Calmare Therapy® (scrambler therapy) is an FDA-cleared alternative pain management therapy to lessen or reduce medication and treatment-resident chronic pain for children (age 10+), adolescents, adults and seniors.
Remarkably, it is non-invasive, drug-free, has no side effects and is painless to undergo.
Regardless of pain level and physical symptoms, neuropathic pain can be significantly reduced—or even alleviated—after a series of 10 scrambler therapy treatments, performed once per day.
How Does Calmare Relieve Chronic Pain?
Calmare uses scrambler therapy technology rather than medications, needles or invasive procedures.
A series of 10 painless treatments (one/daily for two weeks, lasting approx. 35 minutes each) is performed exclusively by Calmare Certified clinical director, Dr. Michael Cooney at our pain management clinic in northern (Bergen County) New Jersey.
Using several small electrodes (think of a heart EKG) extending from the MC-5A scrambler therapy device, carefully placed in the region of the injury (but not directly at the pain center), the technology sends a continuous mild “no pain” message to the brain through the electrodes.
Essentially, the scrambler machine “overrides” the brain’s confused message and corrects it to a ‘there’s no pain here” message.
Dr. Michael Cooney explains how Calmare Therapy works
This treatment, performed at our pain control clinic just outside New York City, series is repeated during ten 35-minute daily treatments.
Chronic Pain Conditions Suitable for Calmare
The cause of the diagnosed neuropathy may be a result of injury, cancer, nerve damage from chemotherapy (CIPN), surgery, diabetic pain, CRPS / RSD, Shingles/PHN, lower back pain, fibromyalgia, sciatic neuropathy, chronic neck pain, failed back surgery or phantom limb syndrome.
Calmare Patient Case Studies & Testimonials
More than 75 Calmare NJ USA patients with chronic nerve pain explain their outcomes after Calmare Therapy (website and our YouTube channel).
Calmare Clinical Trials and Studies
Scrambler therapy clinical trials have been performed by the nation’s most prestigious medical and educational institutions on the MC-5A Calmare device technology.
“Calmare Therapy – An Innovative Pain Treatment: What Is It?” presented by the Osher Center for Integrative Medicine, a partnership between Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School.
Calmare NJ USA Blog: Get the Latest News
Find out what’s happening at Calmare Therapy NJ USA today:
Scrambler Therapy: A dug-free approach to lessening neuropathy
- Proven successful in the treatment of neuropathic pain by leading oncologic studies
- FDA-cleared 510(k)-cleared and European CE mark-certified
- Pain-free
- Non-invasive
- Drug-free
- No side effects
Dr. Michael Cooney, Director
Since 2011, Dr. Michael Cooney, DC, clinical director, Calmare Therapy NJ USA, has personally treated more than 1,000 patients from the U.S. and around the world suffering from chronic high-intensity neuropathic pain.
He is one of only seven Certified Calmare doctors in the United States (2021).
Read about Calmare Therapy in Pain News Network
Let’s talk about your chronic pain
Calmare is a highly-specialized device with a singular goal to reduce diagnosed neuropathic pain.
Dr. Cooney personally consults with every potential patient by phone or video conference (at no charge). We also invite potential patients from the metro New York City and New Jersey to visit our pain control clinic in person, if preferred.
COVID-19 precautionary measures
calmaretherapynj.com/2020/05/19/calmare-nj-usa-has-re-opened/
How to reach us:
- Call: (201) 933.4440
- Email: info@calmaretherapynj.com
- Complete the eCard below: We’ll be happy to reach out to you.
September 14, 2019 at 6:06 pm
Can a doctor specializing In. Chronic pain be able to do what you do doctor
I hsve severe pain in my lower spine and upper. back due to a fall and thin bones he gave me a.cortisone needle in my lower back but it didn’t work on and I live in Toronto Ontario Canada I have 2 broken bones compression fracture
September 15, 2019 at 1:59 pm
Hi Maureen Sorry to hear about your pain. Best way to determine if Calmare can work for you is to do a consultation over the phone. Please call 201 933 4440 Dr Cooney
September 16, 2019 at 12:45 pm
Dear Maria/Maureen,
Thank you for your query. Calmare providers have undergone extensive training (at least I have) to optimally use their healthcare training in partnership with Calmare scrambler therapy technology to help reduce or eliminate chronic pain for medication- and treatment resistance cases.
We’ve treated several patients from Canada who have come here to NJ for therapy.
Please feel free to reach out to me to discuss your case in more detail, should you consider coming to our clinic for treatment.
You can reach me at drcooney@calmaretherapynj.com or 201.933.444.
Wishing you a low pain day.
Dr. Michael Cooney, Clinical Director
June 17, 2020 at 4:19 pm
Thank you for reaching out to us from Canada, Maureen. We have treated several patients from Ontario and would be happy to speak with you. Administering Calmare Therapy requires purchase of the MC-5A scrambler therapy technology and extensive training, as it is a ‘provider-dependent’ therapy. You are more than welcome to discuss your case with Dr. Michael Cooney. Flight time between Toronto and New York City is less than 1.5 hours, also. You can reach us at 201.933.4440 or email us privately at info@calmaretherapynj.com. Until then, take good care and wishing you a low pain day!
August 25, 2019 at 4:16 pm
Do you know if there’is a place in Florida? I am suffering with peripheral neuropathy one of the side effects from chemotherapy.THANK YOU.
August 26, 2019 at 10:14 am
Dear Maria,
Thanks for your comment. Calmare is FDA-cleared to treat CIPN, chemo-induced peripheral neuropathy. We have seen outstanding outcomes in these patients.
So happy to see you discovered scrambler therapy. We are a single-site, Calmare-Certified provider and unaffiliated with other providers so we cannot confirm if Calmare is available in your state. We wish you every success in your upcoming treatment efforts!
