Meet Jennifer Chu, M.D.
She authored many peer-reviewed publications including a textbook entitled "Electrodiagnosis: An Anatomical and Clinical Approach.” Not only is she an active member of numerous prestigious national medical societies, she was awarded honorary membership in the European Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. She holds four issued patents, plus three pending patents, for the purpose of providing soft tissue comfort. Her initial patents involved various needling devices for mechanical and electrical elicitation of twitches at trigger points. The pending patents involve the revolutionary noninvasive eToims® which has helped many patients to significantly improve their quality of life since 2005. Jennifer Chu, M.D. is involved in various medical and professional organizations. She is also the President of the Alumni Myanmar Institutes of Medicine Association, a nonprofit organization to alleviate poverty in Myanmar. Her patients funded Pain-free International Charitable Foundation, a nonprofit organization to promote knowledge of eToims® in myofascial pain and fibromyalgia management. She retired from the University of Pennsylvania in 2006 and continues to teach residents in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania on topics of electrodiagnostic and neuromuscular medicine.
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| Associate Professor, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, School of Medicine of the University of Pennsylvania. | |
| Director: | Electrodiagnostic Medicine(1977-206); Penn Soft Tissue Comfort Center (2004-2006) |
| Board Certification: | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1979). |
| Active fellowships: | American Association of Electrodiagnostic Medicine (1980); American Academy of Pain Management (1991) |
| Residency: | Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (1977) |
| Post Graduate Training: | Electrodiagnostic Medicine, University of Uppsala, Sweden (1982) |
| Educational Background: | MD, Institute of Medicine2, Yangon, Myanmar (1971) |
| Special Interests: | Automated and electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation, electrodiagnostic medicine, quantitative electromyography, soft tissue, myofascial pain syndrome and fibromyalgia pain, acute and chronic refractory neuropathic pain, medico-legal diagnostic and treatment aspects of soft tissue, myofascial and fibromyalgia pain. |
| Honors and awards: | Honorary member of (1) European Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (2) Belgian Society of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. |
Scientific publications
Original Peer Reviewed Publications:
Naji A, Chu J, McCombs PR, Barker CF, Berkowitz HD, Roberts B: Results of 100 consecutive femoropopliteal vein grafts for limb salvage. Ann Surg 188 (2): 162-165,1978.
Naji A, Barker CF, Berkowitz HD, Chu J, Roberts B: Femoropopliteal vein grafts for claudication analysis of 100 consecutive cases. Ann Surg 188(1): 79- 82, 1978.
Chu J, Fox I, Janssen M: Pneumatic ankle tourniquet: A clinical and electrophysiologic study. Arch Phys Med Rehab 62:570-575, 1981.
Fox IM, Mandracchia V, Jassen M, Chu J: The pneumatic tourniquet in extremity surgery. J Am Pod Assoc 71(5):237-42, 1981.
Stalberg E, Chu J, Bril V, Nandekar S, Stalberg S, Ericsson M: Automatic analysis of EMG interference pattern. Electroenceph Clin Neurophysiol 56:672-681, 1983.
Chu J, Chan RC: Changes in motor unit action potential parameters in monopolar recordings related to filter settings of the EMG amplifier. Arch Phys Med Rehab 66:601-604, 1985.
Bruyninckx F, Chu J: Analysis of motor unit potential parameters, their clinical importance and research applications. Acta Belgica-Medica Physica 8:13-19, 1985.
Bruyninckx F, Rosselle N, Chu J: Computer analysis of EMG signals, including principles of scanning EMG. Acta Belgica-Medica Physica 8:5-12, 1985.
Chu J, Chan R, Bruyninckx F: Effects of progressive teflon denudation of the monopolar needle on the motor unit potential. Arch Phys Med Rehab 67:36-40, 1986.
Chu J, Bruyninckx F, Chan RC: Significance of motor unit action potentials in normal and neurogenic situations. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 26(7):465-479, 1986.
Chu J, Chan RC, Bruyninckx F: Effects of the EMG amplifier filter settings on the motor unit action potential parameters recorded with concentric and monopolar needle. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 26(8):627-639, 1986.
Chu J, Wai YW: Enlarged leading-off area of the monopolar needle: Effects on motor unit action potentials in normal, neurogenic, and myopathic muscles. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 28(5):263-267, 1988.
Chu J: Dry needling (intramuscular stimulation) in myofascial pain related to lumbosacral radiculopathy. European Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 5(4):106-121, 1995.
Chu J: Myofascial pain syndrome - trigger points. J Musculoske Pain 5(1):133-135, 1997.
Chu J: Does EMG (intramuscular stimulation) reduce myofascial pain due to cervical radiculopathy. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 37:259-272, 1997.
Chu J: Twitch response in myofascial trigger points. J Musculoske Pain 6(4): 99-110, 1998.
Chu J: Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (TOIMS) in acute partial radial nerve palsy. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 39:221-226, 1999
Chu J: The role of the monopolar electromyographic pin in myofascial pain therapy: automated twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ATOIMS) and electrical twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS)- Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 39: 503-511, 1999.
