One of my doctor office recently recommended that I consider the Alpha Stim Microcurrent Unit for treating pain, anxiety, depression, sleep, etc.
They said about 50% of their patients report improvements. But, this is NOT an LLMD office. It is a naturopath who treats chronic illness.
Of course they sell it ($400) or rent it for $20 week. Just wondering if anyone here has had any experience with it? I think there may be more affordable resources for it online.
But, all microcurrent machines are not alike, the wave length patterns can be different.
It looks like a TENS unit, but is functionally different, according to them. I can't explain how it works or if it works. Just looking for feedback about it.
Posted by jam338 (Member # 14002) on :
Also wanted to say, and forgot, that I did a search on the board. Only 3 threads, so looking for additional information.
One thread in particular had a good discussion and information for others who may be interested in learning more about this device:
Would still like to hear first hand accounts of those who may have subsequently tried it after reading the prior thread posts dated about a year ago in 2008.
Any updates?
Posted by efsd25 (Member # 2272) on :
Jam338 do you have any of the specs? Frequencies? ac or dc?
Posted by jam338 (Member # 14002) on :
efsd25, these are but a few sites I found on it; sounds interesting but is touted to do a lot which is the first thing that makes me suspect.
But, we have read from many others on this board time and time again that using frequency treatments in a vareity applications can have profound impact for some.
Profound impact for some, maybe - but not necessarily positive impact.
--
Yes, one of my doctors hooked Alpha Stim up to my ear, thinking it would help reduce tinnitus.
It had the opposite effect and actually shot tinnitus to the moon, and I nearly passed out. Hyperacusis and seizures (normally about twice a week) increased for days.
I also had microcurrent treatments with a chiropractor and that was even more destructive with more seizures, more intense, than ever before.
Oh, but I stuck it out for several treatments over a month or two. It was supposed to help with pain. It did not (as the seizures caused injury).
What I gather from my experiences in this is that, for anyone with adrenal dysfunction, such electrical stimulation can be very, very harmful. It's not a matter of stepping back into the same life the next day, either. It took MONTHS to get back to my normal.
Same thing when I had electrical suction cups on my back in a P.T. office --- and when I had electrical acupuncture a time or two.
All of these experiences were far enough apart in months or years that I did not connect the dots. They were also different enough that I did not see the connection. I think my adrenals just got toasted over and over. The stress effects probably did not help my heart either.
Lyme patients typically have adrenal dysfunction, so I understand why Dr. B instructs to avoid electrical stimulation modalities.
(BWT, these are far different from rife which runs on radio frequency, not electrical stimulation that makes contact and shocks the body.)
electrical stimulation (muscle spasm . . . ) should not be used!
. . . .
Posted by sutherngrl (Member # 16270) on :
I own one and I used it for months early in my illness. I didn't notice any adverse affects, but it did not help me either.
Posted by sparkle7 (Member # 10397) on :
It works for some but others really don't like it.
You may want to rent it first to see if it helps.
I don't think it was worth it. I don't use it all that much. It hasn't adversely affected me but it's not a cure (in my opinion).
My shoulders are hurting alot today - I might try it later. I sort of forgot that I had it.
Posted by jam338 (Member # 14002) on :
Thanks everyone, the replies help! I might try renting it first and see if it does anything, but the nurse said it can take 3-4 months to experience the improvements. With 3-4 months of renting it would pay for the unit, so most just buy it rather than rent.
She hinted there was a website online who sells them much cheaper, but didn't say what it was. She said it is a very popular website for medical supplies and then winked and said "you know the one". Well I don't. I don't have a clue what she is talking about.
Hopefully no one will be around next week when I get my next IV treatment where I can discreetly ask her what she meant.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
I have one... It makes me feel good while It's on. Sort of like a slight high. It's a no pain kind of feeling, and very relaxed.
I also really like electrical stim for my shoulder muscles as they are so tight. I've never noticed an adverse reaction unless it's attached to my back below my shoulder blades. This causes severe nausia...
My reply is a bit late, but I ran across this article and wanted to share my expe
Posted by TerryK (Member # 8552) on :
I tried one for a short time in my doctor's office. It gave me a whopping headache.
I didn't know that Dr. B. cautions against it. On that basis alone I wouldn't use it.
That said, you may be able to get medicare or other insurance to pay for part of it if you can get it prescribed by an M.D.. Terry
Posted by jam338 (Member # 14002) on :
Dr. B's guidelines on pg 32:
2. Relieve pain and muscle spasms utilizing multiple modalities as available and as indicated: massage, heat, ultrasound, and passive and active range of motion. DO NOT use ice or electrical stim unless specifically ordered by our office. Paraffin baths can be quite useful.
It would appear that in some circumstances he "might" feel it is okay since he said "unless specifically ordered by our office".
Also, it is weird that he says no ice application??
I wonder under what circumstances he would say either is okay?
Obviously there is a caution/directive to not use either. There must be a reason. Wish he would have said more as to why. Anyone know more? Heard him speak publicly as to why, etc?
At times, my severe muscle spasms can only be relieved by ice or a TENS unit.
I'll ask one of my LLMD who is part of a doctor work group on a special project with Dr.B and see he has heard him elaborate more.
One of my LLMD offices uses pre-programmed microcurrent frequency stimulation. I think it is basically a form of alpha stim by a different name. Not sure though. The frequency patterns could be, and likely are, entirely different.
The unit my LLMD used does not attach to the earlobes. It affixes somewhat like a TENS with sticky electrodes on the thymus area. They used the very lowest program to try me on it. I didn't do well at all with it.
Within 15-20 min I had an esophogeal spasm attack. It had to be associated. Thereafter, I have had recurring leg/thigh/feet/toe twitches that I never had before.
It has been a few weeks ago, and it is just now starting to calm down.
I have used a TENS unit for years, and never had it adversely affect me that I am aware of. In fact, when I get the esphogeal attack things, it takes a TENS unit to stop the spams or I end up in the ER. Very scary. I never leave home without a TENS unit in the vehicle for that very reason.