Dr. Michael Cooney
Clinical Director
Calmare Therapy NJ USA
April 3, 2017 at 9:28 pm
Dear Doc just left hospital emergency room diagnosed with CRPS after rotator cuff surger six weeks ago, in my right dominate hand. Impossible to hand onto pilot for rehab. I have fierce desire to get better & much to live for! 46 year ol d precious oldest daughter with CP sho still needs me, wonderful husband, three other kids and 7grandkids. I teach young women at prison how to better their lives. I’m an artist who loves to create things that will bring joy to others. My mother is a precious 88 year old retired nurse who I care for and I also have a sister in nursing. One more is a missionary in Venezuela in her 50th year there. I love my life, but this wee for the first time I asked my precious husband to hide the Melatonin from he and what I had left of the hydrocodon because I’ve been in so much pain with my hand. I have no quality of life. My shoulder was improving from the rotator cuff but I can’t take this hand pain . I was on Tramsdol for interstitial cistitis and vulvademis and degenerative disc disease. I also have fibromyalgia. But since I’ve moved to Llano, Texas I haven’t been able to find. Pain doctor to understand hoe atrsmafol helps that. So since I’ve been given hydrocodon for the shoulder surgery they’ve stopped the tramadol completely , boy am I in a mess. I be had three children naturally and don’t want to go on this way. If you can give me hope I really need it!
April 4, 2017 at 8:04 am
Thank you for reaching out Tanya. We have passed your message to Dr. Cooney’s private email and he will be in touch with you ASAP. Kind regards, Calmare Therapy NJ USA
April 11, 2017 at 1:08 pm
Dear Tanya,
We’ve tried to reach you at the phone number above on a few occasions. Please return our call at 201-933-4440 and Dr. Cooney will be happy to speak with you.
December 12, 2016 at 7:11 am
Hi,
Iv been diagnosed with crps on my left foot . And i have it for 8 long years. This is the first time that i have been hearing about it. It sound promising. I have some questions. ..
how its work for people who are coming from over the world?
can it damage the nervous system ?
i did a sempactetomy. Which help but not for long.
what do i need to bring (test, dr recommendation?) And are there any test/ scan there?
Thanks,
December 12, 2016 at 8:29 am
Thank you for reaching out to us and we are sorry to learn about your eight-year battle with CRPS in your foot.
We would be happy to chat via phone or email with your privately about your case and answer your questions. Before we accept new patients, you will speak directly with our clinical director, Dr. Michael Cooney, about your case.
Calmare is not right for every patient battling CRPS or other chronic pain conditions.
Please reach out privately to us at calmarenj@gmail.com and we’ll be happy to work with you.
Kind regards,
Calmare Therapy NJ USA
201.933.4440
August 24, 2016 at 5:31 pm
Dear Cindy,
First, thank you for reaching out to us. We are sorry to hear of your long battle with RSD. You are not alone in this fight, rest assured. We have sent you a private message inviting you to contact us to talk in more detail about your medical history and mutually determine if this treatment might be right for you. We look forward to connecting soon!
Sincerely,
Your Calmare Therapy NJ USA team
August 24, 2016 at 3:18 pm
I live in KY. I have been diagnosed with RSD/ CRPS a little over a year in my left leg, foot, hip, lower back, from a fall at work. I can’t find any doctors who agree on a health plan except medication. Aqua therapy seems to help some but I have to travel 2 hours one way to receive it because there is no place near me. I have seen a million doctors it seems. I have to go to a pain clinic and the doctor there makes me feel like I’m seeking drugs, when really I’m seeking relief and better health. I’m tired, 24/7 pain sometimes so intense I want to give up. The most frustrating of all is lack of doctor knowledge and understanding. Every doctor I’ve seen says, you have RSD I’m so sorry. I wish I could get real help.
April 19, 2016 at 11:40 am
Dear Arleen,
Thank you for reaching out to us on behalf of your daughter.
Her autoimmune issue has multiple presentations.
It certainly is possible that the associated pain you are citing could respond to Calmare scrambler therapy, however, it is necessary to discuss all the current symptoms to decide if this is possible.
Please call me directly at 201 933 4440 to arrange a time that is works for us to discuss your daughter’s symptoms and medical history in more detail.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cooney
April 18, 2016 at 9:59 pm
Hi, this sound so great and I am hopeful it may help my daughter. She suffers from small fiber neuropathy caused by Sjogren’s Syndrome when she was 13. She is in tremendous pain and Tramadol takes it down from a 8-9 to a 6-7. Her pain is in her feet and lower legs. Please tell me this will help her. Her Dr. wants her to learn to live with the pain and undergo cognitive behavior therapy and go without medcation. He has tapered her Tramadol and she cannot live like this. She is in pure hell. She is just 21 and has had no life for 8 years. We have been praying for a miracle. Please tell me this is it!!
April 19, 2016 at 11:41 am
Dear Arleen,
Thank you for reaching out to us on behalf of your daughter.
Her autoimmune issue has multiple presentations.
It certainly is possible that the associated pain you are citing could respond to Calmare scrambler therapy, however, it is necessary to discuss all the current symptoms to decide if this is possible.
Please call me directly at 201 933 4440 to arrange a time that is works for us to discuss your daughter’s symptoms and medical history in more detail.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cooney
January 19, 2016 at 8:58 am
I live in Connecticut, are there any doctors here that can do this ?
January 19, 2016 at 10:42 am
Dear Kathy,
Thank you for reaching out. We have attached a listing of all the treatment centers in the U.S. We encourage you to choose a provider who has extensive expertise and success in treating the specific chronic pain condition you are facing. This is a “provider dependent” treatment. http://calmarett.com/facilities/index.html
Wishing you good luck and less pain very soon!
Kind regards,
Calmare Therapy NJ USA | Dr. Michael J. Cooney, Clinical Director
April 19, 2016 at 11:44 am
Dear Kathy,
We are a Calmare Certified single practice located in NJ (metro NYC) specializing in treating CRPS, RSD, PHN (Shingles), pain after chemotherapy, post-surgical pain and diabetic neuropathy.
