Poster Presentation: Use of Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) in the Resolution of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT): a Case Report
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CAN FSM SUPPORT THE RESOLUTION OF DVT? THIS CASE SUGGESTS IT MAY BE POSSIBLE
This poster was presented by Dr. Jessica Tierney and Dr. Mohammad Hadadzadeh at the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA)'s Combined Sections Meeting on Friday, February 13th in the Cardiopulmonary Section.
ABSTRACT
Background and Purpose
Venous Thromboembolism (VTE) ranks the 3rd cause of vascular mortality with one in four deaths worldwide. There is a data scarcity and no agreement on adjunctive therapies for VTE. Frequency Specific Microcurrent (FSM) is a non-invasive modality that has been utilized to support tissue healing and repair due to its role in collagen and protein synthesis, membrane transport, and ATP production. This case report investigated FSM to support resolution of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
Case Description
51 year old nonsmoking female presented for physical therapy (PT) having sustained a R distal fibula fracture followed by ORIF, complications of cellulitis, postphlebitic syndrome and gastrocnemius vein DVT. PMH included Mixed Connective Tissue Disease with secondary Sjögren's syndrome and Covid-19 Dx seven months prior. Client reported for PT 13 days post ORIF and 28 days post DVT diagnosis ambulating with axillary crutches donning R ankle immobilizer. Client was taking enoxaparin sodium as prescribed. Pre-treatment doppler ultrasound reported “5 cm segment of gastrocnemius vein in the proximal to mid-calf contains noncompressible occlusive thrombus.” Client presented with mild nonpitting edema in R extremity inferior to the knee, mild erythema, limited active ankle range of motion, pain report of 3/10 and stiffness report of 8/10. A 90-minute FSM treatment was administered using two-channel paired frequencies (Hz) applied in a ramped square waveform at 100 µA, alternating current via two AA-battery operated customizable Mend ProfessionalTM microcurrent devices. Client was positioned supine on a treatment table and pulsed electrical current was delivered via alligator clips connected to warm, moist towels. Positive leads were connected to a towel at the abdomen and negative leads were connected to a towel around B ankles. Frequencies restore vitality (49Hz) and repair torn and broken (124Hz) applied to the target tissues vein (79Hz) and artery (62Hz) were manually programmed into the microcurrent units for 60 minutes and 30 minutes, respectively.
Outcomes
Reduced stiffness of gastrocnemius muscle palpation noted with no pain on deep palpation. Homan’s Sign was negative. Right ankle active range of motion plantarflexion improved 20° and dorsiflexion improved 10°. Client ambulated reporting both pain and stiffness reduction to 0/10 in weight bearing. One day post treatment, lab and ultrasound results reported a normal d-Dimer and no evidence of DVT present in the doppler, reading “Thrombus in the gastrocnemius vein has resolved. No additional thrombus is seen.” Client’s PCP stopped her Rx of enoxaparin sodium.
Discussion
Symptoms, functional improvements, lab results and ultrasonography indicated that treatment with FSM utilizing suggested frequencies may have contributed to the expedited resolution of this client’s DVT. Client was taking anticoagulant therapy for 28 days and FSM therapy occurred one month after the diagnosis of DVT. Most similarly-sized clots resolve with anticoagulant therapy within 3 months of therapy. This report suggests that adjunctive treatment with FSM potentially expedited the resolution of the clot, and is worth further exploration.
THE COMBINED SECTIONS MEETING
The authors received positive feedback and interest, were asked helpful questions that will support our publication of this case in a scientific journal, and had a lot of fun sharing this case with the greater community!
RESOURCES
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Special thanks to Candace Elliott, Carolyn McMakin, Thad Mauney & Shannon Goossen for their support and expertise.
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