Dunamis Accelerated Recovery and Performance
Forging advancements in injury prevention, rehabilitation, sports performance and comprehensive health.
In order to advance the current state of soft tissue medicine, human performance, and biochemistry, it is imperative that a broader and more comprehensive approach be evaluated and established to account for the complexities of the human physiology. It is with this thought in mind that the creation of Dunamis Accelerated Recovery and Performance originated.
After studying several practices in orthopedics, physical therapy, chiropractic, athletic training, various massage and manual therapies, along with nutrition, functional medicine, and strength and conditioning disciplines, two paramount obstacles standing in the way of a comprehensive system became apparent:
- As the various practices continued to advance, and more and more practitioners became specialized within their discipline, they slowly lost the ability to see how their particular specialty worked within the larger scope of the human body. For instance, an orthopedic surgeon performing an ACL surgery no longer took into consideration the means necessary to restore optimum health and performance that is reduced after the trauma of the surgery itself, let alone addressing the mechanisms that allowed the injury to occur in the first place. As long as the ACL itself is repaired properly, the rest of the job is left to other practitioners. This is the equivalent to driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle without shock absorbers and breaking a U-joint in the front axle, going to a mechanic who replaces a brand new U-joint, then going back out 4-wheeling again without ever finding the underlying cause of the breakage and restoring the missing shock absorbers. It is no wonder why we see an increase in athletic injuries at younger and younger ages while also seeing increased re-injury rates of previous injury sites (or additional injuries that can be linked to the now faulty biomechanics from the initial injury).
- As I continued to delve deeper into the underlying causes of injury, slow recovery rates, and limitations of sports performance, I realized all disciplines were focused primarily on the body’s physical structure instead of the neurology that is responsible for controlling the structure. When a person has a joint injury such as a torn ACL, it did not happen because the ACL was faulty. It occurred because the muscles (the shock absorbers of the body) did not do their job as intended therefore the force being absorbed by the body did not stay within the musculature but was transferred to the joint (where it does not belong and was never designed to do so) and injury ensues. The symptom of this is now a structural problem that needs to be addressed, but the underlying cause of the problem was and continues to be a neurological problem. It is the neurological system that controls how muscles are sequenced and fired thus regulate their ability to absorb force properly. This system is not fully trained by traditional strength and conditioning programs nor is addressed by current soft-tissue therapies that focus on treating the structural symptoms of injury. Again, repairing an ACL after injury has occurred does not address the neurological limitations that still exist even after surgery and traditional therapy is performed.
Even within practices such as chiropractic that have a neurological focus, their means of treatment is still structural in nature. By performing an ‘adjustment’ and realigning the skeletal structure, neurological flow can be temporarily restored. But this restoration, though important, does not address the actual signaling and compensation patterns of the neurological signal itself. The manual ‘adjustment’ is not enough stimulus to actually reset the neurological patterning. This is why muscles stay in concentric contraction, i.e. ‘tight’, and therefore do not absorb force properly. Compensating musculature will pull the structure right back out of position requiring more ‘adjustments’. There is an accumulative effect of multiple ‘adjustments’ over time, but high velocity injuries require much more stimulus to reset the underlying neurology. Without addressing the neurological compensation patterns seen in improper muscle activation, athletes and individuals are just as susceptible to future injury and at the very least, will never realize their full potential in the display of sports performance or movement.
Therefore, the solution to creating a comprehensive health and performance system does not necessarily eliminate the need for various practices within all disciplines, but rather learns how to incorporate all the disciplines into one concise model, with each practitioner able to practice their individual expertise and strengths, learning how to effectively communicate with one another, and most importantly, bind all practices together with the missing link and understanding of how to properly remodel neurological patterning which controls all functions of the body.
Dunamis Accelerated Recovery and Performance has, over the past 17 years, been refining practices throughout all disciplines to properly incorporate the strengths of each with the main focus in the past few years learning, incorporating, and refining a highly specialized and pioneering system of neurological soft-tissue medicine and performance called ARPwave. This system has been the remaining missing puzzle piece necessary for proper incorporation and integration of all other systems. It is the pinnacle of understanding and need required for optimum health and performance of the human physiology. With the integration of the ARPwave system into the current cutting-edge practices of Dunamis, rehabilitation, general health, and sports performance within Dunamis Accelerated Recovery and Performance has taken on unparalleled results and progress.
WHAT IS THE ARPwave SYSTEM?