Please feel free to contact clinical director Dr. Michael Cooney if you would like to discuss your case.
Thank you and kind regards,
Calmare Therapy NJ USA
Certified | Experienced | Chronic Pain FIghters
July 9, 2015 at 7:48 am
Does this treatment help people with Refelx Sympathetic Dystropy/Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (RSD/CRPS) that is full body and had a second failed Spinal Cord Stimulator? I had mine replaced in 2011 and while I can feel the electrical stimulation from the SCS, I have cervical leads starting at C1, in all the areas it was intended to help, but I not longer get pain relief from the stimulation. It has left me with only medication, which I am already maxed out on all doses for all of my medications, and already doing Ketamine and Lidocaine infusions on a monthly basis (every 30 days). I live between a 7/10 – 9.5/10 on the 0-10 pain scale with all of these measures. I am 29yrs old and have had RSD/CRPS for 11yrs now. Any information you could share with me is greatly appreciated.
July 9, 2015 at 9:32 am
Thanks for your smart questions! Yes, we have treated several patients with diagnosed full body RSD/CRPS. Your experience with the SCS is not uncommon, from what we have seen here. Your shared medical history (above) is similar to many of the patients we treat. Please call our office to talk in more detail, including the source of your original injury/surgery which resulted in the RSD. We’ve passed your message on to Dr. Cooney, our clinical director, so he will have some of your history when you call. Wishing you a low pain day, Calmare Therapy NJ
April 19, 2016 at 11:46 am
Good Afternoon,
We responded to your query last year. Did we sufficiently answer your questions (via private email).
We are also not sure if you eventually came to us for treatment (your post is anon).
Just following up to see how you are doing!
Kind regards,
Calmare Therapy NJ USA
April 19, 2016 at 4:51 pm
I have not been able to explore this option for RSD/CRPS pain relief due to many personal events and also the distance between Texas and where you are.
I was wondering since this sends the electronic “no pain” algorithm to the brain in place of the pain signal how is this different from a Spinal Cord Stimulator? Could you please reply with the difference and also add some medical journal articles that show that this therapy’s results compared to and SCS.
Thank you for your time and for your response in advance.
April 20, 2016 at 7:03 am
Your question is a common comparison and a good question:
The spinal cord stimulator is a singular electric impulse which can confuse the pain signal.
We have seen many patients with the SCS implanted because the relief from this device for many people is brief.
With Calmare, conversely, we are using multiple algorithms that attempt to ‘reboot’ the pain center of the brain. This approach resets the neuropathic signal.
You may wish to review our Clinical Trials page for more in-depth studies and their findings here https://calmaretherapynj.com/what-is-calmare/clinical-trials-2/.
Also note there are additional drop-down pages under this heading for 3 key studies, one at the Mayo Clinic.
I hope this will answer your questions. Feel free to reach out to me here in New Jersey if you’d like to talk about your case and medical history in more detail.
Wishing you a low pain day,
Dr. Michael J. Cooney
Clinical Director
Calmare Therapy NJ USA
201 933 4440
April 4, 2015 at 10:51 am
Hello i live in beirut lebanon
Is there any calmare therapy around
In the middle east?
April 6, 2015 at 1:28 pm
Dear Mr. Abdo,
We are one provider location of Calmare located in New Jersey, USA. We have treated patients from the middle east which leads me to believe there are no treatment centers there. I’m sorry I can’t be of more help. If you would like to discuss your medical condition privately, feel free to reach out at “calmarenj at gmail dot .com”
September 17, 2015 at 5:32 am
Calmare should invade all the areas , since some people cannot reach the unitated states for economical reason, we could help them to get this treatment. Example, I live in Qatar, and I couldn’t found any Calmare here and am not able to reach united state, so I have to live with pain on my hall life,living on hope that calmare will reach here one day.
Thanks
September 17, 2015 at 7:35 am
Dear Pierre,
Thank you for your comment. We agree–Calmare scrambler therapy needs to be offered in every country!
Here in New Jersey, USA, we have treated several patients who have traveled across the world to undergo this treatment. They have gone on to establish groups in their countries dedicated to finding doctors willing to purchase the technology/hardware to offer the treatment closer to home.
We’re sorry to ready about your chronic pain situation and hope that you can find some relief very soon.
Thanks again for reaching out. Wishing you a low pain day.
Calmare Therapy NJ
March 31, 2015 at 2:37 am
I had a lumbar puncture last October, nerves that ran through my left leg where poked multiple times . I ended up with CRPS as a result of the procedure. I have tried everything except ketamine and Calmare. I would try Calmare first because it comes with less risks. My question is does this has success with both kinds of RSD/CRPS? I have read and watched numerous stories of people with type 1 that have gained relief with Calmare but haven’t found anything about type 2.
March 31, 2015 at 12:54 pm
Dear Kyle,
Thank you for your message and reaching out.
We have had success with both CRPS and RSD patients, as you can see from our site. The different types are not differentiated as far a treatment is concerned. In some cases, it can take longer because of the multitude of associated parts of the syndrome..
Feel free to call us to talk in more detail about your medical history. If you would like to talk with me personally, please advise our staff when you call.
Best regards,
Dr. Michael Cooney, Clinical Director, Calmare Therapy NJ
March 29, 2015 at 5:13 pm
Does calmare can help for spinal cord injury? What if if the result pain of spine injury is on the anus(rectum) area?
March 30, 2015 at 10:47 am
Dear Sir,
Thanks for sharing your important question. Yes, Calmare Therapy has been effective with prudendal nerve conditions. We have seen positive outcomes with our own patients on multiple occasions.
Please feel free to reach out privately by phone or email if you’d like more detailed information.
Calmare Pain Therapy Treatment NJ
March 31, 2015 at 12:53 pm
Dear Kyle,
Thank you for your message and reaching out.
We have had success with both CRPS and RSD patients, as you can see from our site. The different types are not differentiated as far a treatment is concerned. In some cases, it can take longer because of the multitude of associated parts of the syndrome..
