If you have been living with burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp nerve pain in your feet and legs, you already know how much it affects every part of your day. Simple tasks like walking to your car, standing in the kitchen, or getting a full night of sleep become difficult. Many patients with neuropathy have tried prescription medications, physical therapy, and multiple treatment plans, only to find that the relief was temporary or did not come at all.
You are not out of options. At LA Foot Laser, Dr. Kourosh Harounian offers Scrambler Therapy, a clinically studied, FDA-cleared treatment that takes a fundamentally different approach to nerve pain. Instead of masking your symptoms with medication, Scrambler Therapy works by retraining your nervous system to stop sending pain signals in the first place.
Patients with diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced nerve damage, idiopathic neuropathy, and post-surgical nerve pain have experienced meaningful improvement through this treatment. If nerve pain has been limiting your life, Scrambler Therapy may be the next step worth taking.
What is Scrambler Therapy?
Scrambler Therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive electrical nerve stimulation treatment specifically designed to relieve chronic neuropathic pain. It was originally developed by Dr. Giuseppe Marineo, a neurophysiologist from Italy, and has been studied and referenced by major medical institutions including Johns Hopkins Medicine, the National Library of Medicine, and Oxford Academic’s Pain Medicine journal.
The treatment works by placing small surface electrodes on the skin near the area of pain. These electrodes are connected to the Scrambler device, which generates carefully designed electrical signals that mimic natural nerve activity. Rather than simply blocking pain the way a TENS unit does, the Scrambler device actively sends synthetic non-pain information through the nerve pathways to the brain. Over the course of treatment, the brain begins to recognize these non-pain signals and gradually stops interpreting the nerve input as painful.
In simpler terms, Scrambler Therapy teaches your nervous system a new language. Instead of receiving pain messages it cannot turn off, it begins to receive signals that communicate comfort and normalcy. This is not a temporary numbing effect. The goal is to retrain the way your nervous system processes input so that the relief continues even after the treatment course is complete.
Cleared for chronic neuropathic pain treatment
No needles, no incisions, no surgery required
No medication before, during, or after sessions
Referenced by Johns Hopkins, Oxford Academic, NLM
Who Is Scrambler Therapy Right For?
Nerve damage caused by elevated blood sugar levels over time. Patients typically experience burning, numbness, or tingling that begins in the feet and can progress upward into the legs.
Nerve pain that develops without a clearly identified cause. This is one of the most common and frustrating forms of neuropathy because conventional testing often comes back normal even as the patient continues to suffer.
Nerve damage that occurs as a side effect of certain chemotherapy drugs. Patients often experience severe tingling, numbness, and pain in the hands and feet that can persist long after cancer treatment has ended.
Chronic nerve pain that develops following surgery, often as a result of nerve irritation, scarring, or damage near the surgical site.
Persistent pins and needles, crawling sensations, or involuntary nerve activity in the legs and feet that interferes with rest and daily activity.
For patients who have tried gabapentin, pregabalin, duloxetine, or other nerve pain medications without satisfactory relief, Scrambler Therapy offers a non-pharmaceutical alternative.
An emerging application for CRPS, a chronic condition involving intense nerve pain typically affecting a limb following injury or surgery.
How Is Scrambler Therapy Different from a TENS Unit?
Many patients have tried a TENS unit before coming to LA Foot Laser. While TENS devices and Scrambler Therapy both use electrical stimulation, they work in fundamentally different ways and are designed for different purposes.
A TENS unit works by stimulating large nerve fibers that temporarily block pain signals from reaching the brain. This is based on the Gate Control Theory of pain and provides relief primarily during and shortly after use. TENS devices are widely available, can be used at home, and are generally suited for acute or localized musculoskeletal pain. They are not specifically designed for neuropathic pain.
Scrambler Therapy takes a different approach entirely. Instead of blocking pain signals, it actively replaces them. The device generates randomized synthetic signals that mimic natural, non-painful nerve activity. These signals travel through the same pathways the pain signals use, effectively overwriting the pain message before it registers as discomfort. Over a course of treatment, this process retrains the brain to interpret nerve input as normal rather than painful.
