Bioelectric therapy is the delivery of a precise dose of bioelectric currents (electroceuticals) through electrodes placed on the skin. These currents cause a biological change and interrupt pain signals to the brain.
How does bioelectric therapy work?
Bioelectric therapy relieves pain by blocking pain messages to the brain. When you are injured, pain receptors send a message to the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). The message is registered as pain by certain cells in the body. Overloading these cells with electrical stimulation can stop painful impulses from reaching the brain.
What happens during the treatment?
Several small, flat, rubber adhesive discs (electrodes) are applied to the skin at the areas to be treated. Rubber suction cups (vaso pneumatic devices) might be applied to the skin. Electrodes are hooked up to a computer that programs the exact treatment dosage that is needed. High frequency, alternating electrical currents (about 4000 pulses per second) are applied to the electrodes. The currents move quickly and result in little discomfort. Your response to the electrical stimulation is measured during the treatment. The actual treatment time is about 20 minutes.
What does bioelectric therapy feel like?
When electricity is applied, a mild vibrating, tingling, gentle tickling sensation is common. The sensation should not feel uncomfortable. You should feel relaxing, soothing pain relief. As the currents are applied, you will be able to provide verbal feedback to the clinician. You should tell the clinician if the sensation becomes too strong. The treatment can be adjusted. You should be comfortable and enjoy the treatment. It is not a case that more sensation is better.
What conditions are treated with bioelectric therapy?
Bioelectric therapy can be used to treat chronic and acute pain conditions including:
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Complex regional pain syndrome, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD (a disorder that usually develops in the arms or legs after an injury or surgery that might involve nerve damage)
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Back pain
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Muscle pain
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Headaches and migraines
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Disorders of the blood flow in the upper and lower limbs
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Arthritis
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Temporal mandibular joint (TMJ) syndrome (a disorder affecting the jaw joints)
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Disorders of the nervous system, such as diabetic neuropathy (a disorder that results from damage to the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, which connects the spinal cord and brain to the rest of the body)
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Pain and ulcers of the skin resulting from poor circulation or scleroderma (a chronic condition that can cause thickening or hardening of the skin)
How effective is bioelectric therapy?
Bioelectric therapy improves blood flow, decreases swelling and, relieves pain. It also provides a soothing, overall relaxing effect. It is important to remember that no single treatment technique is guaranteed to produce complete pain relief. Bioelectric therapy is effective in providing temporary pain control, but it is only part of a total pain management program. When used along with conventional pain-relieving medicines (analgesics), bioelectric treatment might reduce the dose of some analgesics by up to 50 percent. The reduced dose of medicine also decreases its side effects.
Is bioelectric therapy safe?
Yes. Bioelectric therapy allows the doctor to immediately examine the patient's response to the treatment and adjust it if necessary. In addition, bioelectric therapy is drug-free.
What are the side effects of bioelectric therapy?
In rare cases, skin irritation and redness can occur under the electrodes.
Who is NOT a candidate for bioelectric therapy?
Bioelectric therapy is not recommended for patients who:
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Have a pacemaker
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Are pregnant
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Have thrombosis (blood clots in the arms or legs)
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Have a bacterial infection
How often should I be treated with bioelectric therapy?
The number of treatments required depends on each person's condition and response to bioelectric therapy. One bioelectric therapy session does not usually result in pain relief. Therapy usually begins with about five sessions in one week, followed by three treatments per week. A normal course of treatment includes 16 to 20 treatments.
What should I do before a bioelectric therapy treatment?
If you are taking insulin or blood-thinning medicines, your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow before the procedure. You might be asked to fast before the procedure, and you will need to make arrangements for someone to drive you home after treatment.
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This information is provided by the Cleveland Clinic and is not intended to replace the medical advice of your doctor or health care provider. Please consult your health care provider for advice about a specific medical condition. This document was last reviewed on: 8/27/2004
