About external neuromodulation
External neuromodulation treatment was developed at the INPUT Pain Management unit at St Thomas’ Hospital, London.
It uses a battery-operated device to target your nerves through electrode patches which we stick to your skin.
It targets the nerves that may be responsible for your pain. It changes the behaviour of these nerves so your pain is reduced.
We usually use this treatment for neuropathic (nerve-generated pain). Patients often describe this type of pain as burning, numb, hot or cold, prickling or tingling.
We offer patients 6 sessions in total. Each treatment lasts about 5 minutes. We can stop the treatment at any time, if you want us to.
Risks and side effects
There are no known risks or side effects from this treatment. It is completely non-invasive (it does not involve medical staff entering your body using cuts, or by inserting needles or other instruments).
It can make your pain worse temporarily, but this side effect is rare.
Alternatives
It is your choice whether you have this treatment or not.
You can discuss other treatment options with your pain doctor, nurse or physiotherapist. Other options may include pain medication, injection therapy or physical therapies. You may prefer not to have any treatment at all.
Considerations
Let us know if you:
- are pregnant
- have ever had a cardiac condition
- have a pacemaker fitted
- have had a skin reaction to metal, electrodes or gel.
During treatment
We advise patients to wear loose-fitting clothing to their appointments.
You can expect the following during treatment.
- We will place a sticky electrode (sensor) and small metal probe (instrument) on your skin. The location will vary, depending on the pain you are experiencing. We may use a small amount of gel on the tip of the probe.
- We will direct a small electrical current at the nerves responsible for your pain.
- Most patients do not find it painful and instead report a pleasant sensation.
- During treatment you will hear the machine beeping. You are likely to notice that your pain either lessens or disappears.
- You may experience some temporary numbness on the area we treat.
Effect on pain
- Immediately after treatment your pain may have reduced. Many patients report a 60 to 100% reduction of pain.
- This effect is usually temporary. It may only last a few hours or days. For some patients it lasts weeks or months.
- Some patients report that their pain never returns. For others it does return, but with less intensity.
- After your first treatment, we will discuss whether you would like to continue with the full course of 6 treatments.
After discharge home
Do the following after we discharge you home.
- Continue taking your usual medication, including your painkillers. You may be able to reduce these over time.
- Keep active, but stay within your pain limits.
- Try to re-introduce previously painful activities gradually.
- Maintain any exercise routine your physiotherapist has given you.
- Complete the pain record we give you after the treatment. Bring it with you to your next session.
More information
Contact information
Pain Clinic
Woodland Suite, Teddington Health and Social Care Centre, 18 Queens Road, Teddington TW11 0LR