In 1975, ARPwave and the concept of neurological rehabilitation treatment for all softtissue injuries and post-surgical rehabilitation was created. The ARPwave System is built around a very simple premise: Wherever you feel pain is where the problem ended. It is NOT where the problem is coming from. The ARPwave System treats the neurological origin of the problem and not just the physical symptoms. While an MRI/ CAT SCAN will tell you where the problem ended up, ARPwave technology will show you where the problem originated from. ARPwave technology and practices find the neurological origin of the physiological symptoms and treats the problem at the neurological source, enabling you to fully recover faster, perform to your potential, and live your life pain-free. The ARPwave System is pioneering a new branch of soft-tissue medicine we call Neurological Soft-Tissue Medicine. All other branches of soft-tissue medicine work on where your symptoms ended up not where your symptoms are coming from - that is the difference between the ARPwave system and all others.
The ARPwave System features a state-of-the-art patented bio-electrical modality classified by the FDA as a class-2 medical device, and the proprietary ARPwave protocols and testing techniques to significantly speed up the body's natural recuperative ability.
HOW DOES THE ARPwave SYSTEM WORK?
All injuries and lack of achieving higher levels of physical performance through appropriate movement patterning are caused by the body's inability to absorb force. When athletes become fatigued, their muscles shorten (i.e. stay in a relative concentric contraction), limiting their ability to absorb force. ARPwave technology keeps muscles relaxed and, therefore, able to absorb much more force. When muscles do their intended function and absorb force, this force is not absorbed by the joints. When joints do not absorb improper amounts of force and are constantly worn down, they can recover from injury (which the ARPwave system also simultaneously speeds up by increasing the rate of the body’s natural restorative properties) or better yet, do not get injured in the first place. Using ARP to warm-up before practices and games will increase the ability to absorb force and therefore prevent injury and increase performance, while using it after practices and games will instantly recover athletes, leaving them feeling fresh without soreness or pain.
The ARPwave system is a comprehensive program taking people from injured, to postinjury, to optimal performance in a concise fashion based on the ability to neurologically reprogram how muscles function and stay in eccentric contraction (a relaxed state) to absorb and generate force efficiently. For optimum performance, muscles must have the ability to absorb and generate higher levels of force which will in turn allow athletes the ability to practice motor skills and patterning at higher levels for the display of proper movement potential.
WHO USES THE ARPwave SYSTEM?
We work on everyone, regardless of age or occupation. We specialize in accelerating recovery from all muscle and joint injuries, preventing surgery, post-surgical rehabilitation, and sports performance. In some cases, we can also treat muscle related spinal cord injuries and specialized neurological cases such as MS (multiple sclerosis) and concussions. ARPwave also has the capability to speed up recovery times from fractures.
A few names you might recognize utilizing the ARPwave System: Tim Thomas (NHL), Dwight Freeney, Santana Moss, Larry Fitzgerald (NHL), Arron Oberholzer, Peter Jacobsen (PGA), Shaquille O'Neal, Kevin Garnett (NBA), LaTroy Hawkins, Torii Hunter, Eric Chavez (MLB), Mario Santan, Alessandro Del Piero (Tennis), Bethanie Mattek, Novak Djokovic, Mike Bryan, Bob Bryan (MLS) just to name a few.
The ARPwave System is used by the most elite athletes and teams throughout the world. NFL PLAYERS - Over 650 NFL Athletes, NBA - Over 200 NBA Athletes, MLB - Over 100 MLB Athletes, NHL - Over 200 NHL Athletes (including the last two Conn Smythe winners), MLS - European Soccer - Over 600 Soccer Athletes, OLYMPIANS - Over 25 medal winners from all sports, NCAA - Over 500 NCAA Athletes, High School Athletes -Thousands of Athletes From All Sports.
WHO SHOULD NOT USE THE ARPwave SYSTEM?
Treatment with the ARPwave is contraindicated in those patients with: Implanted electrical devices (e. g. pacemakers), pregnancy, some cancers, or history of blood clots.
SHOULD I USE THE ARPwave SYSTEM INSTEAD OF SURGERY?
For a range of conditions, the ARPwave System may be more beneficial to you - and require less downtime - than surgery. However, when surgery is warranted, the ARP System may also be used to prepare your body for surgery and drastically accelerate post-surgical muscle rehabilitation of the following: shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, ankle, foot, cervical and lumbar spine.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT WHEN I COME IN FOR AN ARPwave TREATMENT?
Your ARPwave sessions can be hard work and will require you to move, so wear gym clothes. Because we use ARPwave technology to find the origin of injury, we are going to be searching your body for neurological impedances we call ‘hot spots’. When the ARPwave is on one of these spots, it has found the electrical disruption that is the root of your problem. Because the ARPwave sessions can be demanding, we will also ask that you take measures to make sure your body recovers properly. Typically, this means making sure you get a good night's sleep, eating healthy meals with adequate protein, and avoiding/limiting alcohol consumption. Depending on your situation, we may ask you to increase your protein consumption during treatments.
