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If you’re reading this, you might be where I was: tired of chasing pain relief, tired of “temporary fixes,” and honestly a little nervous about the next step being injections. When I found Unpain Clinic Edmonton, what stood out wasn’t a promise of a miracle—it was a plan that made sense: calm the nervous system when it’s stuck on “high alert,” treat the tissues that are irritated, and rebuild the movement patterns that keep pain looping.
One of the newest tools now available at Unpain Clinic Edmonton is NESA® non-invasive neuromodulation—a gentle, sub-sensory microcurrent approach designed to support autonomic nervous system regulation (your “fight/flight” and “rest/digest” balance) using multiple surface electrodes. In a clinical trial using NESA, the stimulation parameters were described as low-frequency microcurrents (roughly 1.3–14.28 Hz) with low intensity (0.1–0.9 mA) and low voltage (around ±3 V), delivered in pulses and described as imperceptible to the patient.
Important note: This blog is educational, not personal medical advice. Results may vary; always consult a healthcare provider to determine what’s appropriate for your health history, medications, and goals.
Here’s the frustrating part: sometimes pain lingers even when imaging looks “normal” or the original injury has technically healed. That doesn’t mean your pain is imagined—it can mean your pain system has become overprotective, and your body is running too much “alarm” for too long.
From a patient perspective, this can look like:
Pain that spreads or “moves around”
Tenderness that feels disproportionate to what you did
Sleep problems (waking up wired, unrefreshed)
Higher stress reactivity (small things feel big)
A sense that your body never fully shifts into recovery mode
Clinically, one way researchers study this “alarm stays on” pattern is through autonomic measures (like heart-rate variability) and pain thresholds. In a triple-blind randomized pilot study in women with post-COVID condition (often linked with dysautonomia), the neuromodulation group showed improved heart rate variability (SDNN) while the control group decreased, and there was also improvement in pressure pain threshold at a cervical site (C5–C6). The authors also noted both groups improved on several outcomes—highlighting how strong context/placebo effects can be and why larger trials are needed.
That’s why “real relief without injections” rarely means one magic therapy. It usually means the right sequence: calm the system → treat what’s irritated → rebuild capacity.
Neuromodulation broadly refers to using stimulation (electrical, magnetic, etc.) to influence nervous system activity. Non-invasive approaches are typically delivered through the skin (surface-based), while other forms can be implanted.
For NESA® neuromodulation specifically, published clinical research has explored outcomes related to:
Sleep quality
Autonomic function measures (e.g., HRV in dysautonomia-related conditions)
Symptoms tied to autonomic regulation, such as overactive bladder, in preliminary comparative trials
Pediatric sleep/constipation outcomes in observational research using a surface-applied microcurrent neuromodulation device
A key point I appreciated as a patient: the best clinics don’t pretend early evidence is final. NESA research is emerging—and the studies we do have are still relatively small.
In a comparative pilot trial for overactive bladder (OAB), participants completed 10 sessions twice weekly for five weeks, combining electrical modulation with an abdominopelvic exercise program. For the NESA group, the protocol included gloves and anklets connected to 24 electrodes plus a directional electrode, and the current was described as imperceptible. No adverse effects were reported and adherence was 100%. Both the NESA group and the posterior tibial stimulation group improved on urinary symptoms, and sleep quality (PSQI) improved significantly over time in the NESA group.
A separate observational study in institutionalized older adults (24 participants; 14 intervention, 10 control) tracked sleep outcomes across multiple time points (baseline, after 10 sessions, after 20 sessions, and 3 months post-treatment). The intervention group showed a reduction in PSQI score after 10 sessions and maintained improvement through follow-up, while the control group worsened early on. The authors clearly emphasize limitations like small sample size and the need for larger studies.
In children, a study in BMC Pediatrics evaluating a surface-applied microcurrent neuromodulation approach reported no adverse events, with sleep interruptions decreasing and sleep time increasing (based on sleep diary outcomes). This study design was not a randomized controlled trial, so it can’t prove causation—but it adds early safety and feasibility signals.
In a randomized controlled clinical trial in healthy adults, researchers measured immediate sonographic vascular changes after a short NESA intervention, finding changes such as increased carotid lumen diameter and cross-sectional area, and decreased intima-media thickness. Importantly, the authors explicitly encourage cautious interpretation and note that hemodynamic variables like blood pressure did not differ significantly.
Even beyond NESA, microcurrent therapy has been studied across musculoskeletal pain conditions. A systematic review/meta-analysis in Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation identified a small evidence base (4 RCTs plus non-RCTs for adverse events assessment). It reported improvements in some trials (e.g., shoulder and knee pain vs sham) and emphasized both minimal adverse events and the potential role of placebo/context effects—again reinforcing why outcomes should be framed as “may help” rather than “will fix.”
