Pediatric CRPS After Bone Fracture: A Mother’s Account of Remission with Scrambler Therapy
A Complex Injury, Followed by a Devastating Nerve Pain Condition
When 12-year-old Abby sustained a tibial plateau fracture — a break in the upper, weight-bearing surface of the shinbone at the knee joint — the injury was serious but treatable.
What followed was not.
After immobilization and appropriate orthopedic care, Abby’s healing process did not follow the expected pattern. Instead of improving, her pain intensified.
She was ultimately diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a severe neurologic pain disorder that can develop after trauma and is especially disruptive in children and adolescents.
By the time she arrived at Scrambler Therapy NJ USA, Abby had not walked independently for three months. She relied on crutches and reported pain levels between 8 and 9 out of 10.
Everyday life had been disrupted — sleep, school, social interaction and athletics.
A Mother’s Perspective: “I Was Not Ready to Accept That Answer”
Her mother describes the experience:
“No one prepares you for the crazy ride that is being a parent, especially if that ride includes a diagnosis like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
This condition is suffered by many, though it is still wildly misunderstood in the medical world, which can result in years of physical and mental pain. I had heard of this condition before, working in the medical field, but until my daughter was diagnosed with it, I never truly understood how life-altering it is.
She experienced a minor sports injury — a fracture — which she had experienced before. But this time her healing process was not following the same pattern. I watched for weeks as my child’s pain steadily climbed despite following the doctor’s guidance with immobilization and stopping activity. She progressively worsened, with her pain at a constant 9 out of 10. It affected her sleep, schoolwork, social life and athletics.
We went to appointment after appointment — blood work, X-rays, MRI — with limited answers until she was diagnosed with CRPS.
Treatment options offered included occupational therapy, physical therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and pain management. Many professionals we spoke with had limited familiarity with CRPS. Those who had experience described management — not remission.
I was not ready to accept that answer.“
Discovering Scrambler Therapy for Pediatric CRPS
Through children-focused CRPS Support Groups and research, Abby’s mother learned about FDA-cleared Scrambler Therapy — a non-invasive neuromodulation treatment designed to retrain how the brain interprets pain signals.
But she found very few providers certified to offer this therapy.
“He was professional, knowledgeable about the condition, and transparent. He shared that while there are no guarantees, he was confident the therapy could lessen our child’s pain without medications or invasive procedures.
Even if we did not achieve zero pain, if it reduced her pain, we had to try.”
Ten Scrambler Treatments. Two Weeks. A Turning Point.
Abby completed 10 Scrambler Therapy sessions over two weeks. The treatment involved surface electrodes delivering synthetic “non-pain” signals to retrain abnormal nerve signaling — without medication, injections or sedation.
Her mother recalls:
“Our daughter entered the clinic using crutches, not having walked in three months, experiencing 9 out of 10 pain as her new norm and losing hope.
Dr. Cooney involved her every step of the way, adjusting the machine based on her feedback and ensuring her questions were answered. He showed genuine care and support in her recovery.
After 10 sessions, I had tears in my eyes as I watched my daughter walk without crutches across the office. Walk. Her pain level had dropped significantly and she was able to walk again.
Since treatment and a few weeks after, we can proudly say we’re in remission.”
(Abby shared this video of her post-treatment, walking without any mobility device, limp-free and presenting with improved gait and movement confidence.)
Pediatric CRPS Remission Without Medication
Abby returned to school walking independently, without assistive devices, and reporting zero pain.
Her case illustrates the potential role of Scrambler Therapy in treating:
Pediatric CRPS
Post-fracture neuropathic pain
Chronic nerve pain in children and adolescents
While individual results vary, early intervention in pediatric neuropathic pain is critical to preventing long-term disability.
Consultation for Pediatric CRPS and Neuropathy
If your child is experiencing persistent nerve pain after injury or surgery, early evaluation matters.
To determine whether Scrambler Therapy may be appropriate for pediatric CRPS or other types of pediatric or adult neuropathy, contact Scrambler Therapy NJ USA for a prompt consultation with Calmare-Certified provider Dr. Jason Cooney, DC, within 48 hours of your outreach:
Learn more about Metro New York City-based Scrambler Therapy NJ USA on these pages and then discuss your case directly with Certified Scrambler Therapy expert and Clinical Director, Dr. Jason Cooney, DC.
