Pain and injury treatment does not have to be complicated.
The Phoenix Waveform gives clinicians, athletes, rehabilitation professionals, and appropriate home users several ways to apply electrical stimulation depending on their experience, goals, and comfort level.
You can start simply by placing electrodes around the painful or injured area and using the HUNT 500 Hz program, or you can progress into more advanced applications that combine electrical stimulation with movement, HUNT mapping, and microcurrent.
The important thing to understand is this:
These are options, not a required treatment progression.
A new Phoenix Waveform user can begin with the simplest application and gain experience before adding more advanced techniques.
Phoenix Waveform treatment can be organized into four practical approaches:
You do not have to complete these in order.
Choose the approach that best matches your experience level and the needs of the person being treated.
For many users, this is the easiest place to begin.
Determine the body part or injury you want to address.
Then go to the appropriate Phoenix Waveform condition or injury protocol for specific electrode-placement recommendations.
Depending on the condition, electrodes may be positioned around the painful area or placed according to the specific Phoenix Waveform protocol.
The goal is to create an electrical treatment field through the area being addressed.
Choose:
HUNT – 500 Hz
Increase the intensity until the user experiences a moderate but tolerable tingling sensation.
Typical treatment time:
12 minutes
This is the simplest way to begin using Phoenix Waveform for a painful or injured area.
HUNT 500 Hz → Moderate sensation → 12 minutes
Phoenix Waveform treatment can use two, three, or four electrode pads depending on the application.
With two electrodes, current travels between the electrode pair.
With three electrodes, the electrical signal can be distributed from one pad toward two pads when an appropriate splitter configuration is used.
With four electrodes and two channels, current can travel through the treatment field according to lead configuration and polarity.
The Phoenix guide also identifies the lead polarity as:
Black = Negative (-)
Red = Positive (+)
Reversing polarity changes the direction of current flow at the electrodes.
The electron-flow diagram in the Phoenix guide illustrates the two-, three-, and four-pad configurations.
Clearly marking positive and negative leads can make electrode setup faster and reduce mistakes during treatment.
For cases where additional recovery support is desired, Phoenix Waveform allows a microcurrent program to be used after the initial direct-current session.
Begin with the same treatment described above:
HUNT 500 Hz for 12 minutes
After the direct-current treatment is finished:
This is where Phoenix Waveform becomes more than simply placing electrodes over a painful area and sitting still.
When clinically appropriate, controlled movement can be performed while the area is being stimulated.
Start with:
HUNT – 500 Hz
Then slowly move the involved joint or muscle group through an appropriate range of motion.
The Phoenix guide emphasizes approximately:
5–10 controlled repetitions with an emphasis on lengthening the involved muscle group.
Pain frequently occurs during a specific activity.
Instead of treating only while the person remains stationary, Phoenix Waveform can be combined with a controlled version of the movement that normally produces the problem.
For example:
If shoulder discomfort occurs during throwing, the athlete may slowly reproduce portions of the throwing movement while receiving stimulation.
The movement should remain controlled and appropriate for the condition.
The purpose is not simply to “turn the machine up.”
The purpose is to combine the electrical stimulus with meaningful neuromuscular movement.
During movement-based treatment, Phoenix Waveform uses the patient's perceived intensity, rather than simply relying on the number displayed on the device.
The target used in the Phoenix guide is approximately:
This refers to how strong the stimulation feels to the person, not the numerical intensity displayed on the Phoenix unit.
Once the user reports approximately 6/10:
Perform 5–10 controlled movements.
Then ask again how strong the stimulation feels.
The guide notes that perceived intensity can sometimes decrease even though the device setting has not changed.
For example:
Initial sensation: 6/10
After movement:
Perceived sensation: 4/10
If appropriate and well tolerated, intensity can then be gradually increased until the person again reports approximately 6/10 before another group of controlled repetitions is performed.
Movement is only one component of the treatment.
You may perform the movement/intensity process for several minutes and then allow the individual to rest for the remainder of the session.
The Phoenix guide specifically notes that:
Movement does not need to continue for the entire 12-minute treatment.
And:
The goal is not to increase intensity as high as possible.