Feel free to call us to talk in more detail about your medical history. If you would like to talk with me personally, please advise our staff when you call.
Best regards,
Dr. Michael Cooney, Clinical Director, Calmare Therapy NJ
March 6, 2015 at 12:15 pm
Thank you for the reply and the explanation of the tens. Please disregard my last question as I have found your explanation.
March 6, 2015 at 12:12 pm
What is the difference between this and using a tens machine?
March 6, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Great question Roxhannah. I wrote a blog article about it here:
https://calmaretherapynj.com/2012/07/26/whats-the-difference-between-calmares-mc5-a-technology-and-a-tens-unit/
March 2, 2015 at 11:27 pm
Hello. I live in Ontario, Canada. I am a Registered Massage Therapist. Can I get the training for this? Also, where can I find someone who is certified in Ontario. My 11yr old suffers from CPS.
March 3, 2015 at 7:15 am
Dear Roxhannah,
Thank you for your message. At this time, we are treating several patients from Canada because the treatment is not available in your country.
Calmare is provider-dependent therapy which is performed by doctors–either MDs or, like me, doctors of chiropractic.
I will tell you we have achieved outstanding outcomes working with pediatric patients with RND and CRPS.
You are more than welcome to call our office at 201-933-4440 to discuss your daughter’s medical history in more detail or you can send a private message to calmarenj at gmail . com.
Wishing you all the best in your treatment outreach.
Dr. Michael Cooney
Clinical Director
Calmare Therapy NJ
March 5, 2015 at 3:54 pm
That makes me almost want to become a doctor of chiropractor myself. I hope it will be available in Canada soon. Where are you located?
In the meantime, will tens treatment help?
March 6, 2015 at 8:40 am
Roxhannah, a tens unit is self-administered and offers only one algorithm as compared to Calmare’s multi-algorithm system which is administered by a specially trained professional (in this case, me!).
It’s quite different in terms of scope and overall power. The treatment is not offered in Canada as we are treating several patients from all over the country. Keep in mind, also, we’ve seen very positive outcomes for pediatric patients with CRPS. We hope this helps you. Thanks again for reaching out.
Dr. Michael Cooney
Clinical Director
Calmare Therapy New Jersey
201.933.4440
February 26, 2015 at 11:38 pm
I live in Arizona. My chiropractor has this treatment but I heard he is not certified in it. Can you tell me if he is able to treat? I have fibromyalgia, bulging discs, tear in annulus L5-S1. In all of lumbar ligamentum flavum thickening & posterior facet arthropathy. My back pain has gotten so much worse & for the last 4 months feels like bone on bone at the waist. Majority of problem is muscle tightness thoracic area down into hips & legs. My quads are very weak & painful & feel like I’ve done 100 squats. In the past I’ve had 6 epidurals. I go for weekly massages, use a tens unit. I have been on Vicoden & Soma for 20 years. I have restarted 1 Oxycodone 20 MG a day. I don’t know what to do anymore or where to turn. I don’t know if this would be an option for me. I only see 1 doctor in Scottsdale on the approved list. If my chiropractor here is not an approved provider is he able to provide treatment? I know insurance varies, but is this covered by insurance & I have heard $200 per treatment. Thank you for any help you can provide.
M J Warchol
February 27, 2015 at 12:52 pm
Dear Mary Jane,
Thank you for reaching out to Calmare Therapy NJ.
We cannot comment on the Chiropractor’s ability but absolutely support using a Calmare provider who specializes in using the technology for the specific medical condition you have and is Certified (which means the provider has performed the therapy on many patients with many positive outcomes and has submitted proven case studies.)
Medical insurance varies widely from state to state. You may wish to inquire with your insurance company to see if they accept /cover CPT code 0728T and, if so, what they pay.
We hope this helps you and good luck in your treatment efforts!
January 29, 2015 at 6:33 pm
Could I have more information on this please and if it is available in england or australia if not will it be and do u have any success whith fibromyalga
January 30, 2015 at 7:24 am
Dear Jeanie,
Thank you for your message and reaching out. We have welcomed several patients from Aust. and the UK recently who advised us that Calmare is not currently avail in those two countries and this continues to be our assumption.
Yes, we have treated several patients with fibromyalgia and achieved very positive outcomes. Every patient case is unique, however, and Calmare is not a miracle cure. Rather, it has been shown to provide the majority of patients who undergo the 10-treatment series with significantly less pain.
In regard to offering more information, the fact that you discovered our website is a great start. Peruse the pages, particularly Patient Stories, and then feel free to send Dr. Cooney a private message about your case to calmarenj@gmail.com or call our office and speak with him directly.
We hope this has offered some introductory information.
Thank you!
November 26, 2014 at 4:57 pm
Hi,
Just wondering if you have had sucess with pudential neuralgia?
Thanks,
Susan
December 1, 2014 at 8:33 am
Hi Susan,
Thank you for your excellent question.
Every patient case is completely unique, as you can imagine.
I would be happy to speak with you privately about your medical history and previous treatment efforts for PN. Please call my office and we can review your symptoms and the cause. I can be reached at 201 933 4440.
Thank you and best regards,
Dr. Michael J. Cooney
Clinical Director
October 7, 2014 at 10:23 am
Thanks for all the info included here. I think this is a new question: does the Calmare treatment alleviate the severe itching that’s often part of CRPS symptoms? Thanks –
October 8, 2014 at 9:32 am
Thanks for taking the time to post your question Abigail.
Response:
Chronic itching is one of the many parts of the syndrome of RSD/CRPS. The good news is that most –if not all — of these “secondary symptoms” will dissipate once the pain is controlled.
When our RSD patients volunteer to make video diaries of their experiences, we are trying to show their physical side effects before and after Calmare treatment. In many cases, the improvement is very significant.
You are always more than welcome to contact us at the office if you have more questions specific to your case.
