Posted by John Graham on April 13, 1999 at 08:21:48:
In Reply to: Action Potential Stimulation Therapy posted by JAS on April 06, 1999 at 10:38:20:
Hi
The black (neg) electrode should be closest to the pain area. Mine starts behind and below my left ear, so I place it there.
For the first 8 min I place the red electrode on the right side of the neck. The second 8 minute I place the electrode on the left side of the forehead. Reverse (left & right)if your CH is on the Right side of the head.
Below are some of the differences between these machines
John
ELECTRO THERAPUTICAL MODALITIES
The T.E.N.S. device
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The TENS device works on the principle of of Transcutanious Electrical Nerve Stimulation.
It is also known as the TENSE, A-TENS, B- C- etc, the Stimulator, Electrical Pain block TENS can be used by the private individual.
TENS works on the sensory nerves only. It uses a simple electrical impulse (pulsed DC) to block the natuaral sensory action potential. If the pain signal doesn't reach the brain, we remain unaware of the pain.
Its major drawbacks are that it has to be worn continuously and that the body adapts to it. (Adaption. it's effectiveness reduces after a while.)
The Interferential device:
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The interferential device uses two Medium frequency electrical impulses that intefere with each other - hence the name, Interferential.
Where they combine, a low frequency is formed. The wave form used is sinusoidal.
The Interferential device is costly and may only be used by highly trained medical personal. (Pysiotherapist etc)
It works on the motor nerves and can do the following:
Breakdown of inflamation, reduction in swelling, etc. The major drawbacks are that the electrode placement must be done with high precision or it will not work and that the major effects are limited to about one square inch.
99% of the results achieved are due to the skill of the operator and 1% by the interferential device itself.
The APS device
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The current used in treatment with this device, is a peculiarity in itself and cannot be compared with any modality produced at this time.
The current is neither direct, interrupted direct alternating, nor rectified alternating.
The current is seperate from any of the above groups and should therefore be seen for what it is, namely ACTION POTENTIAL CURRENT. It has the advantage of producing cycle synchronous depolarization of the nerve fible. i.e. it moves with natuaral ACTION POTENTIAL through the fibres.
The current is a simulated action potential with a monophasic square wave with an exponential decay. the pulse rate is 150 Hz with a width between 800 microsecs to 6.6 millisecs. This variable pulse width allows for automatic adjustment depending on the distance between the electrodes. NO ADAPTION OCCURS.
The current intensity does not exceed 4 milliamps. It penetrates to the depth of the nerve, whichever area is involved and the width of the treatment is the distance of four electrodes.
The most remakable event in this treatment, is that the current adapts to the situation within the body and alters the physiolgical parameters. This can be observed on the display of the current intensity. No matter how far the treatment level is turned, the current leve will remain low if there is a serious problem in the tissue or joint. AS the condition improves, the current intensity will visably increase. This increase may even occur during the first treatment without there being a noticeable change in the swelling, however, there is often a reduction in pain and an increase in movement.
Therefore normal tissue would have no resistance to the APS Therapy current and the current intensity would rise immediately as the treatment dial is turned only a short distance.