Each muscle gets the ability to function (contract) by sending a signal to the brain AND receiving a response from the brain. One muscle is made up of a multitude of muscle fibers Within each muscle fiber, for simplicity’s sake, there are two wires that communicate directly with the brain. If the communication is inhibited (or delayed) a muscle can’t respond properly during physical activities resulting in discomfort, tightness, strain, or pain to surrounding muscles and joints.
If there is GOOD communication between the brain and the muscle, you will have good flexibility, strength, and pain-free movement in that muscle. An athlete would be able to perform the skills of their sport with ease and the athlete will likely be faster and strong.
If it is BAD (inhibited, weak, or delayed) communication between the brain and the muscle, which is frequently seen scenario, a weak signal is sent to the brain. This results in a poor response back to the muscle causing inefficient function. You may experience muscle tightness when you stretch, foam roll, heat, or massage with little or no change in tightness over a period of time. Low back, upper trapezius (shoulder), iliotibial bands (ITBs), hamstrings, and calf muscles are the most common areas that remain tight.
A quick test to test for an inhibition:
Lay face down, then extend the leg towards the sky. The glutes are the prime muscle that extends the leg, therefore you should see the glut contract first. Put one finger on the glut and one on the hamstring, then ask the person to lift the leg toward the sky (into extension). You should feel the glut contract first, but many times the hamstring contracts first. This means the glutes and brain do not have a good connection and the hamstring are over-excited.
When the muscle fiber wire is unable to send a signal, the brain will formulate the best set of muscles to accomplish the desired movement. Depending on how long this state lasts, you can see a variety of physical problems due to chronic compensation and the brain restricting joint movement to prevent injury. You can experience muscle trigger points, strains, arthritis, anterior knee pain, rotator cuff tears, tennis or golfer’s elbow, bulging or herniated discs, sciatica, hip labrum tears, hamstring tears, Achilles tendon tears, plantar fasciitis, hammer toes and require joint replacements.
The Phoenix Waveform can be used to “RE-SET” the muscle-brain connection, by placing the pads over the muscles, sending the Phoenix current into the muscle, then having the athlete/patient perform a series of movements.
The result is a “Neuromuscular RE-SET” and enhanced communication between the nervous system and the muscular system which can be extremely helpful in relieving pain, recovering from injuries, and rehabilitation before training, or before the athletic performance.
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.
2026 Phoenix Waveform / Dr. Jeff Banas. All rights reserved.
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.
