Frequency-Specific Microcurrent as Adjunctive Therapy for Three Wounded Warriors

Abstract

Background: Acupuncture is frequently offered for wounded warriors as a component of an integrated approach to pain and associated symptoms, with increasing availability at military treatment facilities and Veterans Administration hospitals. While medications can be effective for many patients, acupuncture and microcurrent therapies address the growing need to offer nonopiate, nonpharmaceutical therapeutics in integrative pain management. Frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) is a newer, adjustable, microcurrent, electrical stimulation modality with applications for pain and other associated symptoms. Using low amperage, electrical current delivered transcutaneously affects and repairs tissues at the cellular level. Additionally, concomitant treatment with acupuncture is possible, which is particularly helpful when space and time limit the frequency with which acupuncture treatments can be provided. Cases: For 3 wounded warriors, FSM was combined with acupuncture treatments, resulting in more-rapid reduction of their pain and associated symptoms; including memory problems, mental sluggishness, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Results: FSM was found to be a safe, nonpainful, noninvasive treatment that could be administered concurrently and beneficially with acupuncture. Conclusions: While additional, more-rigorous studies are needed, this case series demonstrates the potential that FSM has within an integrated pain treatment program for wounded warriors.