One of the more advanced Phoenix Waveform applications is the HUNT Protocol.
Instead of assuming that the location of pain is the only area that should be addressed, HUNT mapping is used to identify additional areas of altered response or “hot spots.”
These areas may be located away from where the person actually feels symptoms.
Consider someone experiencing patellar tendon pain.
A conventional approach might focus only on the painful tendon.
But HUNT mapping may identify significant hot spots elsewhere, such as within the:
The Phoenix approach therefore asks a different question:
Is the painful area the entire problem, or is it where the problem is being experienced?
The HUNT Protocol is designed to help identify additional areas that may warrant treatment.
Once significant hot spots are identified:
1. Mark the hot spots.
2. Position the electrodes over the identified areas.
3. Select HUNT – 500 Hz.
4. When appropriate, lengthen or move the involved muscle group.
5. Perform approximately 5–10 controlled repetitions.
6. Use approximately 6/10 perceived stimulation as the intensity guide.
7. Complete the 12-minute treatment.
After addressing important HUNT findings, treatment can shift to the actual area of pain or injury.
Use the appropriate Phoenix Waveform condition-specific protocol to determine electrode placement.
Then:
HUNT 500 Hz
12 minutes
and, when appropriate:
5–10 controlled movements at approximately 6/10 perceived intensity.
For clinicians who want an easy way to remember the process:
Where does it hurt?
Position the electrodes according to the appropriate Phoenix protocol.
Use HUNT 500 Hz.
When appropriate, perform 5–10 controlled repetitions.
Look for other significant hot spots that may be relevant to the condition.
Add an appropriate Phoenix microcurrent program afterward when desired.
Traditional electrical-stimulation treatment is often thought of as
:
Find the painful spot → Put electrodes around it → Turn on the stimulation.
Phoenix Waveform allows the clinician or trained user to go further.
The Phoenix system can incorporate:
Targeted electrode placement
Direct-current stimulation
Movement during stimulation
Patient-perceived intensity
HUNT mapping for additional hot spots
Microcurrent programs
This creates a more flexible neuromuscular treatment platform rather than a single fixed electrode application.
You do not have to become an expert in every Phoenix technique before using the system.
A beginning user can start with:
As experience increases, you can incorporate:
Movement
then
HUNT mapping
and
Microcurrent
as appropriate.
That progression in knowledge—not a mandatory treatment sequence—is exactly how the Phoenix Pain & Injury Guide is structured.
Good electrode contact matters.
Before placing electrodes:
The Phoenix guide specifically recommends good-quality electrodes rather than inexpensive thin TENS-style electrodes.
Electrical stimulation is not appropriate for everyone.
According to the Phoenix Waveform Pain & Injury Application Guide, do not use the Phoenix EMS device in the following situations:
Treatment should always be selected appropriately for the individual's condition, medical history, tolerance, and professional recommendations.
The primary program described in the Phoenix Pain & Injury Application Guide is HUNT – 500 Hz. Individual Phoenix condition protocols provide more specific electrode-placement and application instructions.
The standard HUNT 500 Hz treatment described in the guide is 12 minutes.
For a basic treatment, the guide recommends a moderate tingling sensation. During movement-based treatment, the user is asked to report perceived stimulation, with approximately 6/10 perceived intensity used as the working target.
No. The 6/10 guideline refers to the person's perceived stimulation intensity, not the numerical setting displayed on the Phoenix Waveform device.
No. Movement is an optional treatment strategy and does not need to continue throughout the full 12-minute session.
The HUNT Protocol is a Phoenix Waveform technique used to identify significant responsive areas or “hot spots” that may be located away from the primary area of pain. Those areas can then be treated using targeted electrode placement.
The advanced approach described in the Phoenix guide addresses both: first significant HUNT hot spots and then the actual painful area using the appropriate condition-specific Phoenix protocol.
Yes. The guide describes microcurrent as an optional treatment after the direct-current session. If the user does not know which microcurrent program to select, the guide identifies RESTORE ATP as the general option.
Usually not. The guide states that microcurrent is below normal sensation, so the individual typically feels nothing or perhaps a very slight tingling sensation.
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.