When you’ve lived with pain for months, it’s normal to wonder: “Do I need a shot?” Injections (like corticosteroids) can have a role in some cases, especially when used thoughtfully and selectively. But research also raises important cautions about over-relying on injections as a default.
A landmark systematic review in The Lancet (tendinopathy) concluded that the evidence challenged continued use of corticosteroid injections, noting poorer long-term outcomes compared with many conservative interventions.
And in knee osteoarthritis, a randomized clinical trial comparing intra-articular triamcinolone vs saline injections every 3 months for 2 years found greater cartilage volume loss in the steroid group and no significant pain difference between groups—an important reminder that “short-term relief” is not always the same as “better long-term joint health.”
This is exactly why I wanted a clinic that could say: “Let’s try the least invasive path that still respects the science.”
If the phrase “neuromodulator treatment” sounds intense, here’s the patient-friendly translation:
NESA® is a non-invasive, surface-based neuromodulation approach using very low-strength microcurrents. In published clinical protocols, it’s delivered through multiple electrodes (often gloves + anklets) and a directional electrode, with stimulation described as so gentle it can be imperceptible.
Based on how clinical trials describe it (and how many people experience sub-sensory microcurrent therapies):
You’re typically resting comfortably (often lying down).
Electrodes are placed on the body in a standardized pattern (in the OAB trial: 24 electrodes plus a directional electrode).
The current is not designed to cause muscle contractions (it’s not like a strong TENS “buzz”).
Many people report they feel little to nothing during the session (because it’s intended to be sub-sensory).
It is not an injection.
It is not surgery.
It is not a stand-alone “cure” for chronic pain. The best evidence-informed use is often as part of a broader plan that addresses tissue capacity, movement, sleep, stress load, and the pain system’s sensitivity.
Unpain Clinic also introduced NESA on their YouTube channel as a non-invasive nervous-system–focused option now available at the clinic.
The thing that finally made sense to me: chronic pain is rarely a single-problem issue, so the treatment plan shouldn’t be single-tool either.
At Unpain Clinic Edmonton, NESA is positioned as one part of an integrated approach—often paired with therapies that support tissue healing and strength rebuilding (when appropriate).
For stubborn tendon and soft-tissue pain, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has a substantial research base.
A 2024 systematic review/meta-analysis of randomized trials across multiple tendinopathies reported significant pain reductions with ESWT in conditions such as plantar fasciitis, lateral epicondylitis, chronic Achilles tendinopathy, and rotator cuff tendinopathy (with the usual caveat of heterogeneity and the importance of matching the protocol to the condition).
A separate 2024 systematic review/meta-analysis focusing on upper limb tendonitis also concluded ESWT reduced pain compared with placebo at follow-ups such as 3 and 6 months, with results varying by subtype and protocol.
Unpain Clinic discusses injection alternatives and conservative options in their podcast episode “Why Cortisone Shots May Not Be Your Best Bet! Exploring Alternative Therapies for Pain Relief” (07/26/2024)—a topic that resonated with me because I wanted a non-invasive starting point.
Extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) is often described as a high-energy pulsed electromagnetic field–based modality. Evidence is still smaller than ESWT’s overall, but there are peer-reviewed trials.
In a prospective randomized controlled trial in non-specific low back pain, adding EMTT to conventional care reduced pain and disability more than conventional care alone, with study parameters and outcomes reported over follow-up.
In rotator cuff tendinopathy, a trial of ESWT combined with EMTT (vs ESWT with sham EMTT) reported greater improvements in pain and function in the combination group, including results at longer follow-up.
This is the part many people skip because it sounds “basic”—but it’s often where long-term wins come from.
When exercise is individualized (and sometimes combined with psychological components), systematic review/meta-analytic research in chronic non-specific low back pain shows meaningful improvements in pain and disability outcomes compared to control approaches.
A network meta-analysis of randomized trials has also compared exercise types for chronic low back pain outcomes—supporting the idea that movement-based care is not one-size-fits-all.
And pain neuroscience/physiology education has been studied in systematic reviews/meta-analyses as well, reinforcing that understanding pain can support better rehab adherence and outcomes (especially when paired with physical intervention).
From a client point of view, I think of NESA like this:
If my system is in high-alert mode (poor sleep, high stress reactivity, sensitivity), NESA may help support regulation while we build the “active” plan.
If my pain is also strongly tissue-driven (tendon pain, stiffness, functional limits), we can pair nervous-system support with tissue-focused work like ESWT/EMTT and progressive loading—based on evaluation findings and tolerability.
If I’m chasing relief but not changing the driver, it’s time to re-check the plan—because no tool (including NESA) should be treated as a guaranteed fix.
This is a composite example (details changed) to protect privacy.
I’ll call her “M.”
