Learn more about the J-Stim and its treatment options!
What is the J-Stim?
The J-Stim external, noninvasive, non-narcotic, electrotherapy system is indicated for use as a combined therapy in reducing the level of pain and symptoms associate with Arthritis to include Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis. The J-stim utilizes a high volt, low amperage pulsed galvanic stimulator in conjunction with an electro-mesh garment to relieve pain, increase blood circulation, increase range of motion, prevent venous thrombosis, retard disuse atrophy and relax muscle spasm. The J-Stim System is particularly effective in treating diabetic neuropathy, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, carpal tunnel syndrome, soft tissue injuries and related injuries and related conditions. Depending on the placement of lead wires, either a negative or a positive polarity, combined with pulses per second, may be used to promote vasodilation or vasoconstriction, soften tissue, relieve chronic or acute pain, break muscle spasm, soften scar tissue, dehydrate tissue, promote wound healing and decrease nerve irritability. The J-Stim allows the patient to treat either at night, while they are sleeping or for several 30-minute treatments during the day.
What is Galvanic Stimulation?
Galvanic stimulation is most useful in acute injuries associated with major tissue trauma with bleeding or swelling. In contrast to TENS and IFC units, which apply alternating current, galvanic stimulators apply direct current.
Direct current creates an electrical field over the treated area that, theoretically, changes blood flow. The positive pad behaves like ice, causing reduced circulation to the area under the pad and reduction in swelling. The negative pad behaves like heat, causing increased circulation, reportedly speeding healing. The Galvanic Stimulator (direct current) is the best modality for iontophoresis treatments.
The combination of very short pulse duration and high peak current, yet low total current per second (Microcurrent) allows relatively comfortable stimulation. Furthermore, this combination provides an efficient means of exciting sensory, motor and pain-conducting nerve fibers. Perceptual discrimination of those responses is relatively easy to achieve and thus its clinical versatility. Back ground skin offers a great amount of resistance to the flow of electrical current. When current is passed through a circuit that contains resistors, voltage drop occurs and energy is lost. This phenomenon occurs when traditional low voltage units are used in treatment; A high voltage device produces a spontaneous breakdown in skin resistance and HVPGS current passes through the skin with negligible thermal and electrochemical effects.
What is the difference between TENS and the J-Stim System?
TENS utilizes a noninvasive electrical impulse which stimulates the peripheral nerves, producing a tingling sensation which blocks pain signals to the brain. It has no effect beyond the treatment period and has no ability to affect the body other than as a temporary pain reliever. Most TENS units are biphasic, delivering in the milliamperage range. Typically, TENS ramp in 100 microseconds, which does not allow the wave form to go deep into the tissue of the human body. The J-Stim monophasic twin peak wave form ramps in 4 to 5 microseconds, allowing it to rapidly overcome skin impedance and to penetrate deeply into tissue beds. This penetration facilitates increased blood circulations, enhancing ion movement and exchange. Energy is exchanged through a sodium/potassium pump, nourishing the affected area and promoting both pain relief and healing.
Electro-Mesh Garment vs. Adhesive Electrodes
Conventional adhesive electrodes deliver a very concentrated dose of stimulation over a very small area, often leading to skin irritation and occasionally to skin burns. According to tests, the average disbursement of current is only about 43% and the concentration of the current is only about 33% (using 2″x 2″ electrodes). Also, it is often difficult and sometimes impossible for the patient to properly place the electrode. If a patient has oily skin or the weather is hot, the life of the adhesive electrodes is very short. The Electro-Mesh garments provide stimulation over 100% of the garment and do not lose their effectiveness for 3-6 months. Because the stimulation is more evenly distributed and because there is no guesswork in the placement of the electrodes, the clinical outcome is optimized. There is no sticky adhesive to pull hair, causing discomfort, and the skin type or weather conditions do not affect life of the electrode garment. The initial resistance in the Electro-Mesh garment is less than 1 ohm. Versus adhesive electrodes which start at 40-80 ohms. Because the Electro-Mesh garment covers such a large surface area, greater levels of intensity can be used to provide deeper levels of penetration at no discomfort to the patient.
Successfully Treated Conditions
We define “success” as patients who have been able to resume normal daily activities.
Osteoarthritis: surgical or non-surgical
Rheumatoid arhtritis
Diabetic neuropathy
Reflex sympathetic dystrophy
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Soft tissue injuries and related injuries and conditions
Advantages
Designed to treat the joint
Safe, effective and convenient to use at night while sleeping
Two modes of operation: DT (daytime) and NT (nighttime)
Wraps are one-size fits most and are available in custom sizes
Contradictions
Cardiac pacemaker or serious heart rhythm problems
Pregnancy
Suspected or diagnosed heart problems
Suspected or diagnosed epilepsy or other disease states
