Scrambler Therapy vs Calmare®: What's the Difference?
Short answer: there is no clinical difference. 'Calmare®' is simply the brand name of the FDA-cleared Scrambler Therapy device. The technology, protocol, and evidence base are the same.
Same technology, different name
Scrambler Therapy was invented by Italian biophysicist Prof. Giuseppe Marineo. The device is manufactured under the brand name Calmare® (from the Italian word for "to calm"). When a clinic advertises "Calmare Therapy," they are delivering Scrambler Therapy on a Calmare®-branded MC-5A device.
Why both names exist
- Scrambler Therapy — the scientific / clinical name used in research.
- Calmare® — the FDA-registered trademarked product name.
- Patients searching for relief encounter both terms, which causes confusion.
Is it different from TENS?
Yes — significantly. A TENS unit blocks pain signals temporarily by overwhelming nerves with sensation. Scrambler / Calmare® instead transmits patterned "non-pain" information that retrains the brain's interpretation of the nerve, producing relief that often outlasts the treatment course.
What to look for in a provider
Whether a clinic markets itself as "Scrambler Therapy" or "Calmare Therapy," what matters is the operator's certification. The protocol is highly technique-dependent — electrode placement and signal adjustment make the difference between strong relief and no result. Use our provider map and filter by certification level to find properly trained providers near you.