A newly accepted pilot study in the Journal of Bodywork & Movement Therapies reports that direct-current microcurrent stimulation was associated with a statistically significant reduction in measured postsurgical scar depth immediately following a single treatment, according to an Aug. 11 article.
The prospective, non-randomized cohort study included 17 patients with surgically induced scars. Researchers measured scar depth at the same anatomical locations immediately before and after treatment using a 17 MHz three-dimensional volumetric ultrasound probe. Each participant received one direct-current microcurrent treatment using two Dolphin Neurostim devices. Stimulation was applied bilaterally along the scar for 30 seconds per point at approximately half-inch intervals, using opposing polarities. Treatment sessions lasted about 15 to 20 minutes.
Mean scar depth decreased by 0.447 mm, representing an average reduction of 23.8%. The change was statistically significant, with a 95% confidence interval of 0.264 to 0.630 mm and p<0.001.
The authors state that this is the first report of direct-current microcurrent therapy producing a measurable reduction in the physical size of scar cicatrix using high-resolution ultrasound as an objective structural measure rather than relying solely on visual assessment or patient-reported change.
All participants also spontaneously reported improvements in pain and range of motion; however, these outcomes were not formally measured as part of the study and require further investigation.
The researchers emphasize that this preliminary study included only 17 patients, had no control or placebo group, and measured outcomes immediately after a single treatment session. They said it does not establish whether changes are sustained over time or if repeated treatments would produce similar effects.
