I Have Neuropathy: Is Electrochemical Therapy Right for Me?

More than 20 million Americans have neuropathy, a general term for nerve damage that can take several forms, affecting their ability to send and receive signals to and from the brain. While peripheral neuropathy is the most common type, any nerve damage can significantly affect your quality of life.

Traditional treatments like prescription medication can help ease symptoms, but many people are turning to electrochemical therapy thanks to its efficacy and proven track record.

At Twin Creeks Orthopedics & Sports Injury Clinic in Allen, Texas, our expert team regularly uses electrochemical therapy to manage peripheral neuropathy. Read on to learn how electrochemical therapy works and its many benefits.

What is neuropathy?

Neuropathy is an umbrella term referring to nerve damage. There are four main types, but the most common is peripheral neuropathy, which affects the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord. These nerves play a vital role in movement and sensation, but if they don’t work properly, it can affect your balance, mobility, and daily life.

Although neuropathy occurs for various reasons, the most common cause is diabetes. When your blood sugar remains too high for extended periods, the blood vessels that supply your nerves with oxygen and nutrients can become damaged, resulting in lasting effects.

What is electrochemical therapy?

Electrochemical therapy is a cutting-edge treatment for neuropathy designed to improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and support nerve function. Several types of electrochemical therapy exist, including:

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)

TENS is the most common type of electrochemical therapy and has a proven track record. 

During treatment, we place a series of sticky pads, called electrodes, on the parts of your body experiencing nerve damage, such as your arms or feet. The electrodes connect to a machine that emits low-voltage electrical currents. These targeted currents block or prevent pain signals from leaving the treated area and reaching your brain.

Scrambler therapy

Scrambler therapy is very similar to TENS. The difference is that it uses electrodes and a small machine to replace the “pain” signals your nerves produce with “non-pain” signals. While TENS provides short-term relief, scrambler therapy may offer longer-lasting results, in some cases, for several months or more.

Electrical cell-signaling treatment (ECT)

ECT also uses electrodes and a small device to transmit electrical signals into targeted nerve groups. However, instead of focusing on pain relief, ECT aims to modulate cell signaling and improve nerve function at the cellular level. More specifically, it uses electrical signals to stimulate your nerves and support natural tissue repair, potentially improving nerve function over time. Research is ongoing, but many patients report improved mobility and less pain over the course of treatment.

How to determine if electrochemical therapy is right for you

Electrochemical therapy is worth considering if you’ve been diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy and your symptoms affect your mobility or quality of life. That’s especially true if you frequently experience pain, numbness, or other debilitating symptoms that keep you from work or other activities you enjoy.

After discussing your symptoms, completing a physical exam, and conducting nerve conduction and lab testing, we can develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs. The goal is to ease symptoms and promote healing so you can get back to your routine.

Contact us to schedule an electrochemical therapy consultation

While peripheral neuropathy isn’t curable, electrochemical therapy provides a safe, effective, and minimally invasive way to reduce symptoms and prevent further nerve damage. Contact us today to start your treatment journey. Call (469) 342-3383 or book online.