Surgery, Postoperative pain, Pain, Neural therapy, Scar release therapy, Microcurrent point stimulation

Non-Invasive Neural Therapy with Microcurrent Point Stimulation

By Kelly Armstrong, OTR/L, PhD

Introduction

Science now recognizes that the primary problem experienced post-surgery is chronic pain. Called chronic post surgical pain (CPSP) or persistent postoperative pain (PPP), it is defined as pain lasting more than three to six months post surgery. Up to one third of patients undergoing common surgical procedures report persistent or intermittent pain of varying severity at one year postoperatively.¹

For most physicians and patients, the postoperative management of scars or scar-related pain continues to lag behind decades-old research. There is a wide variety of ineffective commercial products, with few viable clinical options available currently for physicians to offer patients relief.²

One option that has proven effective is neural therapy (NT). NT is an invasive therapy that recognizes surgical scars as systemic agonists for stress and chronic pain(s). Neural therapy is based on the premise that the injection of negatively poled local anesthetics, usually procaine or lidocaine, into positively poled scar tissue restores the function of damaged nerve cells and regulates the autonomic nervous system (ANS).³

The outcomes from neural therapy are reported to be positive with few negative side-effects. However, NT is a learned art that requires specialized training and direct physician intervention or oversight to apply. Is there another way to deactivate scars and reduce their negative influence on human health without being invasive?

Scar Reduction Therapy: Non-Invasive Neural Therapy

Scar release therapy (SRT) is an innovative breakthrough in reducing scar size, patient pain levels, and improving functional outcomes. SRT uses the latest advances in science to address both chronic pain and dermal scarring after any trauma or surgery. SRT applies concentrated microcurrent point stimulation (MPS), a patented solution that is based on the scientific concept of increasing skin’s inter-cellular metabolism, protein synthesis, and healing functioning to re-awaken the skin’s ability to self generate.

Applying concentrated microcurrent (MPS) bi-laterally to scars non-invasively “injects” electrically repolarising current deep into fibrous scar tissue. Newly “repolarized” scar is noticeably softer, with increased pliability and diminished depth and physical appearance. The results of SRT are scientifically measurable.

SRT Reduces Scar Size

In clinical trials performed at the Bard Diagnostic Center in New York City, a scar patient sample (n=17) was provided SRT. The results were measured with 3D 17 MHz volumetric linear probe: Grey Mean Depth (MG). The findings revealed there was statistical evidence for significant reduction of 0.447mm or 23.8244% reduction in post-treatment scar depth, when compared to pre-treatment mean scar depth. (See Table 1 and Figure 1)

The changes recorded in this clinical trial validate the potential application of MPS to fibrous tissue as a viable option for both clinicians and patients for the post-operative management of scar size. It was reported “the procedure provided significant outcomes after a single application and has the unique ability to be personally adapted to the individual’s wound characteristics.” Although this trial is demonstrative that SRT physically reduces scar depth, can it extrapolate into improved patient pain relief?

SRT for Pain Management

To determine the efficacy of SRT on CPSP pain, a study was undertaken on a sample of patients with history of non-specific chronic pain. SRT was applied to (N=51) patients and VAS pain scales were recorded post application and 48-hour follow-up after microcurrent point stimulation was applied to scars.

The immediate post-application VAS response of MPS applied to a N=51 patient scar sample with chronic pain reflected a statistically significant reduction of 3.706 points or 59% reduction in mean pain levels when compared to initial pain levels [95% CI (3.033, 4.379; p=0.000159%]. When VAS pain levels were measured at the 48-hour follow-up, there was an additional statistically significant reduction of 0.902 points or 34% reduction in mean pain levels post treatment [95% CI (0.406, 1.398; p=0.001], for a total statistically significant reduction of 4.608 points or 73% reduction in mean pain levels [95% CI (3.940, 5.275); p=0.0001].

The data from this study⁴ illustrates the application of MPS to physical scars had a marked improvement in pain outcomes, and the outcomes were even more impressive given the patient sample for pain duration (mean 7.61 years) and the intensity (mean 6.33/10) improved after a single MPS scar release application. (See Table 2)

Why Microcurrent for Scar Release?

Microcurrent therapies involve applying weak direct currents (80 µA ≤1 mA) and are now being increasingly recognized as an adjunct for pain relief and autonomic nervous system regulation.^5,6 It is theorized that AC and DC electro-therapies have different modulating affects on the autonomic nervous system and pain outcomes.^7,8

DC Microcurrent therapies below 500 mca (≥ 0.5 mA) are reported to activate ATP, protein synthesis and increased metabolism,⁹ while higher currents inhibited these vital processes, suggesting low amplitude DC microcurrent is more beneficial to cellular regeneration than high amplitude AC stimulation.^10-12

It is also suggested in the literature that DC microcurrent mimics human bio-cellular communications, enhancing autonomic nervous system regulation¹³ and the production of beta-endorphins, ^14,15 resulting in a body-wide therapeutic benefits.

Whether the plausible explanations for accelerated fibrous tissue reduction with MPS applied to scars is systemically or cellular based is subject to further clinical research; it is clear MPS-SRT has positive pain and scar reduction benefits and could provide supportive role as a clinical adjunct to traditional neural therapy.

