Hanger 1903029, User Manual, Page: 17 / 28

MEGAPULSE
®
II USER MANUAL 15
COPYRIGHT © 2017, ACCELERATED CARE PLUS CORP., ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
Physiological Effects of High Frequency Currents
Landis Et Al, demonstrated that capillary pressure is raised considerably by elevation of tissue temperature. Lewis
and coworkers demonstrated increased histamine release and capillary dilation following shortwave application.
Bierman, in discussing pain relief following shortwave, discusses increased circulatory response with respect to
removal of chemicals, such as bradykinins and lactic acids, which are known to lower the firing thresholds of pain
transmitting fibers. It is possible that this increased vascular flow may reduce these initiators sufficiently in the local
area to decrease receptor binding activity and thus decrease nociceptor firing rate thus pain sensation. Heat reduces
muscle spindle firing rates and stretch receptor sensitivity thus reducing muscle spasm (hypertonicity).
It is well known that temperature increases of as little as one degree Celsius may affect cellular oxidation and thus
increase cellular metabolic rates. This effect may contribute to acceleration of cellular repair processes and metabolism.
Cholnoky discusses the dilating effect on the venous and arterial capillary system of shortwave therapy. He feels
that reabsorption of cellular exudates and toxins is accelerated with application of high frequency currents due to
increased venous and lymphatic circulation. Excessive fluid buildup in the area is also reduced by venous drainage.
Increased capillary pressure and vasodilatation will also renew and assist in reestablishing blood supply to the
inflamed areas. This effect should assist in the establishment of normal metabolism. Moderate to vigorous heat can
heat collagen to its viscoelastic point (above 40-41
o
C) allowing residual elongation following stretch or
mobilization, making PSWD an effective modality for treatment of scar tissue and contracture.
Summary of Physiologic Effects
1. Vasodilatation of blood vessels.
2. Increase in cellular kinetic energy.
3. Increase in arterial, venous and lymphatic circulation.
4. Increase in reabsorption of exudates and toxins.
5. Decreased pain due to drop in local supply of kinins, prostaglandins and lactic acid based on improved drainage.
6. Increased cellular metabolic rate.
7. Reduction of muscle spasm.
8. Heating of connective tissue to viscoelastic point for "heat-and-stretch".
Dosage
Proper dosage is most important for effective application of therapy. Dosage levels on the Megapulse
®
are
established based on the pulse duration and pulse rate, i.e.: the greater the rate and duration, the more energy
produced and the greater the thermal effect. The output peak power is fixed at 150 watts. Schliephake and Lehman
developed the following dosage pattern:
Dose - Variable (VAR):
Barely detectable warmth set for low pulse duration [65

sec] and rate [100-400 pps],
acute inflammatory conditions, and pain.
Dose 1 - 1

T:
Mild warmth (pulse duration [100

sec] and rate [800 pps] sub-acute inflammatory process).
Dose 2 - 2

T: Moderate warmth (pain syndromes, muscle spasm and chronic inflammation, increased
blood flow pulse duration [200

sec] and rate [800 pps]), stretch collagen tissue in
patients with reduced muscle mass, stretch collagenous tissue in patients with reduced
muscle mass and circulation.
Dose 4 - 4

T: Vigorous heating (stretch collagenous tissue pulse duration [400

sec] and rate [800 pps]).
Treatment Time
Generally treatment beyond 30 minutes is not recommended. General rule: Acute and inflammatory process 15-30
minutes, 1

T, 2

T, 4

T: 20 minutes treatment time. Always start with a low dose, and increase to a higher dose if
needed, following patient response to treatment. Always start with a low dose and move to a higher dose if needed
following the patient response and sensation (use sub-thermal treatment for patients with reduced or absent sensation).