August 21, 2014 at 2:17 pm
I am a Vietnam vet who had exposure to Agent Orange. Since then I’ve had numbness in both feet and the other symptoms of peripheral neoropathy. Lately it had gradually included severe leg cramps, especially at night, and periodic and sharp electical pain in those areas of my feet. These electrical -like charges will significantly disable my whole leg and sometimes drop me to my knees in reaction to the charge. Have you had success in treating this type of neorapathy?
August 22, 2014 at 2:26 pm
Dear Mr. Leuck,
Thank you for reaching out and I am sorry to read about your situation.
The symptoms you noted are common to those living with RSD and CROPS.
I would like to get some additional information about your medical history and discuss more about your symptoms. Please give me a call 201.933-4440 .
Sincerely,
Dr. Cooney
August 20, 2014 at 9:18 pm
Had back surgery and due to post-polio my left thigh has 90% weakness and chronic pain 24/7 please help i live in San Antonio Texas.Being a single parent with a social security check my income is limited but i have health insurance please help. Thank you
August 20, 2014 at 9:30 pm
I’m a polio survivor and due to back surgery i have 90% weakness and 24/7 chronic pain on my left thigh and lost the ability o walk please help me and is there anyone in theave San Antonio area that can help my chronic pian
August 22, 2014 at 2:27 pm
Dear Mr. Pumarejo,
Thank you very much for reaching out to me. Could you call me at the office at 201-933.4440. Would be happy to talk with you.
Sincerely,
Dr. Cooney
June 23, 2014 at 11:29 pm
I only recently learned about Calmare on an episode of ‘The Doctors’. 25 years ago I suffered an incomplete spinal cord injury at my T8 vetebra resulting in Brown-Sequard Syndrome. I recovered enough function and sensation to be able to walk again. 3 1/2 years ago I fell and tore the catilage in my ‘numb’ but mobile leg and have also been diagnosed wih Chondromalacia. The knee itself didn’t/doesn’t really hurt but over the nearly 3 years it took (here in B.C., Canada) to see a specialist, have an MRI and, finally, get arthroscopic surgery to remove the torn pieces I developed severe neuropathic pain over my entire leg from my toes all the way up my torso to the level of the injury and now, with no cartilage left, I also have arthritis in my knee. We don’t seem to have anyone anywhere here in Canada who is using this treatment yet but I’m hopeful we eventually will and will be speaking to my Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation specialist about this when I see him next. For the time being I’m on Gabapentin and daily morphine, with minimal relief. I’d like to know if Calmare would possibly be effective for my problem? And is it possible for a lay person to buy and learn how to use Calmare on him/herself, like a TENS unit?
June 25, 2014 at 9:44 am
Hi Susan,
Thanks so much for reaching out.
Firstly, I am sorry to hear about you on going battle with pain. In order to give you a better feel about the possibility of success with the Calmare I welcome an opportunity to speak to you directly. Feel free to call me at 201-933-444zero.
There are no treatment centers utilizing Calmare in Canada. It is still considered experimental and either private or public insurances are not covering it at this time.
In order to get a Calmare MC5A machine, you must be a Physician; they do not sell or allow operation by private individuals. Keep in mind, this therapy is “provider dependent” meaning your doctor will determine the placement of the treatment pads according to your injury. This factor is key in successful treatment. I hope this information has offered some assistance!
Kind regards,
Dr. Michael J. Cooney
Clinical Director
Calmare Therapy NJ
June 9, 2014 at 1:22 pm
Dear Jeanette,
Thank you for visiting our site and reaching out. Here is the list of providers in the U.S.:
http://calmarett.com/locations.html
I strongly encourage you to seek out a provider that is “Calmare Certified”. Let me know if we can offer any more information and good luck in your #CRPS treatment effort. We’ve seen many outstanding results.
Best regards,
Dr. Michael Cooney
Clinical Director
Calmare Therapy NJ
June 9, 2014 at 12:43 pm
I have CRPS and would like to try this treatment. Could you provied me with a list of California providers of this therpay?
May 31, 2014 at 5:14 am
Dear Dr. Cooney,
My mother is suffering from spinal disc that has effected her left leg nerve; she’s not having any sensation from her knee down to her foot and that’s the reason why she’s not feeling lot of pain resulting from the disc problem. She’s currently being treated by Calmare therapy -with injections of vitamin B- in order to help the nerve getting back to its normal status. What is the probability of success of said treatment in her case taking into consideration that she’s been taking a small dose of depression medicine since a year in order to avoid sleeping disorders. Any other suggestions?
Thank you
May 31, 2014 at 3:53 pm
Dear Cynthia,
First, thank you for your message and I wish your mother success in her treatment effort. Without seeing your Mom and studying her full medical history, it is difficult to determine the outcome.
Keep in mind that the treatment is for pain. In my experience treating patients with similar symptoms, he should know if her symptoms are being relieved after two Calmare Therapy sessions.
Please stay in touch and let us know how your Mom is doing. Wish you both all the best,
Dr. Cooney
May 10, 2014 at 3:40 am
How is this different from a TENS unit?
May 12, 2014 at 9:15 am
Dear Liz,
That’s an excellent question. Please see below:
This is one of the most common questions we are asked by patients living with chronic pain and I tell my patients, “It is like driving on a one lane road compared to a well- paved super highway with 16 lanes…”
Below, we explain the difference between the two machines:
Calmare® Pain Therapy’s MC-5A Technology
This technology creates a low energy electrical impulse which travels through the patient’s nerves delivering a “no-pain” signal to the brain. This process “tricks” the brain that the area of pain is normal and eventually results in prolonged pain relief. Calmare uses primarily “C Fibers” to transmit randomized ‘no pain’ signals to calm the brain. It operates at 40 to 50 hz. and 16 different algorithms deliver five duel channel signals to restart the brain and disrupt the chronic pain loop.
There is never a repeated cycle during a treatment, so there can be no accommodation by the brain (as with drugs or a tens unit). Here’s a very important point ─ pain relief using Calmare technology is of a significantly longer duration (often months, years or more) as opposed to using a tens unit, where the pain returns soon after discontinuation of the unit.