Scrambler Therapy must be administered by a trained provider in a clinical setting. It cannot be replicated with a home TENS device. The patented technology used in the Scrambler device was developed specifically for chronic neuropathic pain and has been the subject of published research in peer-reviewed medical journals.
What to Expect During Your Scrambler Therapy Sessions at LA Foot Laser
The treatment process is straightforward, comfortable, and performed entirely in our Los Angeles clinic. There is no preparation required and no recovery period after each session. Here is what a typical course of treatment looks like:
Step 1: Initial Consultation and Evaluation
Before treatment begins, Dr. Harounian will review your medical history, the nature of your nerve pain, its location and duration, and any prior treatments you have undergone. This evaluation is used to confirm that Scrambler Therapy is appropriate for your condition and to develop a personalized treatment plan.
Step 2: Electrode Placement
At the start of each session, small surface electrodes are placed on the skin near the area of pain but not directly on the most painful point. The placement is precise and intentional. Dr. Harounian determines the correct dermatomes to target based on your specific condition and adjusts placement as your treatment progresses.
Step 3: Device Activation and Signal Delivery
Once the electrodes are in place, the Scrambler device is activated. It delivers gentle, low-frequency electrical signals through the skin to the underlying nerve fibers. Most patients describe the sensation as a mild hum or light tingling. The intensity can be adjusted throughout the session to ensure your comfort. Sessions last approximately 45 minutes, during which you remain seated or lying comfortably.
Step 4: Progress Monitoring and Treatment Plan Review
Your response to treatment is monitored throughout each session and between visits. A standard course consists of 10 sessions delivered over two consecutive weeks, Monday through Friday with a break over the weekend. Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few sessions, while others experience gradual progress across the full course. If improvement is not apparent within the first five sessions, Dr. Harounian will discuss your options and adjust accordingly.
There is no medication involved, no needles, no incisions, and no downtime. You can return to your normal activities immediately after each session.
What Results Have Patients Experienced?
Many patients who complete a course of Scrambler Therapy report meaningful reductions in nerve pain and improvements in their daily quality of life. Published research referenced by Johns Hopkins Medicine and the National Library of Medicine suggests that a significant proportion of patients experience lasting relief following treatment.Results vary depending on the type and severity of the underlying condition, prior treatments, and individual response to therapy. Some patients begin to feel relief after just one or two sessions. Others experience gradual improvement over the full two-week course. In many cases, the pain reduction continues to develop even after the final session as the nervous system continues to recalibrate.
For patients whose pain returns over time, maintenance or booster sessions may be available to extend the period of relief. Dr. Harounian will work with you to determine the most appropriate follow-up plan based on how your body responds.
Commonly reported improvements among patients who complete treatment include reduced burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet and legs; better sleep; improved ability to walk and stand for extended periods; reduced reliance on pain medication; and an overall improvement in daily comfort and function.
Why Patients in Los Angeles Choose LA Foot Laser for Scrambler Therapy
LA Foot Laser is a specialized podiatric practice with a particular focus on nerve pain in the feet and lower extremities. Dr. Harounian has built his practice around the needs of patients who are struggling with conditions that affect their ability to walk, stand, and live comfortably. Scrambler Therapy fits naturally within that mission as a non-invasive, drug-free option for patients who have not found lasting relief elsewhere.
Specialized care for foot and lower leg nerve pain from a board-certified podiatrist- Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific condition and history
- One-on-one sessions with Dr. Harounian, not a technician or assistant
- Advanced, clinically studied technology with published research support
- Two convenient Los Angeles clinic locations with flexible scheduling
- No medication, no surgery, and no downtime required
- Multilingual staff fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi
Specialized care for foot and lower leg nerve pain from a board-certified podiatristWhat Results Have Patients Experienced?