SHORT TERM PROGRAMS
We have short-term programs to quickly recover you from almost any injury. Because of how we treat the underlying cause of injury and target the neurological origin of the physical symptoms in a way that in the past was never available, recovery time is days not weeks.
- We have programs to prepare you for surgery if you have been told surgery is needed.
- We have programs to prepare you for physical therapy if surgery is not indicated at this time.
- Most importantly, we have short-term programs to recover you and return you to normal activity from most all soft-tissue injuries in days…not weeks or months.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
The ARPwave device possesses specific characteristics that are not found in any conventional therapeutic neuromuscular electrical stimulator (interferential, microcurrent, galvanic, Russian stim, iontophoresis). The ARP uses direct current (DC) compounded with a high frequency double exponential, patented background waveform. This background wave is harmonious with the body and significantly reduces skin and fatty tissue impedance allowing much deeper penetration of the direct current without the side effects of skin burning. Also, the unique waveform produces minimal inhibitory protective muscle contractions allowing active range of motion during therapy and training. This permits eccentric (lengthening) contractions to occur which are critical to treatment as they allow proper movement to occur.
Wave Form: Compound, double exponential asymmetric with high levels of direct current.
Power: High power with NO surface burning or surface pain at 0 to 2.5 watts.
Main Pulse: 40 to 500 pulses per second.
Background Frequency: High-frequency carrier signal at 10,000 cycles per second.
Polarity: Direction of electron flow is reversible.
Depth of Penetration: Deepest soft tissue penetration resonates with the human system, causing the body's natural resistance to drop out.
ARPwave HISTORY
The conservative treatment of many soft-tissue and joint inflammatory conditions have been a source of frustration for health care practitioners. Despite the most modern techniques and equipment in rehabilitation, the course and length of time for healing can be both long and arduous. The frustration lies in the fact that the underlying pathology is usually not severe enough to warrant surgical intervention, yet conservative treatment regimens can fall short of restoring full, painless, active function in a timely fashion.The ARPwave program was conceived out of this frustration.
Electrotherapy is a complex field comprised of many different types of devices with a multitude of currents, waveforms, frequencies, amplitudes, durations, phases and pulse charges. The reason for such a myriad of devices may be inferred from a general rule in medicine that the number of alternatives or devices available for treatment of a condition are usually inversely proportional to their effectiveness. Because present models insufficiently addressed the current treatment problems, a new approach was needed. The new approach was based on the observation that most of the basic science research documenting the positive effects of electricity with tissue and bone healing was done with direct current. Direct current was shown to produce increased mobility of reparative cells and to promote bone production in fractures. These landmark findings were made in the 1960's, 70's, and 80's. The basic science was quite clear – direct current promotes dramatic effects in both tissue and bone for healing. Clinically, however, it was difficult to apply direct current for treatment without a high degree of discomfort. During the mid 1980's, the leading manufacturers of electrical stimulation devices began using alternating current, which could be applied with much greater ease. The scientific data on cellular response to alternating current, however, was lacking. The clinical results with devices using alternating current have been only minor at best.
The technology for the ARP was designed to apply the dramatic cellular effects of direct current to clinical use and strength training. To accomplish this, a high frequency, double exponential background wave was linked to the direct current. The net effect was a reduction in skin and fatty tissue impedance, allowing deeper penetration of the direct current, and decreasing pain and irritation at the electrode sites. Direct current could now be applied in ways previously not possible.
At the time that the technology for what would later be called the ARPwave was being developed by Gary Thomas who was following in the footsteps of Dr. Bjorn Nordenstrom, the famous pioneer in bioelectrical research, Denis Thompson, an American exercise physiologist, was passionately researching ways to relieve muscle spasm and neurological compensations. Denis had done extensive research on Yakov Kots, an exercise physiologist for the Soviet Olympic program. In his work with Kots' theories, Denis became well versed in Soviet training methods using high voltage electrical stimulation. He witnessed extraordinary gains in muscular size and strength by Russian Olympic athletes using Kots' Stimul 1 electrical stimulator. Like all devices of that time, the Stimul 1 often caused severe skin burns and was quite painful. Also, during treatment, the muscles could not be elongated. In order for movement to occur at the joint, the unit had to be turned off.
