Scrambler therapy is a form of pain management that uses a machine to block the body’s transmission of pain signals. This goal is accomplished by sending non-pain data to the nerve fibers that have been recipients of the pain messages. As an electro-cutaneous treatment, this form of therapy introduces a process called plasticity to retrain the brain so that it will not ascribe pain to the affected region.

The machine used to complete this form of therapy looks similar to the electrocardiogram machine. Leads are placed near the patient’s areas of chronic pain. An electrical signal from the normal tissue communicates a “non-pain” signal to the brain via the central nervous system that is specific to each individual. This signal is a synthetic signal of “non-pain” that the brain now recognizes as “normal self” because it travels the same pathways on the central nervous system that previously carried the “pain” message.

The treatment requires six to 10 visits to the clinic over about two weeks to retrain the brain’s perception of the signal. The pain relief can last three to six months, and if it returns, patients can receive booster treatments.

The first study regarding this type of therapy was published back in 2003. Led by Giuseppe Marineo, a group of researchers found that this form of therapy was effective in reducing pain for individuals who experienced severe levels of drug-resistant pain resulting from terminal cancer. The device used to complete the therapy attained clearance by the FDA for use in the United States. The device can be used for individuals experiencing pain from the following conditions:

• Diabetes
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Arthritis
• Neck Pain
• Back Pain
• Phantom Limb Pain
• Failed Back Surgery Syndrome
• Cancer
• Chemotherapy

More About Us

The Pain Care Clinic of Idaho specializes in providing clients cutting edge, customized treatment services that alleviate pain and restore life. The clinic is multi-disciplinary and is pleased to utilize scrambler therapies. Dr. Boese earned his certification to offer Scrambler therapies in Rome from Professor Marineo. As a community of pain management professionals committed to operating in excellence, you can count on us to provide you with the dynamic, detailed services you need and deserve.