Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) Treated with Frequency Specific Microcurrent: A Case Report
- ResonantEquus
- Jan 18
- 2 min read
ABOUT THIS CRPS & FREQUENCY SPECIFIC MICROCURRENT CASE
This case report describes a patient with complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) whose pain and function improved after treatment with frequency specific microcurrent (FSM). It suggests FSM may be a useful adjunct for refractory CRPS.
THE PATIENT & PRESENTATION
The report involves a patient diagnosed with CRPS (limb pain with typical features such as disproportionate pain, sensory changes, and autonomic/trophic findings consistent with current CRPS descriptions). The patient had chronic, function-limiting pain despite standard care options typically used in CRPS (such as medications, physical therapy, interventional approaches), highlighting a refractory presentation.
FREQUENCY SPECIFIC MICROCURRENT INTERVENTION FOR CRPS
Treatment utilized frequency specific microcurrent, a low-intensity, paired-frequency electrical current applied via skin electrodes, targeting tissues and mechanisms thought to underlie neuropathic/CRPS pain.
FSM was delivered in multiple sessions over a defined treatment period, with frequency combinations chosen according to the FSM paradigm (e.g., targeting inflammation, nerve pain, and central sensitization), in conjunction with ongoing rehabilitation.
CLINICAL OUTCOMES
This report documents reductions in pain intensity (VAS/NRS), improved tolerance to touch and movement, and functional gains in limb use following the FSM treatment series.
Improvements were clinically meaningful for this individual patient; however, durability beyond the reported follow-up interval and the specific contribution of FSM versus concurrent therapies cannot be determined from a single uncontrolled case. In other words, more research is needed to further validate the efficacy.
IMPLICATIONS FOR CLINICIANS & PATIENTS
Results from this case suggest that FSM may be considered as a nonpharmacologic adjunct in multidisciplinary management for selected patients with CRPS who have not responded adequately to conventional interventions, especially where neuropathic and autonomic features predominate.
Clinicians should view this report as hypothesis-generating: it supports further controlled research on FSM in CRPS but does not justify broad practice changes, and shared decision-making should emphasize the experimental nature of this modality and the limited evidence base.
LEARN MORE ABOUT FSM FOR CRPS
For people exploring FSM as part of CRPS care, working with experienced clinicians who crucial to support both medical decision‑making.
RESOURCES Burnham B, Katholi B, Burke D. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Treated with Frequency Specific Microcurrent: A Case Report. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2019: 100(12); e171-e172.
Work with Burnham DO, Katholi MD or Burke DO (click their name).
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