Many patients who complete a course of Scrambler Therapy report meaningful reductions in nerve pain and improvements in their daily quality of life. Published research referenced by Johns Hopkins Medicine and the National Library of Medicine suggests that a significant proportion of patients experience lasting relief following treatment.
Results vary depending on the type and severity of the underlying condition, prior treatments, and individual response to therapy. Some patients begin to feel relief after just one or two sessions. Others experience gradual improvement over the full two-week course. In many cases, the pain reduction continues to develop even after the final session as the nervous system continues to recalibrate.
For patients whose pain returns over time, maintenance or booster sessions may be available to extend the period of relief. Dr. Harounian will work with you to determine the most appropriate follow-up plan based on how your body responds.
Commonly reported improvements among patients who complete treatment include reduced burning, tingling, and numbness in the feet and legs; better sleep; improved ability to walk and stand for extended periods; reduced reliance on pain medication; and an overall improvement in daily comfort and function.
Recognized by Leading Medical Institutions and Publications
Scrambler Therapy has been the subject of peer-reviewed research and media coverage from some of the most respected names in medicine and health. The following institutions have published or featured findings related to the therapy:
Research suggests that Scrambler Therapy may offer lasting relief for patients with chronic pain conditions.
Peer-reviewed studies on the efficacy of Scrambler Therapy for neuropathic pain outcomes.
Clinical research examining Scrambler Therapy as a treatment option for persistent nerve pain.
Published research on patient outcomes following Scrambler Therapy treatment courses.
Featured coverage highlighting Scrambler Therapy as an emerging and effective alternative for chronic pain patients.
Expert Care from Dr. Kourosh Harounian
At LA Foot Laser, your care is personally guided by Dr. Kourosh Harounian, a board-certified podiatrist with a deep commitment to innovation, precision, and patient well-being.
Dr. Harounian earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Human Physiology from UCLA in 1996 and went on to complete his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine, where he graduated on the Dean’s List and received certifications in osteology, immunology, neuroscience, and genetics.
His advanced clinical training included rotations at Metropolitan Hospital, Manhattan VA, Wyckoff Heights Medical Center, and Midway Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles. He also volunteered with the Baja Project for Crippled Children, reflecting his long-standing commitment to serving patients of all backgrounds and circumstances.
Dr. Harounian has contributed to podiatric research and education through published articles including “On Their Toes” and “Secrets of Evolution.” He is known among his patients for a warm, approachable manner, a genuine investment in each person’s outcome, and a thoroughness that patients with complex conditions deeply value.
To serve the diverse communities of Los Angeles, the office has staff fluent in English, Spanish, and Farsi.
Stop Living with Nerve Pain. Schedule Your Scrambler Therapy Consultation Today.
Chronic nerve pain in the feet and legs does not have to be permanent. Scrambler Therapy at LA Foot Laser offers a clinically studied, drug-free path toward lasting relief. Whether you are living with diabetic neuropathy, chemotherapy-related nerve damage, or unexplained nerve pain that has not responded to other treatments, our team is here to help you take the next step.
Metropolitan LA: 1832 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Tel. (424) 205-5218- West LA: 11540 Santa Monica Blvd., Suite 203, Los Angeles, CA 90025 | Tel. (424) 429-6311
- Office Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM | Saturday, 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
Metropolitan LA: 1832 W. 7th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90057 | Tel. (424) 205-5218Frequently Asked Questions About Scrambler Therapy
Below are answers to the most common questions our patients ask about Scrambler Therapy at LA Foot Laser in Los Angeles.
Scrambler Therapy is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive treatment for chronic neuropathic pain. It works by delivering synthetic electrical signals through surface electrodes placed on the skin near the area of pain. These signals mimic natural, non-painful nerve activity and travel through the same pathways as pain signals, effectively overwriting pain messages before the brain registers them. Over a course of treatment, this process retrains the nervous system to interpret nerve input as normal rather than painful.