After extensive experience with Kots' training methods including the use of Stimul 1, Denis was convinced that an electrical stimulation device could be developed that would allow a muscle to elongate and relieve muscle spasm. Through the Tesla Society, Denis was introduced to Gary Thomas, the creator of the technology for the ARPwave. Testing was performed for 2 years before methods were perfected to relieve muscle spasm and reprogramming of neurological compensation patterns after injury.
Despite the technological advances of the ARPwave, patients would still involuntarily contract surrounding musculature during treatment, therefore limiting the amount of direct current that could be applied. Denis then found that if specific movements were performed after a patient reached what he perceived as the maximum voltage tolerable, a relaxation response occurred and the voltage could be increased further. As this technique was perfected, a proportional relationship was noted between the rate of healing of the injured tissue and the voltage output delivered to it. The combined technique of delivering high voltage direct current to injured tissue being actively moved through a full range of motion yielded dramatic, accelerated healing and strength.
Shortly thereafter, Denis became intrigued with the training methods of Jay Schroeder who gained national notoriety after the success of one of his athletes, Adam Archuleta. Archuleta was selected in the first round of the 2001 NFL draft by the St. Louis Rams, after beginning his career as a walk on safety at Arizona State University. What gained national attention were the techniques used by Jay to develop Archuleta over a 4 year time. Archuleta was able to accomplish extraordinary feats of strength and speed for an athlete born with average ability. Adam was essentially a product of an elaborate system of training designed to elicit specific traits necessary for athletic mastery.
Jay partnered with Denis to apply these training techniques in rehabilitation. The training techniques elicited traits in the neuromuscular system that were augmented by the simultaneous application of direct current through the ARPwave. The ARPwave program thus consisted of application of the ARPwave technology with specific movement protocols to relieve pain from injury followed by strength and speed training methods performed in conjunction with the ARPwave to prevent recurrence. Once preinjury status was achieved, the strength and speed training methods were further intensified to achieve athletic mastery. The program became seamless, from the most elementary level of training post-injury and post-surgery to elite-level training for maximum performance.
Medical References for Direct Current application:
The cellular processes of tissue and bone healing are complex and multi-factorial. The scientific basis for ARP treatment is the positive cellular effects of direct current electrical fields on these processes. Direct current has been shown to affect cellular migration and orientation, endothelialization, protein synthesis, and calcium regulation, as well as stimulation of new bone formation and fracture healing. (4,6,7,10,18,19,21,22,24,25)
The initial response after injury is coagulation modulated by plasma platelet cells that form fibrin clots to stop bleeding. The clots attract polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) and fibroblasts that, in turn, adhere to the clots forming a fibrin gel. The PMNs consume bacteria and wound debris by secreting proteases. Platelets also release growth factors that attract monocytes to the site of injury. Monocytes mature into macrophages that become the controlling cells in tissue healing. Macrophages continue the process of bacteria phagocytosis and cleaning of wound debris and also secrete growth factors that attract and activate fibroblasts.
Fibroblasts proliferate and migrate, and produce a collagen matrix. Concomitantly, endothelial cells migrate to the collagen matrix to produce new blood vessels in this matrix. Granulation tissue is formed composed of fibroblasts, endothelial cells, PMNs, and a collagen matrix.
Direct current electrical fields can modulate a number of factors involved in the healing response. A major process that is affected by direct current is cellular migration and orientation. Cooper and Keller, working with amphibian neural crest cells exposed to a direct current field, demonstrated a migration of cells towards the cathode with a resultant perpendicular cellular orientation. (7) In further studies, Cooper and Schliwa concluded that cell locomotion could be controlled with manipulation of the direct current field. (8) This process, called galvanotaxis, has been demonstrated also in neutrophils, macrophages, and fibroblasts. (10,18,21,22,23)
Direct current can also produce changes in endothelialization. Nannmark et al reported an increased permeability to macromolecules, and changes in capillary permeability to white blood cells with exposure to low levels of direct current. (19) Direct current can affect the migration of endothelial cells in vitro. (24)
Intracellular processes are also affected by exposure to direct current. Cheng et al established that relatively low levels of direct current can raise the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level almost 500% and increase protein synthesis and membrane transport. (6) Bourguignon et al demonstrated an uncapping of insulin receptors on the cell membrane and enhancement of protein and DNA synthesis within the first minute after direct current stimulation. (4)
New bone formation and fracture healing are positively affected by the application of a direct current electrical field. (11,12,14,17) The net effect of direct current on bone is an increase in osteoblastic activity and new bone formation around the cathode. These effects are optimally demonstrated with a current level of 5 to 20 micro amps. Studies have shown increased spinal fusion rates, and increased healing of fracture non-unions. (5,9,13)
References:
ARP is the culmination of an immense body of research comprising the science behind the technology:
1. Bassett CAL, Hermann I. The effect of electrostatic fields on macromolecular synthesis by fibroblasts in vitro. J Cell Biol, 329: 9, 1968.
