Scrambler Therapy
Using electro stimulation, Scrambler Therapy substitutes pain with non-pain information.
About Scrambler Therapy
Scrambler Therapy is a FDA cleared, non-invasive treatment that uses cutaneous (skin surface) electro stimulation through an artificial neuron (electrodes) by substituting the pain information for non-pain information. The device digitally synthesizes 16 different algorithms of low amperage (3.50-5.50 mA), which simulates normal nerve action potentials. The algorithms have variables in outputs, frequency, duration and amplitude of modulations that are generated.
By utilizing these variables the brain perceives these as normal nerve transmissions of the artificial “no pain” replacing the present pain signals. This works on the pain neuro-matrix of the nervous system from the superficial dermatomes on the skin to the dorsal horn of the spinal cord to the central nervous system to the cortex of the brain. This new message code changes the brain’s acceptance of the non-pain code as the real message. Through the neuroplastic capacity of the brain, it learns to search for this signal and will establish the state of homeostasis of the pain neuro-matrix.
“Scrambler Therapy technology is based upon a novel theory of chronic pain. Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is not a symptom, but a disease. In my research, I was able to develop an artificial neuron able to send no pain signals to the brain non-invasively. In this way the pain is eliminated immediately, and over time (on average 10 treatments) produces a process of healing from chronic pain, thus giving longevity to the pain relief.”
— Professor Giuseppe Marineo (inventor)
Treatment protocols
The electrodes are placed utilizing dermatomes just outside the pain areas to assure that the signal is being transmitted by healthy nerves (utilizing c-fibers rather than A-delta fibers). The device quickly determines pain relief coding unique to each individual using four variables. Treatments usually are 45-minute sessions each day for two weeks with a 2-day break midpoint. This will vary with individual response, origin of pain, and duration of pain as well as intensity.
