Peak Pain Relief

Breaking the Cycle of CRPS Pain—With Scrambler Therapy

Jen Gibson FNP-C, Peak Pain Relief

Living with chronic pain can be an overwhelming and life-altering experience—especially when the pain seems out of proportion to the original injury or doesn’t have a clear cause. This is often the reality for individuals suffering from Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD). CRPS is a condition that not only brings persistent physical discomfort, but also emotional and psychological challenges.

As a healthcare provider offering Scrambler Therapy, I have had the privilege of walking alongside patients who are navigating this difficult path. I’ve seen firsthand how isolating CRPS can feel—and how hopeful it is when the right treatment brings relief. My commitment is to compassionate care and to providing an innovative, non-invasive option that aims to truly make a difference. One of those options is Scrambler Therapy, a promising treatment that offers hope to those living with CRPS.

Understanding Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) is a chronic pain condition typically affecting a limb after an injury or surgery. The pain is often described as burning, throbbing, or shooting and is usually much more severe than expected based on the initial injury. In many cases, the pain can spread beyond the original area and may be accompanied by swelling, changes in skin color and temperature, or abnormal sweating.

There are two types:

  • Type I (RSD): Occurs without a confirmed nerve injury.

  • Type II: Involves confirmed nerve damage.

CRPS is considered a rare condition, but its impact is profound. It is estimated to affect approximately 200,000 people each year in the United States alone. The condition is notoriously difficult to diagnose and manage, often leading patients through a frustrating cycle of treatments that may only provide limited relief.

What Is Scrambler Therapy?

Scrambler Therapy is a safe, FDA-cleared treatment designed specifically for chronic nerve pain, including pain caused by CRPS, peripheral neuropathy, post-herpetic neuralgia, chemotherapy-induced neuropathy, or post-surgical nerve damage.

It works by delivering gentle electrical stimulation through small surface electrodes placed on your skin—not on the painful area itself, but nearby, where nerves are still functioning normally. These signals “retrain” the brain to interpret pain signals differently, essentially replacing the pain message with one of normal, non-painful information.

Over the treatment course, many patients experience significant, long-lasting relief—even if other therapies and treatments haven’t worked.

How Scrambler Therapy Helps with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

Scrambler Therapy is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment designed to “retrain” the brain’s perception of pain. Instead of blocking pain signals, it uses a series of electrical pulses delivered through surface electrodes placed near the painful area. These pulses send “non-pain” information to the brain via the nerve pathways that usually carry chronic pain signals.

The goal is to override the chronic pain signal and replace it with a normal, non-painful signal—essentially “scrambling” the pain. Over the course of multiple sessions, many patients report a significant reduction or complete resolution of their pain, often with improvements in function and quality of life.

For individuals with CRPS, this can be a breakthrough—especially when traditional treatments have failed or caused unwanted side effects.

Benefits of Scrambler Therapy for Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)

  • Non-Invasive and Drug-Free: Unlike surgical interventions or pharmacological treatments, Scrambler Therapy is non-invasive and without risk of side effects.

  • High Success Rates: Clinical studies have demonstrated that Scrambler Therapy can provide substantial relief for 80–90% of patients suffering from chronic neuropathic pain conditions, including CRPS.

  • Targets the source of pain messaging in the nervous system: Instead of dulling pain, Scrambler Therapy retrains the brain and nerves to interpret pain signals differently—addressing the root cause.

  • Can reduce both pain intensity and pain-related anxiety: Many patients report not only less physical pain, but also reduced emotional stress related to their condition.

  • Minimal Side Effects: The therapy is generally well-tolerated, with most patients experiencing only mild sensations during treatment sessions. There exist very few  contraindications, making it accessible to a wide range of patients.

  • May improve mobility and function: With less pain, patients often experience improved range of motion and are more able to engage in physical activities and daily life.

  • Often provides relief when other methods have failed: For many CRPS patients who’ve tried everything else, Scrambler Therapy has been the turning point that finally brought relief.

Long-Lasting Relief: Most patients report sustained pain relief following a series of treatment sessions, reducing the need for ongoing medication or additional interventions.

How Does Scrambler Therapy Compare to Other Treatments?

Let’s take a look at how Scrambler Therapy stacks up against more traditional approaches to Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS):

Treatment Option Invasiveness Use of Medication Potential Side Effects Effectiveness for Pudendal Neuralgia

Scrambler Therapy

❌ No

❌ No

Minimal (mild skin irritation possible)

✅ Most report substantial relief

Oral Medications (e.g. anticonvulsants, antidepressants)

❌ No

✅ Yes

Fatigue, brain fog, weight gain, GI upset

❓Generally Moderate Relief

Opioids

❌ No

✅ Yes

Dependency, sedation, nausea

❓Generally Moderate Relief

Nerve Blocks/Injections

✅ Minimally Invasive

✅ Yes (steroids/ anesthetics)

Infection, bleeding, temporary relief

❓Varies; often temporary

Physical Therapy

❌ No

❌ No

Muscle soreness, inconsistent relief

✅ May help, mild to moderate success rates, but requires knowledgeable PT in CRPS

TENS Units

❌ No

❌ No

Skin irritation

❌ Provides some relief while using the machine, but stops as the machine is turned off.

Spinal Cord Stimulators

✅ Yes

❌ No

Surgical risks, infection, hardware issues

❓May help some patients; results vary

Ketamine Infusions

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Hallucinations, nausea, blood pressure changes

✅Promising, but requires monitoring

The Benefits of Scrambler Therapy at a Glance

✅ Non-Invasive – No needles, no injections, no surgery.
✅ Drug-Free – No medications, no chemical interactions, and no sedation or side effects.
✅ Painless – Patients typically feel only a mild tingling or tapping sensation.
✅ Fast-Acting – Many experience pain relief within the first few sessions.
✅ Lasting Results – Relief can last weeks or months, with maintenance sessions as needed.
✅ Safe – Cleared by the FDA, with no known serious side effects.

What to Expect During Treatment

Scrambler Therapy is provided in a relaxed, clinical setting. You’ll be comfortably seated or lying down while surface electrodes are placed on your skin. A typical session lasts about 30–45 minutes. Most patients receive a series of 10–12 treatments over 2 to 3 weeks. Booster sessions can be scheduled if symptoms return.

Because it is non-invasive and medication-free, there is no downtime, and you can return to normal activities right after each session.

Is Scrambler Therapy Right for You?

Every patient’s journey with CRPS is different. What works for one person may not work for another—which is why individualized care is so important. Scrambler Therapy offers a unique approach that targets the way the brain interprets pain, rather than simply masking symptoms.

If you’ve tried other treatments without lasting relief—or if you’re looking for a non-invasive, medication-free option—Scrambler Therapy may be a meaningful step forward in your healing journey. 

Consult with a medical provider experienced in Scrambler Therapy to determine if this treatment aligns with your specific condition and health profile.

Ready to Try a Different Path?

If you’re tired of living with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), you’re not alone—and you do have options. Scrambler Therapy is safe, proven, and may finally give you the relief you’ve been hoping for.

Call us at: (719) 204-5084 or email us at: [email protected] to learn more about how this breakthrough therapy can help you take control of your pain—without medications or invasive procedures.