Phoenix Waveform HUNT and Release
Pain is not always located exactly where the underlying dysfunction is occurring.
The Phoenix Waveform HUNT technique is designed to help identify sensitive or highly responsive areas,often referred to as hot spots,—that may be contributing to pain, restricted movement, or altered muscle function.
Instead of simply placing electrodes directly over the painful area, the HUNT technique allows you to scan the surrounding and related tissues to help determine where treatment should be focused.
Use one Phoenix channel for scanning.
Attach the positive (RED) lead to the stationary electrode. Wet the sponge and place it between the electrode and the skin.
For lower-body applications, the stationary positive electrode can be positioned near the opposite hip. For upper-body applications, it can be positioned on the opposite side of the body as appropriate for the area being scanned.
Attach the negative (BLACK) lead to the scanning electrode with a wet sponge.
Place the scanning electrode and wet sponge against the skin and slowly drag the electrode across the tissue while maintaining continuous contact with the skin.
Do not repeatedly lift the electrode off the skin and place it back down while the stimulation is active. Breaking and re-establishing contact can produce an abrupt and uncomfortable change in stimulation.
Gradually increase the Phoenix intensity to a comfortable but noticeable level and begin scanning the entire region associated with the patient's symptoms.
You are looking for areas where the patient reports a distinct increase in sensation, sensitivity, or discomfort compared with the surrounding tissue.
These areas are considered hot spots and may help identify useful treatment locations.
When appropriate, consider scanning beyond the exact location of pain. For example, with knee pain, the surrounding knee, quadriceps, hamstrings, hips, and gluteal region may also be evaluated.
Identify and mark approximately four of the most responsive hot spots.
Turn the Phoenix intensity down to ZERO before changing electrodes.
Remove the scanning electrode and connect the self-stick electrodes to Channels 1 and 3.
Place the four self-stick electrodes over the four most significant hot spots identified during the HUNT.
Gradually increase the stimulation until the patient reports an intensity of approximately 5–6 out of 10 based on what they feel, not the numerical intensity displayed on the Phoenix.
With stimulation running, slowly move the involved body part through its available range of motion.
Look for a movement that reproduces the patient's restriction or produces a noticeable increase in the perceived stimulation.
Once identified, perform approximately 5–10 controlled repetitions, emphasizing movements that appropriately lengthen the involved muscle or muscle group.
As the patient adapts, the perceived stimulation may decrease. If it falls below the desired level, gradually increase the Phoenix intensity until the patient again reports approximately 5–6 out of 10.
Continue the movement and stimulation portion of the treatment according to the appropriate Phoenix protocol.
Before changing polarity, turn the Phoenix intensity down to ZERO.
Leave the self-stick electrodes in place.
Disconnect the positive and negative leads from the electrodes and reconnect them to the opposite pads:
POSITIVE → pad previously connected to NEGATIVE
NEGATIVE → pad previously connected to POSITIVE
This reverses the polarity of the treatment field.
Gradually return the stimulation to the desired perceived intensity and repeat the appropriate movement sequence.
When appropriate, emphasize controlled movement that lengthens the involved muscle while it is active.
Don't assume the painful spot is the only area that should be evaluated.
The HUNT technique gives you a systematic way to scan related tissues, identify highly responsive treatment areas, and then combine targeted Phoenix Waveform stimulation with movement.
Search for what you may be missing—then treat with purpose.
Not every Phoenix Waveform treatment needs to be high intensity.
There are times when the goal isn't to produce a powerful muscle contraction, perform HUNT mapping or challenge the neuromuscular system.
Sometimes the goal is simply to turn the intensity down, create gentle rhythmic stimulation and transition into recovery.
That's why Phoenix includes the ECO Program.
ECO stands for Endorphin, Circulation and Oxygenation.
It is a low-frequency, cycling electrical stimulation program designed to provide a very different experience from the higher-frequency Phoenix programs used for HUNT mapping, muscle activation and neuromuscular training.
ECO automatically cycles through a range of low frequencies during a 12-minute session.
12 Hz → 8 Hz → 12 Hz
The frequency gradually cycles down and back over approximately 30-second intervals.
8 Hz → 4 Hz → 8 Hz
The program continues cycling through progressively lower frequencies.
Instead of remaining at one fixed frequency, ECO continually changes the stimulation frequency throughout the session.
The result is a gentler, rhythmic stimulation experience that is distinctly different from Phoenix's high-frequency neuromuscular programs.
Frequency changes how electrical stimulation interacts with sensory and motor nerves and influences the type of muscle response produced.
Phoenix's higher-frequency programs are designed for applications such as HUNT mapping, neuromuscular activation and movement-based training.
ECO serves a different purpose.
By cycling through lower frequencies, ECO can be used when you want comfortable, rhythmic stimulation rather than an intense sustained neuromuscular contraction.
Think of it as changing gears.
HUNT and higher-frequency Phoenix programs = activation and neuromuscular work
ECO = lower-frequency stimulation and recovery
Both have a place within the Phoenix system.
One of our favorite ways to use ECO is after a demanding Phoenix treatment or training session.
During higher-intensity electrical stimulation, the muscles and nervous system are being challenged.
After the work is finished, we don't necessarily need more high-intensity stimulation.
We can change the objective.
Reduce the intensity.
Allow the muscles to relax.
And finish with a comfortable period of low-frequency stimulation.
That's where ECO fits extremely well.
Older Phoenix training materials specifically recommend ECO as an option following strength training or higher-intensity Phoenix applications.
ECO can be incorporated into Phoenix sessions when a lower-frequency stimulation option is desired, particularly:
After a Phoenix HUNT or treatment session
Transition from higher-frequency stimulation to a lower-frequency finish.
After strength or performance training
Use ECO as part of the post-training recovery period.
After neuromuscular activation
Follow more demanding stimulation with a gentler rhythmic program.
During a recovery session
ECO can also be used independently when the objective is comfortable low-frequency electrical stimulation rather than high-intensity activation.
Dr. Jeff Banas, DC
Dr. Jeff Banas is a Chiropractic Sports Physician, Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, and Neurotherapy Expert with over 25 years of experience in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neuromuscular re-education, and performance optimization.
He earned his Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) degree from the National University of Health Sciences, where he completed advanced training in:
Throughout his career, Dr. Banas has provided care for:
With extensive hands-on experience using systems such as ARPwave, Therastim, and other neuromodulation platforms, Dr. Banas helped develop the Phoenix Waveform, a clinician driven direct current neurotherapy device created as a more accessible and cost-effective alternative to traditional high-priced systems.
Dr. Banas focuses on restoring function by retraining the nervous system, activating inhibited muscles, improving movement patterns, and accelerating recovery through targeted DC neurostimulation and corrective protocols.
He provides:
Known for his clinical precision and evidence-based approach, Dr. Banas continues to work directly with patients and professionals seeking advanced neurotherapy solutions without the limitations of corporate sales models or restrictive leasing programs.
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The content on this website is for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any health condition. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment, rehabilitation program, or use of electrotherapy or neuromodulation devices. Use of this website does not create a doctor–patient relationship. Individual results will vary.
