Multiple Impulse Therapy FAQs

• How is Multiple Impulse Therapy applied?
• The clinician uses the small hand-held impulse generator to stimulate specific body sites.  The Multiple Impulse Therapy treatments are primarily applied to spinal joints and peripheral joints (such as shoulder, elbow, wrist and ankle).  However, soft tissue stimulation for treatment of muscle spasms or trigger points may also be applied.
• Am I a Candidate for Multiple Impulse Therapy?
• Our clinical studies show that many patients with musculoskeletal complaints respond readily and rapidly to Multiple Impulse Therapy.

For example, the results of a recent Multiple Impulse Therapy study indicate that 50% of a selected group of patients treated for neck pain experience a 100% reduction in pain in a mean of 3.6 treatments (median 3 visits) within a period of 4 to 24 days. 

The same is true of a study of patients experiencing low-back pain.  That study indicates that 50% of those patients treated experienced a 100% reduction in pain with a mean of 3.8 treatments (median 4 visits) within a period of 5 to 21 days.

In addition, 75% of those patients achieved a pain-free state within a median of 28 days after initiation of treatment. 

Note:  These studies do not allow us to make predictions for individual patients because individual patients may respond differently.

For the average patient, Multiple Impulse Therapy appears to provide greater benefits more quickly, with fewer treatments.

• What common conditions have been successfully treated with Multiple Impulse Therapy?
• Currently, eight common non-specific musculoskeletal complaints have been documented as responding favorably to Multiple Impulse Therapy. They include:

• Headache
• Neck Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Arm Pain
• Upper Back Pain
• Lower Back Pain
• Low-Back Pain to Knee
• Low-Back Pain to Ankle

These favorable results however do not guarantee that every musculoskeletal complaint will respond - even though the complaint fits into one of the above categories. 

The underlying cause of musculoskeletal pain is poorly understood, and diagnosis often uncertain.  The clinician will screen you for contra-indications to Multiple Impulse Therapy.  If you do not respond to Multiple Impulse Therapy, you may be referred to another health care specialist.

• How long will treatment take? 
• Not Long. The first visit is usually the longest.  During the initial visit, the clinician will perform a thorough patient workup including a patient history and screen for contraindications.  Appropriate physical exams, which serve as the basis for diagnosis, may also be conducted. 

  Subsequent visits may require only a few minutes of actual treatment time for the Multiple Impulse Therapy.  However, additional time may be needed for ancillary treatments such as Ice, Transdermal Electrical Stimulation, Ultrasound, etc. which the clinician may prescribe as adjuncts to Multiple Impulse Therapy.

• How often will treatment be necessary?
• Your clinician may ask you to schedule treatments two or three times per week or even daily until you experience significant relief.

  The objective of a frequent treatment schedule is to minimize the time you are in pain and the time needed for maximum recovery.

  Frequent treatment usually provides the most rapid response and may reduce the total number of treatments required.

• Will Multiple Impulse Therapy work for me?
• Because of the variability of individual patient response, there is no definitive answer to this question.  Only by trying Multiple Impulse Therapy can we determine how effective Multiple Impulse Therapy will be for you.

• What if my clinician does not have a PulStarFRAS?
• We will send you information about the PulStarFRAS system for s/he to review.