A standard course of Scrambler Therapy consists of 10 sessions, typically delivered Monday through Friday over two consecutive weeks with a break over the weekend. Some patients notice meaningful improvement within the first few sessions, while others experience gradual progress across the full course. Depending on your condition and response, additional sessions may be recommended.
Yes. Scrambler Therapy is FDA-cleared and has been used in clinical settings internationally. It is non-invasive, does not require medication, and involves no needles or incisions. It has a well-documented safety profile with minimal to no reported side effects in clinical studies. As with any treatment, candidacy is determined on an individual basis during your consultation.
Most patients find Scrambler Therapy comfortable. When the device is first activated, some patients experience a mild tingling or a light hum in the nerve. The intensity of the signal can be adjusted throughout the session to ensure comfort. Many patients describe the sensation as soothing by the end of each visit.
A TENS unit works by temporarily blocking pain signals through a mechanism called Gate Control Theory. Scrambler Therapy works differently: it actively replaces pain signals with synthetic non-pain information, training the brain and nervous system to stop registering the affected area as painful. TENS is a general-purpose device available for home use. Scrambler Therapy uses specialized, patented technology that must be administered by a trained provider in a clinical setting.
Some patients notice a reduction in pain after the very first session. Others experience gradual improvement over the two-week treatment course. In many cases, the pain continues to decrease even after the final session as the nervous system continues to recalibrate. Your treating provider will monitor your progress throughout and adjust the plan if needed.
Many patients experience lasting relief after completing their treatment course. The duration of improvement varies depending on the underlying condition, severity, and individual response. Some patients enjoy relief for several months; others report benefit that extends for a year or longer. Maintenance or booster sessions may be available if your symptoms return over time.
Scrambler Therapy is appropriate for patients experiencing chronic neuropathic pain in the feet and lower extremities, particularly those with diabetic neuropathy, idiopathic neuropathy, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, or post-surgical nerve pain. It is especially well-suited for patients who have tried medication or other treatments without adequate relief. A consultation with Dr. Harounian will confirm whether you are a good candidate.
Insurance coverage for Scrambler Therapy varies by plan and is not universally covered. We encourage you to contact our office prior to your appointment so we can assist you in reviewing your options. Our team can discuss available payment approaches to help make treatment accessible.
Scrambler Therapy has a favorable safety profile and is associated with minimal side effects. Some patients experience mild and temporary skin irritation at the electrode placement sites. There are no systemic side effects associated with the treatment, and no medication is involved at any stage.
In most cases, yes. Scrambler Therapy can be administered alongside other pain management strategies. You should inform Dr. Harounian of all current medications and treatments at your initial consultation so he can evaluate any potential interactions and personalize your care accordingly.
Patient response to Scrambler Therapy varies. If meaningful improvement is not apparent within the first five sessions, Dr. Harounian will review your progress, discuss your options, and determine whether continuing treatment is likely to be beneficial. Transparency about expected outcomes is central to how we approach patient care.
Yes. Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, commonly known as CIPN, is one of the primary conditions addressed by Scrambler Therapy at LA Foot Laser. Patients who have experienced nerve damage as a result of chemotherapy often struggle to find lasting relief through conventional means. Scrambler Therapy offers a drug-free alternative specifically designed for neuropathic pain of this type.
Diabetic neuropathy is caused by damage to peripheral nerves resulting from prolonged high blood sugar levels. Patients typically experience burning, tingling, or numbness starting in the feet and progressing upward. Scrambler Therapy addresses the pain by retraining the nervous system’s response to nerve signals rather than targeting blood sugar or the underlying metabolic condition. It is a complementary treatment that focuses on symptom relief and quality of life improvement.
Please bring a list of your current medications, any relevant medical records or test results related to your nerve pain, and information about prior treatments you have tried. Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows easy access to the feet, ankles, and lower legs. Arrive ready to discuss your pain history in detail so Dr. Harounian can develop the most effective treatment plan for your individual needs.
Book Your Consultation Today
Don’t wait for the pain to get worse. Discover how Scrambler Therapy at LA Foot Laser can help you take your next step, without pain.
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