Scrambler Therapy
Non-invasive Pain Signal Therapy for Chronic and Intractable Neuropathic Pain
Innovative New Medical Technology that normalizes the brain's pain perception without drugs
What is Scrambler Therapy?
Scrambler Therapy is an innovative non-invasive pain treatment that converts the distorted pain signals perceived by chronic pain patients' brains into 'non-pain information'.
Recognized as 'Non-invasive Pain Signal Therapy' by the Ministry of Health and Welfare in 2013, it has obtained US FDA approval and European CE certification, proving its efficacy and safety worldwide. It offers new hope for patients with intractable chronic pain who have not responded to conventional drug treatments or surgical procedures.
Core Concept
Rather than simply blocking pain, the principle is to 'retrain' the brain so it no longer perceives pain.
How It Works: The Science of Brain Re-education
Chronic pain is not simply due to tissue damage, but a 'disease' where the brain continuously misperceives pain signals due to plasticity changes in the nervous system.
Artificial Non-pain Neural Information
Painfree8800 generates harmless electrical signals delivered to the nervous system through electrodes attached to the skin. These signals act as 'artificial non-pain neural information' and travel to the brain via C-fiber and A-delta fibers that transmit pain.
Scrambling Effect
As the existing pain signals mix (scramble) with the non-pain signals generated by the device, the brain gradually recognizes the pain-free state as 'normal'. Like tuning a radio frequency, it's the process of returning the distorted pain channel to the normal channel.
Pain Signal Detection
Pain signals from damaged tissue travel to the brain via C-nerve fibers
Non-pain Information Generation
The device generates artificial 'non-pain' information signals
Brain Re-education
The brain learns new non-pain information to replace pain perception
"The scrambler therapy device activates receptors on the surface of C fibers so that newly created 'non-pain' information replaces the existing endogenous pain information and is transmitted to the brain. Through continuous electrical stimulation, the brain is 'retrained' to perceive the pain area as a pain-free area."
- Jung JW et al., "Principles of Scrambler Therapy and Clinical Applications in Chronic Pain", Korean Journal of Pain (2018)
Clinical Evidence and Research Results
Scrambler Therapy's excellent efficacy has been proven through numerous domestic and international clinical studies.
Key Research Data
- Excellent Pain Reduction: In a randomized controlled study of 52 neuropathic pain patients, pain scores (VAS) decreased by 91% from an average of 8.1 to 0.7 after 10 treatments.(Source: Marineo et al., J Pain Symptom Manage, 2012)
- Long-lasting Effects: Pain scores remained below 2.0 even 3 months after treatment completion, confirming long-term effectiveness.
- Reduced Drug Dependence: 72% of patients who received Scrambler Therapy were able to reduce their use of medications including opioid analgesics and antidepressants.
- Cancer Pain Relief: In an early study of 11 terminal cancer patients, pain scores dropped dramatically from 8.5 to 0.5 after 10 treatments, with no side effects observed.(Source: Marineo, JOP, 2003)
Treatment Principles and Process
Treatment Protocol Guide
- Session Duration: 30-45 minutes
- Treatment Frequency: 5 times/week (Mon-Fri) consecutive treatment recommended
- Total Sessions: Basic 10 sessions (up to 15 depending on symptoms)
- Maintenance Period: Pain relief lasts months to years after treatment completion
* Treatment frequency and duration may be adjusted by medical staff based on patient condition and pain intensity.
10 Core Treatment Principles
Use one channel at a time: Unlike TENS which uses multiple channels simultaneously, apply one channel precisely at a time.
Accurately identify pain area: Map the exact pain area the patient feels.
Attach electrodes to normal area: Attach electrodes to normal skin 2-3cm away from the pain area, not directly on it.
Communicate with patient: Adjust current intensity while checking if patient feels 'stinging'.
Immediate feedback: Immediately lower intensity or readjust electrode position if patient reports discomfort.
Maintain appropriate intensity: Maintain maximum comfortable intensity, not strong stimulation.
Confirm pain reduction: Patient should feel pain reduction immediately after stimulation starts.
Apply additional channels: Repeat the procedure for other pain areas if present.
Comfortable rest: Rest in the most comfortable position for 30-40 minutes during treatment (sleeping is allowed).
Follow consecutive treatment: Principle is to perform 10-12 treatments consecutively daily (except weekends).
Treatable Conditions (Indications)
Effective for various chronic and intractable pains that were not resolved by drugs or conventional physical therapy.
Post-herpetic Neuralgia (PHN)
Relief of severe nerve pain persisting after skin lesions have healed
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN)
Improvement of numbness, pain, and sensory abnormalities in hands and feet after chemotherapy
Cancer Pain
Chronic pain management from cancer metastasis or tumors
Failed Back Surgery Syndrome (FBSS)
Persistent back pain and radicular pain after spinal surgery including disc surgery
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Chronic neuropathic pain occurring after trauma
Diabetic Neuropathy
Pain and numbness in hands and feet due to diabetic complications
Chronic Low Back Pain and Sciatica
Persistent back pain lasting more than 3 months
Fibromyalgia
Chronic muscle pain and fatigue throughout the body
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is the treatment painful?
Not at all. Scrambler Therapy is non-invasive (no injections or incisions), delivering only electrical signals through pads attached to the skin, so there is no pain during the procedure. Patients describe it as a 'humming sensation' or 'tickling feeling', and many fall asleep comfortably.
Are there any side effects?
Since no drugs are used, there are no drug-related side effects such as nausea, dizziness, or indigestion. Clinical studies have reported no significant side effects, making it a safe treatment.
When will I feel the effects?
Most patients experience immediate pain reduction right after the first treatment. As treatments continue, pain-free periods become longer, and sustained effects can be expected after completing 10 sessions.
Is it covered by insurance?
This treatment is recognized as New Medical Technology by the Ministry of Health and Welfare and is a non-covered treatment (Code: MZ012). While not covered by national health insurance, you may be able to claim reimbursement depending on your private medical insurance policy.
How is it different from conventional physical therapy (TENS)?
Conventional TENS temporarily 'blocks' pain transmission by applying electrical stimulation to the pain area. In contrast, Scrambler Therapy sends 'non-pain signals' to the brain, making the brain forget pain - a fundamental neural rehabilitation treatment with different depth and duration of effects.
Can cancer patients receive this treatment?
Yes, they can. It has proven especially excellent effects for numbness in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy) from chemotherapy side effects and cancer pain management. It is highly recommended for cancer patients who want to reduce opioid analgesics.
Relative Contraindications
No absolute contraindications as it's non-invasive, but caution is needed in the following cases:
- Patients with pacemakers - potential electromagnetic interference
- Patients with automatic defibrillators
- Caution when treating near the carotid sinus area
- Cardiac ischemia or arrhythmia within the last 6 months
- Headaches, facial pain - electrode placement research ongoing
- History of epilepsy, brain injury, anticonvulsant (Pregabalin) use
- Wounds or skin irritation at electrode attachment sites
- Nerve block performed within 4 weeks
- Cannot be used simultaneously with Ketamine treatment
Note: Orthopedic implants (artificial joints, screws, etc.) are allowed.
Clinically Proven Efficacy
Globally recognized reliability of Scrambler Therapy
Medical Fee Information
Classification Number: 소-12
Code: MZ012
Classification: Non-invasive Pain Signal Therapy
Procedure Fee: 120,000-150,000 KRW per session (non-reimbursed)
Start Your Pain-Free Life with Painfree8800
Want to introduce Scrambler Therapy system to your hospital? Request a free demo now and experience the effects firsthand.
Request Free Demo* Service for hospital/clinic personnel only.