Understanding the Difference: Standard TENS Machines vs. Calmare® Scrambler Therapy

Chronic pain is a complex and debilitating condition that affects millions worldwide. Over the years, various devices and therapies have been developed to manage and alleviate pain. Among these, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machines have been widely used, but emerging therapies like Calmare® Scrambler Therapy offer a different approach rooted in neuroscience and advanced technology. In this blog, we'll explore the fundamental differences between these two modalities, why the patented Calmare® Scrambler Therapy technology matters, and what patients can expect from treatment.

What is a Standard TENS Machine?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a widely available device that delivers low-voltage electrical impulses through electrodes placed on the skin. Its primary goal is to block or reduce pain signals traveling to the brain by stimulating large nerve fibers—specifically, A-beta fibers—which can inhibit the transmission of pain signals carried by smaller fibers.

How It Works:

TENS devices send continuous electrical impulses across the skin.

These impulses stimulate large, fast-conducting nerve fibers (A-beta fibers).

According to the Gate Control Theory of pain, activating these fibers can "close the gate" to pain signals, reducing the sensation of pain.

Limitations:

While TENS can provide relief for acute or localized pain, it often falls short in managing chronic, neuropathic pain. This is because it primarily modulates certain nerve fibers and doesn't directly address the underlying neural pathways involved in persistent pain.

Calmare® Scrambler Therapy

Calmare® Scrambler Therapy is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared treatment designed specifically for chronic neuropathic pain management. Unlike TENS, Calmare® Scrambler Therapy employs a different technological and neurophysiological approach. To read more about the history of Calmare® Scrambler Therapy, click here.

So how does it differ?

Technology: Calmare® Scrambler Therapy uses a patented device that delivers electrical signals designed to "scramble" pain messages. This randomized algorithm was studied and developed by Dr.Giuseppe Marineo, a neurophysiologist from Italy. There is no substituted for the patented Calmare® Scrambler Therapy machine. It is critical that the machine is the Calmare® MC-5A as shown below.

Mechanism: Instead of simply blocking pain signals, Calmare® Scrambler Therapy sends random, no-pain signals to the nerve fibers. These signals mimic natural nerve activity but are programmed to overwrite or distract the brain's pain message center.

Why This Matters:

The key innovation lies in how Calmare® Scrambler Therapy trains the brain to "relearn" pain-free signals. By sending random, benign signals, it effectively "confuses" the brain's pain processing pathways, encouraging the nervous system to retrain itself to interpret signals as pain-free. Over time, this process can reduce or eliminate chronic pain symptoms.

Who Administers the Treatment and What Is the Process Like?

Administering the Therapy:

Calmare® Scrambler Therapy treatments are typically performed by trained healthcare professionals—often pain specialists, chiropractors, or physical therapists—who have received specific training on the device's operation and protocols. This is an important question to ask before agreeing to any services. A doctor or highly trained healthcare professional should be placing the leads and overseeing your care at each therapy session. If not, beware of inexperienced providers popping up!

The Treatment Process:

• The patient undergoes a series of sessions, usually lasting about 30-45 minutes each.

• Electrodes are placed on the skin at specific points, tailored to the patient’s pain area.

• The practitioner adjusts the device settings to deliver the randomized signals.

• Patients often experience a calming, tingling sensation, but not pain.

• Multiple sessions are usually required for optimal results, with some patients experiencing significant pain relief after just a few treatments.

Why Does This Innovation Matter?

Chronic pain, especially nerve-related pain, can be resistant to conventional treatments. Standard TENS devices primarily block pain temporarily and are limited in their ability to address the neural roots of persistent pain. Calmare® Scrambler Therapy’s approach—using random no-pain signals to retrain the brain—targets the neural plasticity involved in chronic pain, offering the potential for lasting relief. This therapy represents a paradigm shift—from simply masking pain to  retraining the nervous system—and holds promise for patients who have exhausted other options.

Final Thoughts

While both TENS and Calmare® Scrambler Therapy utilize electrical stimulation, their mechanisms and goals are fundamentally different. TENS works by blocking or gating pain signals via stimulation of large nerve fibers, providing temporary relief. Calmare® Scrambler Therapy, on the other hand, retrains the brain's pain processing pathways by delivering random, no-pain signals designed to overwrite chronic pain messages, especially those carried by C-fibers.

If you're considering options for chronic pain management, understanding these distinctions can help you make informed choices. For those interested in exploring Calmare® Scrambler Therapy, Dr, Orlando is a highly respected chiropractor and pain management specialist, with over 26 years of experience, including 7+ years dedicated to Calmare® Scrambler Therapy. He has successfully treated hundreds of patients with chronic neuropathic pain, emphasizing expertise and precision in administering this drug-free therapy for optimal results. Dr. Orlando offers complimentary consultations to discuss your individual health needs and determine if Calmare® Scrambler Therapy is a suitable option. So reach out today and learn more about this amazing technology and how it can help you live a pain free life!