What is Multiple Impulse Therapy

Multiple Impulse Therapy is a unique computerized, noninvasive, fixation imaging system which enables the practioner to accurately locate and correct subluxations and fixations of the spine. Multiple Impulse Therapy consists of applying a low force repetitive stimulation at selected anatomical sites. Each impulse consists of a gentle computer controlled mechanical impulse into the tissue and measures and continuously displays tissue resistance at the therapy site as the therapy is taking place.

The objective of the treatment is to reduce or eliminate pain and/or other symptoms by increasing circulation, reducing edema, releasing restrictions in joint movement, and correcting joint fixations.

Multiple Impulse Therapy is applied via a hand-held instrument (the PulStar), which is designed to provide a precisely controlled low force mechanical stimulus to the body. This therapy may be thought of as a combination of manipulation (usually a single high force thrust delivered by hand) and mobilization (usually a series of low frequency, low force movements also delivered by hand). Several body sites may be treated during one treatment session. Manipulation/mobilization may be accomplished by the Sof-Touch Multiple Impulse Therapy System (or) once the system documents the site(s) requiring therapy the practioner has the ability to perform manual techniques if desired. Following treatment a post-analysis is completed to graphically compare to the pre-analysis taken moments before and immediately show treatment efficacy. The results of the analysis are displayed as a bar graph showing the distribution of segmental resistance along the spine. This objective and repeatable analysis is analogous to manual palpation of the spine. Normally, the resistance varies smoothly from one vertebral level to the next. Major differences between resistance levels may indicate the presence of restricted joint mobility.

Although the Sof-Touch Multiple Impulse Therapy System is Objective and Repeatable it is meant to compliment other proven tools of analysis you have learned to use in your training and perfected through experience. Dr. Robert Leach has recently published a paper in The Journal of Manipulative and Physiologic Therapeutics that shows the PulStar readings have “good to excellent” repeatability even in the hands of an inexperienced user, something that no other technique of analysis has shown. This analysis becomes part of the patient record that allows you to retrieve the information at the “click” of a mouse.

Monitor the Treatment

Multiple Impulse Therapy is applied to mobilize joint restriction with the impulse probe set to the “mobilization” mode. In mobilization mode the impulse head delivers a series of gentle mechanical impulses adjustable from 2 t 20 per second and in force from 5 to 35 pounds. The clinician may terminate the therapy by removing the impulse probe from the body, waiting until a preset number of impulses have been delivered or using the automatic termination mode that senses when no further change in segmental resistance is occurring.

You can monitor the progression of the adjustment/mobilization as the PulStar will automatically vary the impulse frequency, slowing down as the body becomes more mobile, and automatically stop the impulse series when optimal mobilization has been reached or no more effect is detected.

After mobilization is completed, a post-analysis may be performed to establish for the clinician and the patient that the expected changes in joint resistance were effected.

Analyze and Treat in Standing, Sitting or Prone Positions

Normally the analysis and treatment of biomechanical issues by practioners and clinicians are performed in the prone position. For more complex cases, the PulStar treatment protocols are designed to identify and treat the patient in the position that the patient reports the most intense pain. Based upon hundreds of patient analyses, we have incorporated an “Expected Value” range for each vertebral level in each analysis position as a “value line” or guide to an asymptomatic value.

Before treatment begins a ‘pre-analysis’ is performed on each patient at each vertebral level. This analysis compares current tissue resistance at each level against the desired value line for each segment of the spine. The graph is then displayed along side the outcome graph of the previous visit for quick and easy comparison.

Compare 'Pre' to 'Post' Results

After you have completed the treatment either manually or assisted by the PulStar, you can redo the analysis by switching to “analysis” mode. The second or post-analysis is displayed alongside the first or pre-analysis and you can show your patient the immediate effect of treatment by comparing the two analyses.

The ability to show your patient the effect of treatment is overwhelmingly effective in communicating the value of your treatment to the patient. You also have the ability to monitor and show each patient’s history of progress (up to 300) at one time. With this display you may show hotspots and how the patient’s condition has changed over time or you can examine any specific vertebra over all visits for documented proof of treatment efficacy.

If you are looking for a tool to help you improve patient outcomes and move beyond the competition make an appointment to have the Sof-Touch Multiple Impulse Therapy system demonstrated in the convenience of your office.