Alpha-Med Alpha-Stim PPM Owner's Manual - Page 7

Browse online or download pdf Owner's Manual for Personal Care Products Alpha-Med Alpha-Stim PPM. Alpha-Med Alpha-Stim PPM 11 pages. Personal pain manager microcurrent stimulator for control of acute, chronic, and post operative pain

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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

µA) 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 -

amount of current. The dial ranges from 0 to 6. Each number represents 100 microamperes (µA), 1 is for 100 µA, 2 is

for 200 µA, 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 µA) 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 µA). 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 -

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:

Start with the PPM power dial in the OFF position.

Connect a lead wire to jack 1 or jack 2.

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.

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.

Rotate the dial on the front panel slowly to achieve the desired

Carefully replace the electrodes on their protective backing and put them