Advantages of SRT Over Traditional Neural Therapy

• Non-invasive

• Faster, safer to apply

• SRT can release deep internal adhesions or hard to get to scars (tonsillectomy)

• Multiple scars may be treated in single session

• Scars may be “connected” or release simultaneously

• May be applied by ancillary staff without complications

Chronic pain can limit quality of life, restrict work and social engagement, and is often blamed for the development of drug dependency of various forms. Scars and trauma are universal and impact the population of all professions and walks of life. Clinical feedback suggests that integrating scar release therapy is an important adjunct into any clinical setting for reducing muscle tone, fascial restrictions and sympathetic stress prior to any other therapeutic interventions. This simple non-invasive technique can quickly improve your ability to optimally heal your patients. “WorkSmarter, not Harder” is the motto in MPS Scar Release Therapy.

Table 1. Pre-and Post-Treatment Descriptives and Results for MPS-SRT Stimulation Applied to Scars as measured by 3D 17 MHz volumetric linear probe: Grey Mean Depth (MG) (N=17)

Figure 1. 3D 17 MHz volumetric linear probe of Grey Mean Depth Pre-post MPS-SRT Therapy

Table 2. Pre-and Post-Treatment patient and VAS pain Descriptives and results for MPS-SRT Applied to Scars (N=51)

References

1. Kehlet H., Jensen TS., Woolf CJ. Persistent postsurgical pain: risk factors and prevention. Lancet. 2006 May 13;367(9522):1618-25.

2. Sidgwick GP., McGeorge D., Bayat A. A comprehensive evidence-based review on the role of topicals and dressings in the management of skin scarring. Arch Dermatol Res. 2015; 307(6): 461–477.

3. Dosch P. Manual of Neural Therapy according to Huneke; (11^th edition) Heidelberg, Germany: Karl Haug Publishers 1984.

4. Gokal R, et al. The Successful Treatment of Chronic Pain Using Microcurrent Point Stimulation Applied to Scars. Int J Complement Alt Med. 10(3): 00333.

5. Armstrong K, et al. Microcurrent Point Stimulation Applied to Lower Back Acupuncture Points for the Treatment of Nonspecific Neck Pain. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine. March 2017;1-5.

6. Armstrong K., et al. Detailed Autonomic Nervous System Analysis of Microcurrent Point Stimulation Applied to Battlefield Acupuncture Protocol. Medical Acupuncture. April 2017; 29 (2).

7. Chevalier A, Armstrong K, Gokal R. Detailed Heart Rate Variability, Exercise Tolerance, Cortical and Vas Pain Scale Analysis of Two Forms of Electro-Therapy Applied To A Patient with Chronic Back Neuropathic Pain. J Cell Mol Biol. April 2017; 1: 001.

8. De Nardi AT, et al. Different frequencies of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation on sympatho-vagal balance. Acta Scientiarum. Health Sciences. [Brazil] Jan-June 10`7; 39(1): 9-16.

9. Cheng N, et al. The effects of electric currents on ATP generation, protein synthesis, and membrane transport in Rat Skin. Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research. 1982;&NA;(171):264-272.

10. Chan HK, Fung DT, Ng GY. Effects of low-voltage microamperage stimulation on tendon healing in rats. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2007; 37(7): 399-403.

11. Chapman-Jones D, Hill D. Novel microcurrent treatment is more effective than conventional therapy for chronic Achilles tendionpathy: randomised comparative trial.” Physiotherapy. 2002;88(8): 471-480.

12. Carley PJ, Wainapel SF. Electrotherapy for acceleration of wound healing: low intensity direct current. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. July 1985; vol. 66.

13. Chevalier A, et al. DC Electroacupuncture Effects on Scars and Sutures of a Patient with Postconcussion Pain. Medical Acupuncture. August 2016;28(4): 223-229.

14. Cheng R, et al. Electroacupuncture elevates blood cortisol levels in naive horses; sham treatment has no effect. International Journal of Neuroscience. 1980;10(2-3):95-7.

15. Cheng RS, Pomeranz B, Yu G. Electroacupuncture treatment of morphine-dependent mice reduces signs of withdrawal, without showing cross-tolerance. European Journal of Pharmacology. 1980 Dec 19.

Kelly Armstrong has been an occupational therapist for over 22 years and currently has a private practice in Jacksonville, Florida. She has worked in various clinical settings and populations during her career. She has specialized in pediatrics, pain management, and has recently turned her focus to women’s health issues. She is certified in sensory integration (SIPT), Interactive Metronome®, Therapeutic Listening®, and has extensively studied Oriental medicine, and NeuroAnatomical Acupuncture. Kelly is a master pain practitioner (MPP) and holds a PhD in integrative medicine.

Kelly is author of Functional Acupuncture for Women’s Health and co-author of Functional Acupuncture for Pain Management. Kelly Armstrong in an international speaker, lecturing extensively on the topics of scar release therapy, cranial release, and concussions, pain management, pediatric health, and women’s health for over seven years. She is qualified continuing education (CE) provider for occupational and physical therapy nationally and has instructed over 250 pain seminars to date. Blog: www.QueenofScars.com