M had pain for months—neck tightness, headaches, scattered flare-ups, and sleep problems. The biggest issue wasn’t just pain intensity; it was how reactive her whole system felt. She’d tried massages, stretching, and rest. Sometimes it helped—for a day.
In her assessment, the clinician didn’t just poke the painful area. They looked at movement, posture under load, breathing mechanics, and the pattern of symptoms (when does it spike, what calms it, what makes it worse). That “pattern-mapping” was the first time M felt like the clinic had a real theory—not just a guess.
Her plan included:
A nervous-system regulation emphasis early (including a course of NESA sessions as tolerated)
Gradual re-loading and motor control work (simple, repeatable exercises she could actually commit to)
Education around why flare-ups didn’t mean damage—so she stopped panic-resting every time symptoms rose
Over time, the goal wasn’t “never feel pain again.” It was: fewer flare days, better sleep, more confidence moving, and a body that stopped acting like everything was a threat.
Results may vary, but the structure matters: regulation + tissue capacity + progressive movement.
These are general, low-risk strategies many people use to support recovery. If anything worsens symptoms significantly—or if you have neurologic red flags, bowel/bladder changes, fever, unexplained weight loss, or progressive weakness—seek medical care promptly.
A simple “between-visits” routine I found realistic:
Two minutes of slow breathing (inhale gently, longer exhale) to downshift stress tone—especially before bed.
Daily walk (even 5–10 minutes) to remind your nervous system that movement is safe.
One strength anchor (e.g., sit-to-stand practice, light hinge patterns, band rows) tailored to your assessment and pain behavior.
Sleep support basics: consistent wake time, lower evening caffeine, dim lights at night, and reduce “doom scrolling” before bed—because sleep is when recovery chemistry does more of its work. (If insomnia is severe, ask your provider about structured insomnia interventions.)
Track patterns, not just pain: what improves symptoms—warmth, movement, pacing, hydration, stress reduction—so your plan becomes data-driven instead of fear-driven.
Neuromodulation is used to influence nervous system activity and can be applied in pain management, autonomic regulation contexts, and other clinical domains. For NESA specifically, published studies have tracked outcomes related to sleep quality, autonomic function metrics, and symptom changes in conditions like overactive bladder—though the evidence base is still emerging and often includes small samples.
In everyday language, “neuromodulator treatment” usually means a therapy that aims to shift how nerves signal (pain, sensitivity, autonomic tone). NESA is described in clinical trials as sub-sensory microcurrent neuromodulation delivered through multiple surface electrodes and a directional electrode, with stimulation designed to be imperceptible.
TENS typically uses stronger sensory-level stimulation and is often applied more locally. They are not the same approach.
Studies in different populations suggest NESA-style neuromodulation protocols may improve sleep quality measures (for example, improvements in PSQI scores in older adults; and PSQI improvements reported in a pilot comparative trial context). However, study size and design limitations mean outcomes should be framed as may help and should be individualized.
Safety reporting in early studies is encouraging. For example, in the OAB pilot trial, no adverse effects were reported, and adherence was high. In pediatric observational research, no adverse events were reported during sessions.
That said, “safe in studies” doesn’t replace индивидуализирован screening: always tell your clinician about implants, pregnancy status, neurologic conditions, cardiac history, and medications.
A practical answer: look for clinics that can (1) do a full-body assessment, (2) explain a mechanism-based plan, (3) combine pain-system regulation with progressive rehab, and (4) use evidence-based tools (not hype). Unpain Clinic Edmonton positions care around assessment-driven planning and non-invasive options where reasonable. For an overview of how the clinic frames modern pain care, you can explore their “pain management clinic” resource.
This changes quickly and depends on which technologies you mean (microcurrent systems, TENS, tDCS, rTMS, etc.). Rather than chasing device names, ask clinics what outcomes they track, what evidence they use, and how they decide if you’re a candidate.
If you’re asking this, you deserve a clear, respectful answer: depression treatment should be guided by qualified mental health professionals. From an evidence standpoint, non-invasive brain stimulation modalities like transcranial electrical stimulation (including tDCS/tACS) have been evaluated in large systematic reviews/meta-analyses of randomized clinical trials.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has also been supported in sham-controlled meta-analyses as an adjunctive option in treatment-resistant depression contexts.
For Edmonton-specific access, start with your family physician, psychiatrist referral pathways, or local mental health clinics—availability varies.
If you landed here from a search like “service canada edmonton near me”, you’re probably mapping out services close to where you already go. Since hours of operation can change, it’s best to confirm Service Canada hours through their official listings. (And if you’re also searching for a clinic that offers non-invasive, evidence-based pain care in Edmonton, that’s where Unpain Clinic may fit.)
