How ARPwave Therapy Utilizes Dual Electrical Signals to Increase Blood Flow

By Vincent De Bono, DC CSCS

Electrical stimulation for increased blood flow

Emerging evidence has demonstrated that electrical stimulation can increase blood flow through changes in vessel size and an increased blood flow velocity. A recent study showed that electrical stimulation delivered at a contractile level, referred to as exercise level stimulation, enhances blood flow by enlarging vessel size. Conversely, electrical signals provided solely at a sensory stimulus level, known as sensory stimulation, improve blood flow velocity without altering vessel size. This increase in blood flow velocity, despite no changes in vessel size, seems to be mediated by a modification in sympathetic tone, leading to increased muscle tension and enhanced venous return.

Dual signals effect both changes in vessel size and increased velocity of blood flow

            ARPwave Therapy uniquely influences blood flow through two distinct mechanisms. The primary signal induces sustained muscle contractions at rates as high as high as 1000 contractions per second, leading to vessel dilation and enhanced blood flow driven by the oxygen requirements of the active muscles. Complementing this, the background signal operates at a sub-sensory level, enhancing blood flow velocity without causing vessel dilation by stimulating increased sympathetic tone. This dual-action not only aids in venous return and mitigates edema but also fosters an environment conducive to healing through improved blood flow velocity.

Unique capability to improve healing

The ARPwave system's ability to provide an initial primary exercise level stimulation followed by a secondary sub-sensory background signal offers a distinct advantage in therapeutic applications. Initially, the primary exercise signal promotes vasodilation, facilitating increased blood flow to targeted areas. Once this initial phase is complete, the option to switch to the background signal allows for enhanced venous return without the continued vasodilatory effects. This method not only supports improved healing by promoting circulation but also plays a crucial role in edema reduction. By optimizing blood flow dynamics, the use of ARPwave techniques can thus contribute to the overall efficacy of rehabilitation and recovery processes.

[1] Jin HK, Hwang TY, Cho SH. Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Blood Flow Velocity and Vessel Size. Open Med (Wars). 2017;12:5-11. Published 2017 Mar 6. doi:10.1515/med-2017-0002

[2] Jin HK, Hwang TY, Cho SH. Effect of Electrical Stimulation on Blood Flow Velocity and Vessel Size. Open Med (Wars). 2017;12:5-11. Published 2017 Mar 6. doi:10.1515/med-2017-0002