Chu J: Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation: Observations in the management of radiculopathic chronic low back pain. J Musculoske Pain 7(4): 131-146, 1999.
Chu J: Early observations in radiculopathic pain control using
Electrodiagnostically derived new treatment techniques:automated twitch-
obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ATOIMS)and electrical twitch-obtaining
intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS)- Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol
40:195-204, 2000.
Chu J: Twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (TOIMS): Long-term observations in the management of chronic partial cervical radiculopathy. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 40:503-510, 2000.
Gozon B, Chu J, Schwartz I: Lumbosacral radiculopathic pain presenting as groin and scrotal pain: Pain management with twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation. A case report and review of literature. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 41:315-318, 2001.
Chu J, Gozon B, Schwartz I: Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation in Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 42:259-22, 2002.
Chu J: The muscle twitch in myofascial pain relief: effects of acupuncture and other needling methods. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 42:307-311, 2002.
Chu J: The local mechanism of Acupuncture. Chinese Medical Journal (Taipei) 65:299-302 2002.
Chu J, Neuhauser D, Schwartz I, Aye HH: The efficacy of automated/electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ATOIMS/ETOIMS) for chronic pain control : Evaluation with statistical process control methods. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 42:393-401, 2002.
Takehara I, Chu J: Pharynx and esophagus evaluation during the swallow using helical computerized tomography. Journal of Disability 26(12): 733-738,2004.
Chu J, Takehara I, Li T-C, Schwartz I: Skill and selection bias has least influence on motor unit action potential firing rate/frequency. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 43:387-392, 2003
Chu J, Schwartz I: The point of Acupuncture. Journal of Musculoskeletal Pain 12(1): 5-7, 2004
Repice RM, Chu J, Repice RM II, Bilski MM: Wrist traction as a new method for treatment of carpal tunnel syndrome. American Journal of Pain Management 14: 31-35, 2004.
Chu J, Yuen KF, Wang BH, Chan RC, Schwartz I, Neuhauser D: Electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation in lower back pain: A pilot study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 83: 104-111, 2004
Chu J, Takehara I, Li T-C, Schwartz I: Electrical twitch obtaining intramuscular stimulation (ETOIMS) for myofascial pain syndrome in a football player. Br J Sports Med 38(5):E25, 2004. 33. Takehara I, Chu J, Li T-C, Schwartz I: Reliability of quantitative motor unit action potential (MUAP) parameters. Muscle Nerve 30: 111-113, 2004.
Takehara I , Chu J, Schwartz I, Aye HH: Motor unit action potential (MUAP) parameters affected by editing duration cursors. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 44:265-269, 2004
Chu J, Eun SS, Schwartz I: Quantitative motor unit action potentials (QMUAP) in whiplash patients with neck and upper-limb pain. Electromyogr Clin Neurophysiol 45:323-328, 2005
Abstracts
Chu J: Lumbosacral plexopathy as a complication of fractures of the pelvis associated with multiple trauma. Arch Phys Med Rehab 61:484, 1980.
Chu J, Fox I, Janssen M: Pneumatic ankle tourniquet: A clinical and electrophysiologic study. Arch Phys Med Rehab 61:470, 1980.
Chu J: Lumbosacral radicular symptoms: Importance of bilateral electrodiagnostic studies. Arch Phys Med Rehab 62:522, 1981.
Chu J, Simon W: Pain referred to joints from primary root dysfunction. Arch Phys Med Rehab 63:624, 1982.
Chu J, Greenspun B: Lower motor neuron involvement in stroke. Arch Phys Med Rehab 63:518, 1982.
Chu J, Chan RC: Changes in motor unit action potential parameters in monopolar recordings with changes in filter settings of the EMG amplifier. Arch Phys Med Rehab 64:488, 1983.
Chu J, Chan RC: Quantitative comparison of motor unit action potentials between monopolar and concentric needle recordings under different filter settings of EMG amplifier. Arch Phys Med Rehab 64:512, 1983.
Chu J, Chan RC Quantitative comparison of simple motor unit action potentials in normal and neurogenic conditions. Arch Phys Med Rehab 64:512, 1983.
Chu J, Chan RC: Quantitative comparison of motor unit action potentials between normal and neurogenic conditions. Muscle Nerve 6:525, 1983.
Chu J, Chan RC: The effects of progressive teflon denudation of the monopolar needle on the motor unit potential. Muscle Nerve 7:569, 1984.
Chu J, Bruyninckx F, Chan RC: Automatically analyzed low threshold motor unit parameters and the interference pattern: Their relationship in normal and neurogenic situations. Electroenceph Clin Neurophysiol 60:102P, 1985.
Chu J, Kwon HK, Wai YW: Influence of needle electrode type and reference electrode placement on the normal motor unit action potential. Muscle and Nerve 10:654, 1987. 13. Gevaert M, Chu J: Different electrodiagnostic approach to an old problem: Carpal tunnel syndrome. Arch Phys Med Rehab 69:752, 1988.
Gevaert M, Chu J: Complete peroneal nerve palsy: Avoidance of misinterpretation of electromyographic signals. Arch Phys Med Rehab 69:754, 1988.
