Follow-Up
Most people should try at least 3 weeks of treatment before evaluating their response to Alpha-Stim® PPM therapy. It
helps
to understand that the effects are cumulative. Like antibiotics and most other drugs, one must take several doses
over a period of time to get results. Although results will usually be seen during or subsequent to the first treatment,
the longevity of the results can only be evaluated after a series of treatments. In some cases the results will plateau
to a similar time period regardless of treatment. For example, you may only get 2 days of relief no matter what
combination of treatment strategies are employed. In some cases of severe pathology, the effectiveness may only be
short-lived.
Tips For Limited Or Poor Results
While the Alpha-Stim® PPM is significantly efficacious when it is used correctly (greater than 25% improvement
in signs and symptoms) in at least 90% of the people who use it, it will not work for everyone. However, if pain
relief is not immediate, consider treating the primary area of pain at a lower intensity setting of 1 - 2 (100 to 200
µ
A) with AS-Trode™ electrodes for as long as necessary. It can be used all day. It may also be necessary to
treat all areas of pain anywhere on the body in order to get results. Finally, If the Alpha-Stim® PPM is not
working well for you, contact Alpha-Med, your local authorized Alpha-Stim® distributor for technical support, or to
upgrade to an Alpha-Stim® 100.
6. Turn the power on and set the intensity -
Rotate the dial on the front panel slowly to achieve the desired
amount of current. The dial ranges from 0 to 6. Each number represents 100 microamperes (
µ
A), 1 is for 100
µ
A, 2 is
for 200
µ
A, etc. One microampere is one millionth of an ampere, which is a measure of current. First make sure the
intensity dial is set at a low level (no more than 2). The LCD will start to count the treatment time. After placing your
electrodes, turn up the intensity very slowly. Most people can take the full amount of current, but some people are
more sensitive and must use a lower current. Initially treat at 6 (600
µ
A) if possible. Because the Alpha-Stim® PPM
uses such a low level of current, many people do not feel anything at all, even with the
intensity set at the maximum level of 6. Do not be concerned if you can not feel the current as
this is perfectly normal and your perception of the current will not effect the results. After the
pain is reduced to a comfortable level, turn the current down as low as possible to control the
pain, but never less than 1 (100
µ
A). Another strategy is to leave the electrodes on, but turn
the power off, just turning it back on as needed.
Over time, most pain related disorders will become manageable with less treatment time.
7. Turn power off -
You must turn the power off after use to avoid a drain on the batteries.
8. Disconnect and Remove Electrodes -
Carefully replace the electrodes on their protective backing and put them
back in the sealable bag they came in. If you are keeping a diary, record your pain level now, how much current and
treatment time, and note the time interval until the pain returns. Also note improvement in range-of-motion and any
other signs and symptoms.
CHECK BATTERIES OFTEN
Be sure you are using two good, fresh AAA batteries such as the ones provided with the unit.
Replace the batteries when the display indicates they are low. Once the display indicates the
batteries are flat the Alpha-Stim® PPM will discontinue stimulation until new batteries are
installed. Do not use rechargeable batteries.
HOW TO PERFORM A SELF-DIAGNOSTIC TEST
The Alpha-Stim PPM contains circuitry that enables the user to perform a simple self-diagnostic test of the circuitry,
jacks
and plugs to make sure the device is functioning properly.
To perform the self-test follow these steps:
1.
Start with the PPM power dial in the OFF position.
2.
Connect a lead wire to jack 1 or jack 2.
3.
Wet your thumb and index fingers and hold the pins of the lead wires between them, taking care that no two
pins are touching one another.
4.
Click ON the PPM power dial but do not turn up the dial. The timer will appear and start counting up from 0. Keep
holding the pins for 10 seconds and look at the right hand side of the display during these 10 seconds.