If you’re looking for pain relief without injections, the most honest—and most empowering—answer is: you don’t need to choose between “do nothing” and “get a shot.” There’s a middle path that’s evidence-informed, non-invasive where possible, and built around your real-life goals.
NESA® neuromodulation is now part of that path at Unpain Clinic Edmonton—with early clinical research suggesting potential benefits in areas like sleep quality, autonomic measures, and symptom-related outcomes, while also making it very clear that larger trials are still needed and results can vary.
At Unpain Clinic, we don’t just ask “Where does it hurt?” — we uncover “Why does it hurt?”
If you’ve been frustrated by the cycle of “try everything, feel nothing,” this assessment is for you. We take a whole-body approach so you leave with clarity, not more questions.
✅ What’s Included
Comprehensive history & goal setting
Orthopedic & muscle testing (head-to-toe)
Motion analysis
Imaging decisions (if needed)
Pain pattern mapping
Personalized treatment roadmap
Benefit guidance
🕑 Important Details
60 minutes, assessment only
No treatment in this visit
👩⚕️ Who You’ll See
A licensed Registered Physiotherapist or Chiropractor
🔜 What Happens Next
If you’re a fit, we schedule your first treatment and start executing your plan.
🌟 Why Choose Unpain Clinic
Whole-body assessment, not symptom-chasing
Root-cause focus, not temporary relief
Non-invasive where possible
No long-term upsells — just honest, effective care
🎯 Outcome
You’ll walk out knowing:
What’s wrong
Why it hurts
The fastest path to fix it
Author: Uran Berisha, BSc PT, RMT, Shockwave Expert
1. Blasco-Bonora PM, Medina-Ramírez R, et al. Non-Invasive Autonomic Neuromodulation for Overactive Bladder: A Comparative Pilot Trial of NESA and Tibial Nerve Stimulation. Journal of Clinical Medicine. 2025.
2. Mínguez-Esteban I, De la Cueva-Reguera M, et al. Acute sonographic changes in common carotid artery after NESA neuromodulation intervention in healthy adults: a randomized controlled clinical trial. Frontiers in Neuroscience. 2025.
3. Melián-Ortíz A, Zurdo-Sayalero E, et al. Superficial Neuromodulation in Dysautonomia in Women with Post-COVID-19 Condition: A Pilot Study. Brain Sciences. 2025.
4. Báez-Suárez A, Báez-Suárez V, et al. Improving Sleep Quality and Well-Being in Institutionalized Older Adults: The Potential of NESA Non-Invasive Neuromodulation Treatment. Geriatrics. 2025.
5. Báez-Suárez A, Quintana-Montesdeoca MP, et al. Application of non-invasive neuromodulation in children with neurodevelopmental disorders to improve their sleep quality and constipation. BMC Pediatrics. 2023.
6. Iijima H, Takahashi M. Microcurrent Therapy as a Therapeutic Modality for Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review (Meta-analysis). Archives of Rehabilitation Research and Clinical Translation. 2021.
7. Majidi L, Khateri S, et al. The effect of extracorporeal shock-wave therapy on pain in patients with various tendinopathies: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized control trials. BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation. 2024.
8. Xiong Y, Wen T, et al. ESWT for upper limb tendonitis: systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs. Frontiers in Medicine. 2024.
9. Krath A, Klüter T, et al. Electromagnetic transduction therapy in non-specific low back pain: A prospective randomised controlled trial. Journal of Orthopaedics. 2017.
10. Klüter T, Krath A, et al. EMTT + ESWT in rotator cuff tendinopathy: randomized controlled trial. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine. 2018.
11. Coombes BK, Bisset L, Vicenzino B. Efficacy and safety of corticosteroid injections and other injections for tendinopathy: systematic review. The Lancet. 2010.
12. McAlindon TE, LaValley MP, et al. Effect of Intra-articular Triamcinolone vs Saline on Knee Cartilage Volume and Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2017.
13. Ren C, Pagali SR, et al. Transcranial Electrical Stimulation in Treatment of Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. JAMA Network Open. 2025.
14. Vida RG, Sághy E, et al. rTMS adjunctive therapy after two antidepressant treatment failures: meta-analysis of randomized sham-controlled trials. BMC Psychiatry. 2023.
15. Bunketorp-Käll L, et al. Effectiveness of Pain Neurophysiology Education on Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Medicine. 2021.
Unpain Clinic Podcast (Hosted by Uran Berisha). “Why Cortisone Shots May Not Be Your Best Bet! Exploring Alternative Therapies for Pain Relief” (07/26/2024).
Unpain Clinic Podcast (Hosted by Uran Berisha). “#22 Why You’re Still Sick (Even When Tests Say You’re Fine)” (09/10/2025).
Unpain Clinic YouTube Short: “Try a nervous system reset with NESA therapy—now at Unpain Clinic.”