Gevaert M, Chu J: Influence of the ground electrode on duration, turns, and phases in motor unit action potential analysis. Muscle and Nerve 11(9):959, 1988. Chu J: Motor unit potential analysis. Letter to the Editor, Am J Phys Med Rehab 67(4):190, 1988. McGuigan K, Chu J: F ratio study in ulnar nerve lesions at elbow. Arch Phys Med Rehab 70:64A, 1989.
Gevaert M, Chu J: Influence of the position of the reference electrode in motor unit potential analysis with a concentric needle. Arch Phys Med Rehab 70:95A, 1989.
Pan SH, Chu J: Recording characteristics of disposable versus reusable monopolar EMG needle electrodes. Muscle and Nerve 13(9):878, 1990.
Chu J: Fibromyalgia. Letter to the Editor, Pain 50:125-127, 1992.
Chu J: Carpal tunnel syndrome in vehicular trauma compared with carpal tunnel syndrome without sudden trauma. Muscle and Nerve 15(10):1175, 1992
Chu J: Predictors of pain relief after electromyography in the diagnosis of lumbosacral radiculopathy. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences. 20 (4): 358, 1993.
Chu J: Twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation: Its effectiveness in the long-term treatment of myofascial pain related to lumbosacral radiculopathy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 78:1024, 1997.
Chu J: Twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation: Effective for long-term treatment of myofascial pain related to cervical radiculopathy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 78:1042, 1997.
Chu J: Automated Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (ATOIMS) in the management of regional and diffuse myofascial pain (fibromyalgia). J Musculoske Pain 6 (2): 48, 1998.
Chu J, Neuhauser D, Schwartz I: Electrophysiologically Based Methods For Fibromyalgia Pain: Evaluation With Statistical Process Control. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 83: 1491, 2002.
chu J, Takehara I, Li Tung-Chou, Schwartz I: Reproducibility of quantitative motor unit action potential (MUAP) measurements. Muscle Nerve Supplement 12: S4, 2003.
Chu J, Schwartz I, Aye HH: Efficacy of Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (ETOIMS) in Chronic Lower Back Pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation September 2005 (Vol. 86, Issue 9, Pages e50-e52, abstract 194)
Chu J, Schwartz I, Aye HH: Efficacy of Electrical Twitch Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (ETOIMS) in Chronic Neck Pain. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation September 2005 (Vol. 86, Issue 9, Pages e50-e52, abstract 195)
Educational and Health Media Placements for needle eToims®:
1. Philadelphia Inquirer, 1/12/98.
2. Medstar Television, 4/9/98 (National Placement on CBS).
3. Radio Talk show for senior citizens health (MILESTONES) on 950 AM (WPEN), 6/28/98.
4. Philadelphia Daily News, 6/98.
5. Women's World Magazine, 7/98.
6. Ivanhoe Broadcast News "Medical Breakthroughs", 7/1/98.
7. Prime Time Week-end, Channel 6, 7/18/98.
8. WYBE: Frontiers of Medicine, 2/06/99.
9. Public Broadcasting Station: Frontiers of Medicine, 4/11/99.
10. The Johns Hopkins White Papers: Low back Pain and Osteoporosis, 1999.
11. Medstar TV, 2003.
12. MSNBC TV: Health Watch, 3/04.
13. Google News, Yahoo News, Topix News, Excite News, 9/2/04.
14. WebMD pain videos
Press Release on aToims® U of PA 1998
With chronic back pain the second most common reason to see a doctor in the United States, it's no surprise that physicians are constantly challenged by treating this and others types of pain. Exclusively at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, patients can now seek pain relief through a revolutionary new technique -- Automated Twitch-Obtaining Intramuscular Stimulation (ATOIMS®]) – the first of its kind ever made available.
Jennifer Chu, M.D., associate professor and director of the Electrodiagnosis Laboratory of the Rehabilitation Medicine Department, has developed a technique to treat nerve-related localized and widespread pain from injury or aging with the use of a battery-powered, automated device that directly treats the irritated nerve roots and spasm muscles that maintain painful conditions. ATOIMS is the automated version of twitch-obtaining intramuscular stimulation (TOIMS) – clinically proven to provide pain relief for soft-tissue pain that originates in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and areas surrounding bones. In essence, the twitching mechanism relaxes tight, spasm muscles, allowing blood to flow more freely and calm irritated nerves.
With her pioneering technique, Chu inserts fine Teflon® pins deep into the muscle and motor end-plate zones (the nerves that stimulate muscles to contract and produce movement) where irritated nerve fibers and shortened muscle fibers that cause pain are found. The insertion of the pins into these trigger points and repeated oscillating movements cause the muscle fibers to automatically twitch. Simultaneously, the twitching breaks the shortening of the muscle fibers by exercising them, permitting the muscle fibers to relax. With this relaxation, the sustained contraction of these areas is reduced and self-healing is initiated.
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eToims® Twitch Relief Method Improved blood flow, eliminating or decreasing discomfort and/or pain, which can be long-lasting. |
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