2. Borgens RB, Vanable JW, Jaffe LF. Bioelectricity and regeneration. Large currents leave the stumps of regenerating newt limbs. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 74: 4528-4532, 1977.
3. Borgens RB, Chapter 5: Integumentary potentials and Wound Healing in Electric Fields in Vertebrate Repair: Natural and Applied Voltages in Vertebrate Regeneration and Healing. Borgens RB, Robinson KR, Vanable JW, McGinis ME, McCaig CD (eds). New York, NY, Alan R. Liss, pp 171-224, 1989.
4. Bourguignon GJ, Wenche JY, and Bourguignon L. Electrical stimulation of human fibroblasts cause an increase in calcium influx and the exposure of additional insulin receptors. J Cellular Physiology, 140: 379-385,1989.
5. Brighton CT. Current concepts review: The treatment of nonunions with electricity. J Bone Joint Surg, 62A: 847-851, 1981.
6. Cheng N, et al. The effect of electrocurrents on ATP generation protein synthesis, and membrane transport in rat skin. Clinical Orthopedics, 171: 264-272, 1982.
7. Cooper MS, Keller RE. Perpendicular orientation and directional migration of amphibian neural crest cells in DC electric fields. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 81: 160-164, 1985.
8. Cooper MS, Schliwa M. Electrical and ionic controls of tissue cell locomotion in DC electric fields. J. Neurosci Res, 13: 223-244, 1985.
9. Dwyer AF, Wickham GG. Direct current stimulation in spinal fusion. Med J Aust, 1: 73-75, 1974.
10. Erickson CA, Nuccitelli RL. Embryonic cell motility can be guided by physiological electric fields. J Cell Biol, 98: 296-307, 1984.
11. Friedenberg ZB, Kohanim M. The effect of direct current on bone. Surg Gynecol Obstet, 131: 894-899, 1970.
12. Friedenberg ZB, Andrews ET, Smolenski BI et al. Bone reaction to varying amounts of direct current, Surg Gynecol Obstet, 131: 894-899, 1970.
13. Friedenberg ZB, Harlow MC, Brighton CT. Healing of nonunion of medial malleolus by means of direct current: a case report. J Trauma, 11: 883-885, 1971.
14. Friedenberg ZB, Roberts PG, Didizian NH, Brighton CT. Stimulation of fracture healing by direct current in the rabbit fibula. J Bone Joint Surg, 53A: 1400-1408, 1971.
15. Goh JCH, Bose K, Kang YK, Nugroho B. Effects of electrical stimulation on biomechanical properties of fracture healing in rabbits. Clin Orthop, 233: 268-273, 1988.
16. Illingworth CM, Baker AT. Measurement of electrical currents emerging during the regeneration of amputated finger tips in children. Clin Phys Physiol Meas, 1: 87, 1980.
17. Lavine LS, Lustrin I, Shamos M, Moss ML. The influence of electric current on bone regeneration in vivo. Acta Orthop Scand, 42: 305-314, 1971.
18. Luther PW, Peng HB, Lin JC. Changes in cell shape and action distribution induced by constant electrical fields. Nature, 303: 61-64, 1985.
19.Nannmark U, Buch F, Albrektsson T. Vascular reactions during electrical stimulation. Vital microscopy of the hamster cheek pouch and the rabbit tibia. Acta Orthop Scand, 56: 52-56, 1985.
20. Nessler JP, Mass DP. Direct current electrical stimulation of tendon healing in vitro. Clinical Orthpedics, 217: 303 -308, 1985.
21. Orida N, Feldman JHD. Directional protrusive psudopodial activity and motility in macrophages induced by extracellular electric fields. Cell Motility, 2: 243-255, 1982.
22. Nucatelli R, Erickson Ca. Embryonic cell motility can be guided by physiologic electric fields. Exp Cell Res, 147: 195-201, 1983.
23. Pethig R, Kell DB. The passive electrical properties of biologic systems: their significance in physiology, biophysics, and biotechnology. Phys Med Biol, 32 (8): 933-970, 1987.
24. Sawyer PN, Suckling EE, Wesolowski SA. Effect of small electric currents on intravascular thrombosis in the visualized rat mesentery. Am J Physiol, 198: 1006-1010, 1960.
25.Schwan HP. Mechanisms responsible for electrical properties of tissues and cell suspension. Med Prog Technol, 19 (4): 163-165, 1993-94