Cartilage
and connective tissues help support and protect joints in the body. Throughout
life as we perform routine or strenuous physical activities, we place enormous
stress on these structures.
Researchers
have discovered that when these tissues are stressed a low power electrical
signal is created. They believe this natural signal tells the body to repair,
nourish and replace damaged tissue.
Disease,
aging or an injury can disrupt these signals. When this happens, the body is
unable to repair the affected tissue, resulting in pain, inflammation and loss
of function.
Pulsed
Signal Therapy, or PST, mimics these natural signals, activating the normal
healing process and stimulating the growth and repair of tissue. What makes
this therapy unique is that it merges traditional and non-traditional medical
care. While the therapy harnesses the body's own ability to heal itself (a
non-traditional approach), the technology has gone through scientifically
rigorous clinical trials with successes and patient benefits reported in
numerous prestigious medical journals.
What is Pulsed Signal Therapy ?
Pulsed
Signal Therapy, or PST, is an exciting, non-invasive medical technology used to
treat arthritis, sports-type injuries, and repetitive stress injuries. The
technology produces an electromagnetic field through which a pulsed signal is
directed to the affected area, stimulating the healing process.
What are "pulsed signals ?
These
are electrical signals with a fixed structure and form which are repeated at
specific intervals.
What is the effect of pulsed signals?
They
reactivate the body's own electrically controlled repair/regeneration system.
Is PST the same as magnetic field therapy?
No,
unlike magnetic field therapy, with PST the magnetic field only serves as the "carrier"
for the electrically pulsed signals. The magnetic field allows these signals to
penetrate the injury unchanged. Without the magnetic field, the pulsating
signals would be distorted by varying density of the surrounding tissue.
Is the therapy painful?
No, it
is totally non-invasive and most patients find it to be pain-free. The
treatment is provided in a relaxed atmosphere with the patient fully clothed.
Patients may sometimes feel a slight tingling or sensation of warmth in the
area being treated. Some patients may temporarily experience a slight increase
in the normal pain they feel in the affected joint. This is a positive reaction
brought about by the reconstruction and healing occurring in the injured area.
Does PST have any side effects?
No. The
signal produced by the machine reproduces the signal already naturally present
in the body. Thousands of patients have received PST since its introduction,
with absolutely no side effects.
How does PST work?
Researchers
have discovered that when we place stress on a joint a low power electrical
signal is created. They believe this natural signal tells the body to repair
damaged or worn tissues and to maintain the health and proper functioning of
the joint. Sometimes this signal is disrupted by disease, aging or injury. When
that happens, the body is unable to repair the damage. The result is pain,
inflammation, and loss of physical function. PST is able to mimic the body's
natural signal, activating the normal healing process and stimulating the
growth and repair of the damaged tissue.
What is the scientific basis for this treatment?
The
technology used in Pulsed Signal Therapy is based on years of research and has
been subjected to rigorous scientific review in university laboratories and
medical schools. Results of these studies have been widely reported in the
media and prestigious medical journals - contributing to the tremendous demand
for PST in treating arthritis, sports and repetitive stress injuries.
How often is the therapy applied?
The
treatment is administered in nine one-hour sessions. Patients near the
treatment centre are typically treated one hour a day. For out-of-town patients
an expedited course of nine treatments over a four to five day period is
available. It is important to note that multiple areas of the body may not be
treated simultaneously, as this leads to a loss of effectiveness. In the event
that more than one area must be treated, this must be performed consecutively.
What benefits do patients receive from PST treatment?
PST
has been used successfully by prominent professional athletes, amateur
athletes, seniors and other patients who have had their quality of life
compromised by arthritis, sports-type injuries and repetitive stress injuries.
It is irrelevant whether the patient is young or old or whether the defects
result from age, injury, chronic degeneration or inflammatory disease.
As shown
through studies and the results of thousands of actual cases, approximately 80%
of patients experience a reduction in pain and inflammation combined with an
increase in physical function. Some patients are free of all symptoms following
treatment. Others find their symptoms greatly reduced. Many patients are able
to cut back on their pain medication or discontinue it altogether. Patients
have reported being able to return to normal routine activities, and many are
able to again participate in their favourite sports. The biggest benefit for
many patients is the ability to avoid the expense, pain and inherent risks of
surgery.
How much does the PST treatment cost?
Compared
to surgery or the ongoing use of prescription medications, PST treatment is a
relatively inexpensive therapy. Included in the cost are nine one-hour
treatment sessions, consultation and evaluation by the physician, and all
associated medical examinations. While travel and lodging costs are not
included for out-of-town patients, special package programs are available.
Are there any restrictions on who may receive treatment?
Because
the signal delivered through the device is of a very low energy range (one
one-thousandth of the energy of an MRI machine) PST is extremely safe. In
thousands of patients treated worldwide there have been absolutely no adverse
side effects reported. However, as an additional precaution, based on ensuring
the highest levels of safety, children, women who are pregnant, and cancer
survivors who have received medical treatment for their disease within the past
five years are not currently accepted for treatment. Treatment of patients with
cardiac pacemakers is limited to the extremities.