TENS unit
This small, hand-held machine is self-administered so the placement of the pads is determined not by a medical professional, but at the best judgment of the patient or loved one self-administering the treatment at home. This machine stimulates A-beta sensory nerves thereby blocking transmission at the spinal cord. The machine operates at 80-100 hz. It is a single signal using a duel channel. Therefore, pain relief is of short duration. Treatment is performed on the pain site and the purpose could be relaxation, exercise or pumping fluid through the area. Most importantly, the machine has been designed with the goal of temporarily suspending pain.
RSD and CRPS Patients
The main challenge with RSD/CPRS is the complicated change in the nervous system which can be traced to changes in the receptors in the brain. As a result, therapy to resolve this kind of pain must reach the brain. The use of electricity for the management of pain is not unique to Calmare. In fact, many RSD/CRPS sufferers have probably tried traditional TENStherapy.
But let me be clear ─ Calmare Therapy does not function like a TENS unit. Injury or other noxious stimulus in the body creates pain chemicals. These chemicals in turn get converted into electrical impulses by your nerves which are transmitted to the brain and INTERPRETED by the brain. When physicians use the Calmare system, they “control” the electrical impulses that the brain is receiving. By manipulating the input into the brain they “convince” the brain that the area of the body where pain was present is now normal. We know that the brain can be “taught.” In medicine we refer to those changes as neuroplasticity and there is quite a bit of interesting reading on that topic.
Measuring Calmare Results
In most cases, we can determine after the first Calmare treatment if this technology can reduce a patient’s pain. You should be almost completely pain free during the treatments and each time you are treated your duration of pain relief will increase until the pain level is alleviated or greatly decreased.
Liz, feel free to contact us at the office if you have additional questions about the difference. We talk with people about the Calmare scrambler therapy every day and are happy to do so.
Dr. Cooney
May 7, 2014 at 11:18 am
I have developed intense neuropathy after radiation induced brain necrosis and it’s subsequent treatment with high dose Decadron. Presently I am on Lyrica but it is only moderately effective in relieving my pain an discomfort. I live north of Atlanta Georgia and see physicians at Emory. Is this treatment available in my area and is it covered by insurance?
May 7, 2014 at 2:43 pm
Dear Mr. Bourque,
Thank you for reaching out to us and I am sorry to hear of your serious pain syndrome.
I am happy to provide the published list of Calmare providers throughout the US here http://calmarett.com/locations.html although I don’t believe there is a provider in your area at this time, unfortunately.
Regardless of the Calmare provider you may wish to consult with, I urge you to ensure the doctor is a Certified Calmare Pain Therapy Provider.
In regard to medical insurance coverage, every medical policy’s coverage is different so it is best to talk with your provider.
You are more than welcome to call me here in NJ to discuss your medical history. I talk with people every day dealing with severe chronic pain and am happy to do so.
I hope I have offered some useful information. Please let me know how you make out.
*Dr. Michael J. Cooney* *Clinical Director* *Calmare Pain Therapy Treatment NJ*
August 20, 2014 at 11:25 pm
hi my name is Robert I’m from Texas I’m going through what you’re going through well it’s hard but they don’t take insurance and its 150 a session here in the San Antonio area since late Beaumont posted: Houston is so roses place pain management doctor if you have insurance that this other one called them they do it on your here insurance covers that maybe you can try that for you it didn’t work for me I’m going to start on the morphine drip banana put a morphine bag do you have thatthe pump goes directly where the problem isI’m a polio survivor and due to back surgery i have 90% weakness and 24/7 chronic pain on my left thigh and lost the ability o walk please help me and is there anyone in theave San Antonio area that can help my chronic pian
March 26, 2014 at 1:49 am
Hi there, I am just wondering if Calmare is available in Canada? I have CRPS and have heard that this is a great treatment.
Thank you
March 26, 2014 at 11:39 am
Dear Lindsey,
Thank you for your message and we appreciate you reaching out. We are one practice in the U.S. located outside New York City.
We’ve received several queries from Canadians about Calmare in your country. We can offer this link which includes an email address relevant to international distribution. http://calmarett.com/contact/index.html#panelid=development
I will tell you that I am not aware there are any treatment centers in Canada, but I would certainly ask!
In the interim, you are more than welcome to contact me with any questions or concerns at 201-933-444zero or calmarenj at gmail . com.
I wish I could have been more helpful, but hopefully this is a start!
Best regards,
Dr. Michael Cooney
March 26, 2014 at 12:04 pm
Thank you so much! I will definitely look into this and get in touch with you!
January 29, 2014 at 4:33 pm
I live in Ontario, Canada. I developed pain after a very hard fall on the right buttock. A little later I experienced pain in the right buttock, down the right leg and into the foot. After trying many things I ended up having surgery with Dr. Aaron Filler for piriformis syndrome and adhesions and fibrotic tissue around the superior gluteal nerve and the obturator internus nerve. Dr. Filler told me the surgery was a lot of work and it was no wonder that I had so much pain. Unfortunately after the surgery I returned to Dr. Filler and he did MR Neurography and found that I now have post surgery scar tissue that is flattening and broadening the sciatic nerve at the sciatic notch. He commented that this was worse than before surgery. Also the superior gluteal nerve continues to be inflamed by scar tissue. I now have spondylolisthesis, stenosis and some herniated discs and bulging discs. So I continue to have pain in the low back, down the back of the leg, into the lateral lower leg and some days into the foot. Everyone says the pain is complicated now.Could Calmare help me?
January 31, 2014 at 10:58 am
Dear Mrs. Campbell,
Thank you very much for reaching out. Might we speak privately about your condition? Would you please call my office or send me your phone number at calmarenj at gmail . com please?
Thank you,
Dr. Cooney
January 12, 2014 at 8:31 am
Good morning,
I have spinal arachnoiditis. It affects the left side of my hip to toe and lower spine. It feels like the nerves and bones are burning, and the spasms from lower back to feet are a level ten on the pain scale.
