Frequently Asked Questions

The Acuscope is a highly sophisticated electronic medical instrument which is designed to scan and treat many types of painful conditions.  It is one of a class of FDA approved devices called TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation).  TENS means that electricity is used to treat pain by stimulating the Nervous System of your body without puncturing the skin in any way.  However, unlike common milli-amperage TENS units which (much like pain medication) are designed to temporarily block the pain signals from registering in the brain, the Acuscope uses microamperage, a significantly milder level of electricity that helps tissue restore itself to a normal, healthy state. In fact, microamperage is often called “bio-identical electricity.”

Incorporating bio-feedback and computer chip circuitry, this unique technology is programmed to monitor your body’s bio-electricity and deliver exactly those currents that will correct and adjust nerve transmission until normal signals are moving smoothly through the Nervous System.  The Acuscope is the most technologically sophisticated, gentle and effective Electrical Nerve Stimulation available.

Companion instrument to the Acuscope, the Myopulse is microcurrent EMS (Electrical Muscle Stim) for treating painful syndromes in connective tissue (muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia).  Unlike any other Electrical Stim modality, biofeedback from the tissue enables the Myopulse to “read” the electrical properties of contractile cells and send in corrective waveforms that reduce knots, spasms, tightness and tension; and help speed up the repair process where there are strains, sprains and tears.

Together the two pieces of equipment comprise a safe, non-invasive but comprehensive neuro-muscular microcurrent treatment system designed primarily for pain and stress management.

This beneficial biotechnology is currently being used by professional athletic teams, sports medicine practices, hospitals, and by doctors, nurses, and therapists in healthcare facilities throughout the world.  According to widespread publicity, many outstanding athletes have been significantly helped by Electro-Acuscope treatments.  Joe Montana (49ers) and Terry Bradshaw (Steelers) are two of the first star football quarterbacks who claim that the Acuscope “kept them in the game;” and both (although their famous throwing arms were injured) went on to win Superbowls.

A treatment may take 30 minutes, one hour, or 90 minutes, depending on the extent of the problem(s) and the number of treatments you have already had.  For example, it takes longer to treat the shoulders, neck and back than to treat a smaller area such as a painful wrist or ankle.  Also, a full body well-being treatment may take longer during the first few sessions since your system may be in a generalized state of depleted energy.  After several treatments, less time is required to boost nerve transmission to a more highly conductive level and bring cells to “fully charged” capacity.

The results are cumulative; that is, the benefits accumulate over time.  This is true both for pain relief as well as for returning to normal use and unrestricted range of motion.  Once this state is achieved during a series of treatments, the relief will last longer and longer with each additional treatment.

The goal, of course, is long term pain relief.  After a series of treatments, many people have permanent pain relief and never need another Electro-Acuscope/Myopulse treatment for the same condition.  For some, the relief is more temporary and a series of additional treatments is necessary.  Booster (maintenance) treatments for systemic well-being may be needed as often as weekly, or monthly to maintain full cellular charge. The readings (audio and digital feedback) will indicate to your doctor and/or Acuscope Practitioner the necessary course of therapy.

It is not uncommon that an old, chronic condition will be completely eliminated by Acuscope and Myopulse treatments.  At some future time, if reactivated by a new trauma, resolution occurs faster than during the initial course of therapy.  The reason for this is that these treatments cause the body to maintain a generally healthier state (more “fully charged”) and self-repair processes are more efficient. When treatments are given before and after a surgery, speedier recovery, less need for pain medication, less scarring of the incision site are typical results.

The Acuscope delivers a level of electricity that is below the threshold of perception.  In other words, you most likely will only feel the smooth metal probes and/or plates touching your skin.  Some patients will feel a tiny pulse, vibration, or an occasional gentle prickling sensation.  Have no concern.  If there is ANY discomfort whatsoever, simply mention it to your Acuscope Operator and the settings will be reduced to insure your comfort.  It is not best for you to “grin and bear it.”   In fact, it is not necessary to feel the current at all.

During treatment, it is most likely that you will feel nothing but relief.  Many people fall sleep during certain types of treatment procedures.  Most patients report only the sensations of general relaxation, warmth and soothing release in the area being treated.

The points of contact with the body are generally moistened with a specially formulated (Electrolyte) wetting solution or cream.  The probes have rounded metal tips that are applied in a gentle pressure-point massaging fashion on the skin; the electrode plates are held in place with light adhesive tape; the rollers slide easily over muscles and around curves.

Some patients with swelling and extreme sensitivity to touch may experience some discomfort from the pressure of the probes; but heavy pressure is unnecessary. Your hands, feet or other surfaces may be placed on large brass plates; or you may have a relaxation treatment using ear-clips or a headband set.  Whichever attachment or set of probes is used with the Electro-Acuscope and Myopulse, the experience of treatment is generally quite comfortable, most often deeply relaxing and enjoyable.

There are no true side effects; that is, there are no long-term side effects.  Occasionally, some temporary discomfort may be experienced after the first or first few treatments.  The possibilities include headache and/or slight nausea if you have tissue toxicity.  It will quickly subside, do not be concerned.  In an injured area, you may possibly experience increased pain levels at first until the condition begins to resolve.  Fortunately, these side effects are rare and usually occur, if at all, following only the first one to three treatments, while your body is adjusting to an increased level of cellular self-repair activity.

GOOD NEWS!  Any change, including temporary increased discomfort is a good sign.  It shows that change is happening (and you must admit you could use a change!)  Almost everyone who feels some increase in discomfort immediately or soon after the first treatment or two has very good long-term pain-relief response.  For most people, the “side effects” are simply feeling better and better in various ways after each treatment.

