Patients come to me when chronic pain, fatigue or post-viral symptoms haven't shifted with conventional treatment. FSM can stand alone, or work alongside the herbal and nutritional medicine I offer at my Fulham clinic.
What FSM may help with
Chronic pain & fibromyalgia
The strongest published evidence is for fibromyalgia following whiplash. FSM may calm overactive nerve signalling and reduce the inflammation and central sensitisation that drive widespread pain.
Long COVID & post-viral fatigue
For long COVID, ME/CFS and post-viral fatigue, FSM targets the vagus nerve, brain inflammation and viral effects on tissue. Patients often report improvements in fatigue, brain fog and breathlessness.
Vagus nerve regulation
A dysregulated vagus nerve sits behind many modern complaints — gut issues, anxiety, poor sleep, post-viral fatigue, hyper-reactivity to stress. FSM's vagus nerve protocols may help restore parasympathetic tone.
Mould-related illness (CIRS)
If you've been exposed to water-damaged buildings and developed brain fog, fatigue or unexplained inflammation, FSM may support detoxification pathways, calm neuroinflammation and steady the immune response — alongside herbal and nutritional support. See Mould Illness & CIRS.
Chronic infections (Lyme, EBV, reactivated viruses)
Chronic Lyme, persistent Epstein-Barr, and viral reactivation are increasingly recognised drivers of fatigue, joint pain and cognitive symptoms. FSM may help reduce the neuroinflammation and immune dysregulation these infections cause.
Sports injuries & muscle recovery
A controlled study (Curtis et al., 2010) found significant protection against delayed onset muscle soreness at 24, 48 and 72 hours post-exercise. Useful for tendon issues, muscle strains and post-training recovery.
Scar tissue & post-surgical recovery
Specific FSM frequencies are used to soften scar tissue and adhesions — useful after surgery, caesarean, old injuries, and abdominal adhesions causing digestive symptoms.
Concussion, head injury & migraine
The "concussion protocol" is one of FSM's most-used applications — addressing inflammation in the brain, vagus nerve and cervical spine. Often relevant for persistent migraine, post-concussion symptoms and unexplained dizziness.
How it works
FSM uses two channels of microcurrent — a thousand times smaller than a TENS machine and below the threshold of sensation. One channel carries a frequency thought to neutralise a specific condition (inflammation, scar tissue, viral effects). The other matches a specific tissue (nerve, fascia, vagus, brain). Where both resonate, cellular function shifts.
It's drug-free, needle-free, almost always painless, and combines well with most other treatments, including herbal medicine and nutritional therapy.
What to expect
A first session runs 60–90 minutes after a thorough consultation. Soft, warm pads are placed on the relevant areas; most patients feel only warmth or a gentle softening. Acute issues may resolve in 1–3 sessions; chronic conditions usually need 6–10.
The evidence
FSM is an emerging therapy with a growing evidence base. Key peer-reviewed studies:
- Curtis D et al. FSM on delayed onset muscle soreness. J Bodywork Mov Ther, 2010.
- McMakin CR et al. Cytokine changes with microcurrent treatment of fibromyalgia. J Bodywork Mov Ther, 2005.
- McMakin CR, Oschman JL. Tissue softening with frequency-specific microcurrent. J Altern Complement Med, 2013.
- FSM Therapy and Relaxation in Adults with Distress: Pilot RCT. Healthcare, 2025.
FSM is not a substitute for medical diagnosis or treatment, and is not appropriate for everyone (see FAQ below).
FAQ
Does it hurt?
No. The current is below the threshold of sensation. Most people feel only gentle warmth.
How many sessions will I need?
Acute issues typically 1–3 sessions. Chronic conditions like fibromyalgia, long COVID, mould or chronic infection usually need 6–10, sometimes more.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
Yes. FSM works alongside conventional medicine, physiotherapy, herbal medicine and nutritional therapy. I often combine all three in the same treatment plan.
Are there any reasons I shouldn't have FSM?
FSM is not used during pregnancy, with implanted electronic devices (pacemakers, deep brain stimulators), or directly over recent cancer sites.
What does it cost?
The initial appointment (including full consultation) is £185. Follow-up appointments of 60 minutes are £95. See the full pricing page.