Can you help me?
Thank you
Mrs Stewart
January 31, 2014 at 7:35 am
Dear Ms. Stewart,
Thank you for reaching out to us. We would like to know more about your medical history, current medications and other neuropathic pain treatments you have undergone. Might you call us, please? Thank you.
January 8, 2014 at 8:36 am
Hello my name is Gina. I suffer from CRPS. It started with cubital tunnel syndrome bilateral. It is worse in the left. I had 3 surgeries on my left and 2 on the right. Surgery didn’t help have tried meds, therapy, acupuncture. Have had over 25 stellate ganglion nerve blocks. After that we tried the spinal cord stimulator it worked great but it stopped working. The doctor went in had to change it out because the lead broke. 3 weeks after the second surgery I suffered a severe staph infection. Now not able to have another spinal cord stim. I now on nucynta and nerve blocks. Was wondering if you feel Calmare Pain Therapy could help me.
January 8, 2014 at 4:26 pm
Dear Gina,
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your story. I am sorry to read of the long and painful medical conditions you have been living with. Please know you are not alone in this struggle.
I think it’s best if you could please call me so we can talk about your medical history in more detail. You can reach me at 201.933.444zero.
Please tell my staff I asked you to contact me and that I am expecting your call.
Kind regards, Dr. Cooney
October 12, 2013 at 6:26 am
IS THIS NOT SIMILAR TO A “TENS” MACHINE?
January 31, 2014 at 7:41 am
Dear Daniella,
Thank you for your message. Good question. I’d be happy to explain how Calmare and a tens unit differ:
This is one of the most common questions we are asked by patients living with chronic pain and I tell my patients, “It is like driving on a one lane road compared to a well- paved super highway with 16 lanes…”
Below, we explain the difference between the two machines:
Calmare® Pain Therapy’s MC-5A Technology
This technology creates a low energy electrical impulse which travels through the patient’s nerves delivering a “no-pain” signal to the brain. This process “tricks” the brain that the area of pain is normal and eventually results in prolonged pain relief. Calmare uses primarily “C Fibers” to transmit randomized ‘no pain’ signals to calm the brain. It operates at 40 to 50 hz. and 16 different algorithms deliver five duel channel signals to restart the brain and disrupt the chronic pain loop.
There is never a repeated cycle during a treatment, so there can be no accommodation by the brain (as with drugs or a tens unit). Here’s a very important point ─ pain relief using Calmare technology is of a significantly longer duration (often months, years or more) as opposed to using a tens unit, where the pain returns soon after discontinuation of the unit.
TENS unit
This small, hand-held machine is self-administered so the placement of the pads is determined not by a medical professional, but at the best judgment of the patient or loved one self-administering the treatment at home. This machine stimulates A-beta sensory nerves thereby blocking transmission at the spinal cord. The machine operates at 80-100 hz. It is a single signal using a duel channel. Therefore, pain relief is of short duration. Treatment is performed on the pain site and the purpose could be relaxation, exercise or pumping fluid through the area. Most importantly, the machine has been designed with the goal of temporarily suspending pain.
RSD and CRPS Patients
The main challenge with RSD/CPRS is the complicated change in the nervous system which can be traced to changes in the receptors in the brain. As a result, therapy to resolve this kind of pain must reach the brain. The use of electricity for the management of pain is not unique to Calmare. In fact, many RSD/CRPS sufferers have probably tried traditional TENStherapy.
But let me be clear ─ Calmare Therapy does not function like a TENS unit. Injury or other noxious stimulus in the body creates pain chemicals. These chemicals in turn get converted into electrical impulses by your nerves which are transmitted to the brain and INTERPRETED by the brain. When physicians use the Calmare system, they “control” the electrical impulses that the brain is receiving. By manipulating the input into the brain they “convince” the brain that the area of the body where pain was present is now normal. We know that the brain can be “taught.” In medicine we refer to those changes as neuroplasticity and there is quite a bit of interesting reading on that topic.
July 24, 2013 at 11:49 am
Hello.
Can calmare treatments help with Fibromyalgia, Post Herpetic Neuralgia, Lupus muscle pain, TMJ, or Carpel Tunnel? Unfortunately I have all of those and it would be a miracle if I could see ANY pain relief. (I cannot take narcotics and anti convulsants/anti depressants have major side effects.)
July 24, 2013 at 4:24 pm
Dear Tina,
Thank you for your great question. Keep in mind, I haven’t met or examined you, so I will respond in general terms to your medical conditions noted:
*Calmare can help with your *fibro and PHN*. (Quick patient story – I have a fibro / PHN patient who started Monday. After just 3 treatments, pain level maintaining at a 5 from a year-long 8/9).
**TMJ* is a difficult condition to treat.
*I have never treated *Lupus muscle pain.* I would need to examine you and know more about your medical history and previous treatment efforts.
**Carpel tunnel* is a neuritis and requires physical therapy and laser therapy. Calmare would not be appropriate.
I’d be happy to talk with you by phone about your medical history. Please feel free to call me at the office anytime.
Best regards,
Dr. Cooney
June 12, 2013 at 7:54 pm
rsd foot since 1997 2010 back surgery s1-l5 l5-l4 fusion 6 screws 2 plates and a cage which developed into ~ loradosis I am waiting for a spinal cord stimulator never was mentioned this I will ask my dr’s I am in reno Nevada i am on facebook if anybody needs a new friend hugssss isverygrateful@yahoo.com
June 13, 2013 at 10:24 am
Hi Laura,
Thank you for posting and I am sorry to read about your long battle with RSD. Many doctors still don’t know about Calmare scrambler therapy. More often than not, patients are discovering it themselves through their own research after other treatment efforts (medications and nerve blocks) have failed.
I’ve found this therapy to be particularly helpful to RSD and CRPS patients. You are more than welcome to contact us for more information and we’d be happy to discuss your medical history as well.
