What is frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM)?
Frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) is a technique for treating pain by using low-level electrical current. The current is delivered to certain parts of your body in an attempt to relieve pain.
A frequency is the rate at which a sound wave or electronic pulse is produced. This measurement is registered in hertz (Hz). During FSM treatment, various frequencies can be used to potentially reduce swelling (inflammation), repair tissue and reduce pain.
How does frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) work?
When you’re treated with FSM, your healthcare provider uses a special device to deliver a mild electrical current to certain parts of your body. The electrical current used in this treatment is extremely mild — one millionth of an ampere. Such a small amount of electrical current is safe. Interestingly, the human body actually produces its own current within each of your cells.
Depending on the tissue involved, specific frequencies will be selected to encourage natural healing of the body and to reduce your pain. There are frequencies for nearly every type of tissue in your body.
One of the ways FSM works is by potentially increasing the production of a substance called ATP that’s inside injured tissues. ATP is the major source of energy for all cellular reactions in your body. Because treatment with FSM can increase the amount of ATP that’s created in your damaged cells by as much as 500%, this treatment may help with your recovery. Depending on the condition, treatment with FSM can “loosen” or soften the muscles, which can help relieve pain or stiffness.
What conditions can be treated with frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM)?
FSM is most often used to treat pain, especially nerve and muscle pain, inflammation, and scar tissue, from the following conditions:
- Shingles.
- Burns.
- Kidney stones.
- Asthma.
- Irritable bowel syndrome.
- Disc injuries.
- Fibromyalgia.
- Diabetes-related neuropathy.
- Neuromas (overgrowth and scarring to a nerve after an injury).
- Tendinopathy (inflammation and/or swelling of the tendon).
- Acute (sudden) and chronic (long-term) musculoskeletal injuries.
- Acute and chronic neuropathic (nerve) pain.
- Chronic fracture and bone pain.
- Arthritis.
- Torticollis (the head is tilted to one side).
- Disc injuries/discogenic- and facet-based pain.
- Viscerally-referred pain.
- Concussions.
- Headaches.
- Plantar fasciitis (pain in the heel and foot).
- Sports injuries.
- Wounds.
Is frequency-specific microcurrent (FSM) painful?
In general, frequency-specific microcurrent treatment is non-invasive and painless. The currents used in FSM are so low that you may not even feel them. During FSM treatment, you might feel a warmth and softening of the affected tissues.