San Mateo Microcurrent

San Mateo Microcurrent Therapy, or "Microcurrent Therapy (MTC)" is an electro-therapeutic contribution to the medical field. MTC, as offered by Dean Harman, DC, at Harman Chiropractic Center, provides a noninvasive, nonpharamaceutical modality of treatment. At its most basic, San Mateo Microcurrent Therapy introduces a small electric current into the body to achieve a therapeutic effect. Advocates claim that MTCs lower level electric current mirrors the body's own natural current, allowing for a range in applications from wound healing to muscle rehabilitation.

A basic knowledge of the electrical systems in the body is useful when discussing the efficacy of San Mateo Microcurrent Therapy. The work of Robert Becker forms the foundation of most of our knowledge on electrical systems in the body. Becker’s work describes two different systems. One primitive structure that is produced by brain and perineural systems is made of direct currents (DC) of continuously variable voltages. The second more advance consists of a quicker alternating currents (AC) system produced by the nerves and muscles.One of the most common uses for Microcurrent therapy is in the treatment of low back pain. Muscles in the buttocks and posterior legs do not function in concert between left and right, creating a torquing and twisting in the low back and pelvis. This dysfunction creates pain due to the stress on fascia, connective tissues, ligaments, tendons, facet joints, sacroiliac joints, and discs.

Becker's work helps explain the effectiveness of San Mateo Microcurrent Therapy in the treatment of pain management — or in chiropractic care, in general. Basic physics dictates that electricity tends to flow toward the path of least resistance. Therefore bioelectricity avoids areas and takes the easiest path, generally around the injury. This decreased electrical flow through the injured area impairs healing. The correct application of Microcurrent Therapy to an injured site augments the endogenous current flow. This allows the traumatized area to regain its electrical balance. Therefore, San Mateo Microcurrent Therapy can be viewed as a catalyst helpful in initiating and sustaining the numerous chemical and electrical reactions that occur in the healing process.

Physical therapist and sports trainers advocate the use of MCT because of its effect on muscle trauma. When a muscle experiences trauma it goes into spasm to protect itself. This decreases its blood supply reducing the amount of oxygen and nutrients that reach it. The decreased circulation causes an accumulation of metabolic waste products. This produces a noxious effect on tissues resulting in pain. Microcurrent Therapy may also have application in aesthetic treatment. This technology is the only one available that can physically firm and tone the skin through muscle re-education and help stimulate and re-hydrate collagen. Also it has been shown to reduce redness, irritation, and inflammation of surgically traumatized tissue.