different frequencies.  It is always best to see a trained medical practitioner who knows how to appropriately screen for these conditions and give you the safest, most effective treatment session possible.  If you have any of the above conditions, reach out to our office to schedule a free 15 minute consult with  Dr. Madelyn to determine if FSM is appropriate for you.

FSM is generally safe for almost anyone.  If you are concerned if FSM is appropriate or safe for you, reach out to a trained practitioner to get an answer specific to your condition.  Our Doctors of Physical Therapy offer free 15 minute consultations.

Clients who are dehydrated will not benefit from FSM; this phenomena has been observed repeatedly.  It is essential to come to your visit with ample hydration. We have observed that patients over 70 or those who are chronically dehydrated tend to experience less of a benefit, and this is because of the dehydration status.  Every patient who comes through our clinic agrees to to sip at least 32 oz of water in the two hours preceding treatment. Note that chronically dehydrated individuals may need more water over several days prior to their session. 

No technique is 100% effective and FSM is no exception. The effectiveness of FSM depends almost entirely on an accurate diagnosis. Shoulder pain can come from muscles, tendons, bursa, discs, nerves, joints; should pain can even refer from the gallbladder or other visceral organs.  FSM can treat the pain generators effectively, but if you treat the muscle while the pain is coming from the nerve, it will not change the pain.  This analogy applies to every condition.

There are a handful of scientific papers published on FSM.  Access them here: https://www.thehealingcollective.us/post/fsm-research

This depends on many factors, including the severity of your concern, chronicity (how long you have been experiencing this challenge), diet, lifestyle, level of inflammation, underlying conditions, comorbidities, and so on.  Many people notice at least a subtle change within the first treatment session: that is one of Dr. Madelyns' goals is one of the reasons we utilize so many frequency specific microcurrent units simultaneously in your treatment session.  If you are looking for a more individualized answer to this question, please call 720-572-5236 to book a free 15-minute consultation one of our therapists.