Wishing you a low pain day,
Dr. Michael J. Cooney
May 18, 2013 at 9:50 am
I have a very similar unit, interferential? Spelling, I have RSD in my left leg from the knee down and currently undergoing lumbar sympathetic nerves blocks , that along meds as well. My question is can I use my unit in order to get similar results? If so what settings as best as you con describe, for how long and how often
January 19, 2013 at 2:07 am
Hi. I am very curious about calmare therapy. I have had CRPS (rsd) for 6 years now. I am wondering if the therapy works on just CRPS type2. I would be very interested in talking to someone and learning more, to see if it would work for me. Thanks.
November 11, 2012 at 8:40 am
Hi. I’m looking for more info about calmare therapy. I actually live in Canada, but was directed to your site for info from a lady in my online support group. I have CRPS (rsd, as your site calls it), and am full left-side affected.
My biggest question is if I could get calmare therapy even though I have an implanted Spinal Cord Stimulator. Thanks!
August 25, 2012 at 9:27 am
i am a nj resident and had RSD 4 over a year.. i would like to seek help from ur doctors .how can i?
August 26, 2012 at 12:39 pm
Dear Colette,
Thank you for reaching out and we are sorry to hear about your RSD struggle. If you would like to learn more about Calmare Therapy, we recommend you take a look at our website, http://www.calmaretherapynj.com, for more information, particularly *Patient Stories * which includes personal accounts from several of our RSD patients.
If you would like to discuss your personal medical history and RSD condition, please call Dr. Michael Cooney, program director, Calmare Therapy program, Rutherford Allied Medical Group, at (201) 933 – 444-zero.
You are welcome to contact us privately at calmarenj@gmail.com, also.
Please let us know if we can offer more information!
May 28, 2012 at 5:58 am
Do you have any double blind studies on the efficiency of Calmare Therapy? I have read a study of yours comparing the results of Calmare Therapy vs pharmaceutical treatment. But, I’d be interested to know if studies have been done perhaps using a regular Tens type of treatment vs the Calmare Therapy, without the patients or the people administering the treatments knowing which one they received.
Specifically, I am looking for a treatment of neuropathic pain. I have severe drug induced small and large fiber neuropathy.
I will try to find this site again for a response. It would most appreciate it if you do have any double blind studies if you would e-mail them to me.
Thank you,
Anne
October 3, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Hello Anne
Did you receive any studies?
Thanks
Elizabeth
May 26, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Is there a possibility that I may get a list of Calmare facilities in the USA.
May 29, 2012 at 8:58 am
Dear Ms. Leake:
Of course. Here is a list of the Calmare providers in the US. We recommend you utilize a practice that is “Calmare Certified”:
http://calmarett.com/locations.html
Please feel free to reach out to us if you have questions.
Kind regards, Rutherford Allied Medical Group
April 4, 2012 at 10:42 pm
Are there any doctors or facilities in thevSan Francisco, Ca bay area that offers calmare treatment?
Thank you.
Debbie
March 23, 2012 at 10:15 am
Please respond to your experience with using the Calmare Therapy on RSD patients….If so how many have you treated and how succesful have you been in making them pain free.
Look forward to your response
March 23, 2012 at 1:20 pm
Dear Patricia:
Thanks so much for posting your query. The majority of patients we have treated to date were for chronic pain symptoms from RSD.
If you look at our Patient Video Stories page, you can watch several patients tell their stories, many of whom were treated for RSD. We have also published in-depth articles about some of our RSD patients’ experiences here.
Dr. Cooney recently appeared on *News 12’s “To Your Health”* with one of his patients who were successfully treated for her long-term RSD http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UPgMxd0uOWU
Please call our office at *(201) 933 – 444zero* and ask to speak directly to Dr. Michael Cooney, who manages the Calmare program at Rutherford Allied Medical Group.
We look forward to talking with you!
With kind regards, Stephanie Duncan Rutherford Allied Medical Group 323 Union Ave. Rutherford, NJ 07070 (201) 933-4440 http://www.calmaretherapynj.com
March 22, 2012 at 4:45 am
I would also greatly appreciate receiving the list of Calmare facilities in the US. Thanks so much.
March 22, 2012 at 8:08 am
Good Morning Rick,
We have sent you this information via email. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Wishing you good health,
Dr. Michael Cooney
November 6, 2011 at 1:27 am
Interesting!!
Seems like the Calmare therapy is like my Transcutaneous ekectrical stmilating nerve unit (TENS UNIT). Are they the same?
Also, Can you please send me a list of facilities in California?
Thank you!!
November 17, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Dear Christine,
First, thank you for your comment and visiting our website.
In response to your question: The tens machines are singular current machines meant to treat an acute (short term) condition such as spasm or adhesions. The Calmare MC-5A has 16 different algorithms which send a “no pain” signal through the pain site from no pain areas. There is no accommodation or development of a tolerance to the MC-5A as the machine does not repeat any sequence during the treatment.
I hope this information helps you! You can always feel free to contact me directly here in NJ at 201-933-444-zero.
Wishing you a pain-free day,
Dr. Michael J. Cooney
Rutherford Allied Medical Group
October 15, 2011 at 4:37 pm
have heard about calmare i wish i knew if is available in the knoxville tn. area? need to try have no other avenues to try.
October 31, 2011 at 9:01 am
Dear Joy:
Via private email, we have sent you the list of Calmare facilities across the U.S. We wish you good luck in your search and welcome you to contact us should you have any questions.
With kind regards,
Rutherford Allied Medical Group
July 27, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Is this available in Canada? Can it help headaches or tmj pain?
July 26, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Could you tell me if this is available in the UK.
July 27, 2011 at 9:55 am
We believe that it is. Please contact the Calmare CTTC global office for specific information.
Link: http://www.competitivetech.net/contact/corporate.html
Wishing you good luck and good health,
All of us at Rutherford Allied Medical Group
Rutherford, NJ