Often a patient will feel immediate results during or within several hours after the first treatment.  A single treatment is commonly followed by hours of relief.  Occasionally the relief from a single treatment is permanent; however, this is quite uncommon.

Usually, a series of sessions (seven to eleven) is necessary to complete the job of achieving lasting results.  BE PATIENT.  The body in its infinite wisdom knows how to repair itself; the cells are naturally programmed to fix and replace themselves.  The Acuscope helps nerve cells and the Myopulse helps muscle and other connective tissue cells to do the self-repair job faster and more efficiently.

After your first treatment, when your body has used up the increased supply of energy, the pain (and/or limited range of motion) may return; usually it comes back to a lesser degree.  If the second treatment is administered soon thereafter, it is likely that the second treatment will produce more dramatic relief and the results will last even longer.  Preferably the first three treatments are three days in a row.

Occasionally no relief occurs before the 3^rd or 4^th treatment; then significant changes begin to be perceived.  Rarely it may take five to ten treatments to produce noticeable results. Fortunately, in these cases, when the breakthrough takes place, it is quite dramatic!

The average patient with severe chronic or very acute pain usually requires a series of eleven treatments over a four week period in order to obtain lasting or permanent relief.  It is recommended that you complete your entire series of treatments prescribed by your doctor to ensure that your body will be able to repair itself completely.

Probably!  The Acuscope System delivers a different type of treatment than any other form of pain management.  Many patients are treated with this system after many other methods have failed. It is very often effective where nothing else has been able to help before.

Yes!  This therapy is renowned as highly effective stress management, especially when combined with Healthy Lifestyle Habits.  It can relax the nerves and give relief to muscles, improve circulation, and help you learn how to release tension.  If you are under excessive stress or your pain is obviously stress-related, your Biotechnician will apply general systemic well-being procedures, as well as the Relaxation Mode with the Ear Clips or Head Band, in addition to treating directly on the site(s) of pain with the Acuscope and/or using the Myopulse, over muscles, tendons, ligaments and fascia.

Most doctors and therapists experienced in its use report that it helps a very high percentage of their patients.

Almost anyone can be safely treated under a doctor’s supervision.  Pregnant women should be treated ONLY in their Gynecologist’s office.  People prone to seizures should not be treated unless they are under medical supervision of a neurologist or other brain specialist. No one with a Pacemaker for heart arrhythmia should have these treatments as the currents may interfere with the implanted device.  Patients with Cancer or any extremely serious or life-threatening illness should only be treated under their doctor’s direct supervision. The Electro-Acuscope System is primarily used for neuro-muscular therapy, chronic and acute pain and inflammation after injury, pre-and post-surgery, and related stress management.

No.  Compared to the cost of other pain management programs such as medications taken indefinitely and/or surgery, it is quite reasonable.

Incorporating the most advanced biofeedback technology into its circuitry, the Acuscope and Myopulse are capable of detecting subtle electrical blockages and imbalances in the painful areas of the body.

Blocked and/or low conductivity may be heard as a low pitched tone from the Acuscope’s auditory (sound) feedback, and is seen as corresponding numbers reading low on the lighted number display which ranges from 1 to 100+.  When the Timer is set at 12 seconds, after 12 seconds of treatment, the instrument reverts back to “readout mode” and reveals the results of that particular stimulation.

When the tissue of a chronic painful area has been restored to a highly conductive electrical level, the lighted numbers on the Acuscope’s face give a readout consistently over 100.  Most patients find it interesting to see and hear this process occur as they are being treated; and relief from pain generally results simultaneously.  As nerve conductivity improves, the numbers read higher and higher and the audio feedback becomes a clearer, higher-pitched tone.  If you didn’t notice this before, ask your BioTechnician to show you during your next treatment.

The Myopulse also reflects similar beneficial changes during treatment of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and fascia as a normal, healthy state returns to the connective tissue. If you listen carefully and watch the LED feedback, you will notice these improvements occur.

Be sure to increase your intake of pure, clean water to flush out the by-products of enhanced cellular metabolism.  This is a healthy habit in general and especially advisable during your course of Acuscope and Myopulse Sessions. TAKE SIPS OF WATER CONTINUOUSLY THROUGHOUT EACH DAY.

Pay close attention.  In the first few hours after a treatment, do not overuse the area being treated.  Allow the benefits to “absorb” and take complete effect.  For example, if your damaged knee has just been treated and it suddenly feels great, don’t go right out jogging!

Prior to treatments, shower and arrive clean.  Do not apply oils, lotions, or creams to your skin within 3 hours prior to your treatments, or it will “cloud the readings,” interfering with the biofeedback the instruments must use to analyze the condition of your cells.

Do not submerge your body in water for at least 4 to 5 hours after your treatments.  In other words, no bathtub, hot tub, swimming pool, or ocean swimming.  It changes the bio-electricity and will dissipate the benefits of the microcurrent applications.

Be sure to eat healthy, nutritious meals.  When the Acuscope and Myopulse improve cell metabolism, it is important that vital nutrients be available for hungry (starving) cells to absorb!

If you feel like taking a nap in the afternoon, or going to bed early, be sure to do so!  At first you may be more tired than usual.  This is the wisdom of your body knowing that while we are sleeping, the regeneration (repair work) gets done most efficiently.

Do not go to sleep at night with a “full stomach.”  Be sure you eat early enough to have completely digested the evening meal, or your body will be directing energy to your digestive tract rather than to the job of regenerating tissue that has been treated, where your pain is located.

Pay attention to what you say when you talk to yourself and/or other people about how you are doing.  Be sure that your Self-Talk is optimistic.  Make a positive interpretation of everything that happens.  For example, if you are feeling pain, say “That’s my cells doing a repair job right now!”  And visualize yourself (and all your body parts) full of energy and vitality!