Pain treatment with ion induction therapy

An established part of my non-surgical treatment approach

I have used ion induction therapy in my practice for many years. My positive experience has made it an important part of my treatment approach for orthopaedic and sports medicine conditions. For me, it is essential to select the procedure according to the diagnosis and integrate it into a treatment plan tailored to you.

What do we aim to achieve for you?

Goals vary according to your starting point: relieving pain, activating muscles or making movement and the start of an adapted training programme easier. Before treatment, we discuss which improvements would matter for your daily life or sport. During treatment, we review whether it is actually helping you.

How does ion induction therapy work?

The procedure uses short, powerful electromagnetic pulses. These can induce electrical currents in tissue, stimulating nerves and muscles. Depending on the settings, muscle contractions may be felt. At my practice, we use the emPact device from FREI medical. Treatment is applied externally, without injections.

Which symptoms do we use it for?

Our practice uses it for selected spinal, joint, muscle and tendon symptoms, and as an adjunct after sports injuries or operations. For osteoarthritis and other painful restrictions in movement, we also assess whether the procedure fits the treatment plan.

Bone marrow oedema, fractures, lymphatic drainage disorders and inflammatory rheumatic conditions require particularly careful assessment. Any adjunctive use does not replace treatment of the cause, necessary stabilisation, unloading or rheumatological treatment.

Long-standing experience and scientific evidence

My positive experience in everyday use informs treatment decisions. However, it should be distinguished from scientific evidence of effectiveness. Magnetic stimulation techniques are being studied clinically; results depend on the diagnosis, device and protocol and cannot be generalised. They do not establish effectiveness for all the conditions mentioned or guarantee individual success. We discuss these limitations alongside alternatives.

What happens at an appointment

After examination and informed discussion, the applicator is positioned over the intended treatment area. We adjust the intensity to the treatment goal and your tolerance. A session usually takes about 20 minutes. The number and spacing of appointments are arranged individually. Where appropriate, treatment is combined with exercise, physiotherapy and a gradual increase in activity.

What is important before treatment?

Please tell us in advance about pacemakers, defibrillators, other electronic or metal implants and possible pregnancy. Suitability must be assessed in light of your circumstances and device-specific safety requirements. Please bring any implant identification cards.

Treatment may feel like muscle contractions or tapping. An entirely painless treatment with no side effects cannot be guaranteed. If sensations are uncomfortable, we adjust or stop treatment. We explain further risks and reasons treatment may be unsuitable before starting.

Costs and consultation in Freiburg

We inform you of the estimated costs before treatment. Fees are charged under the German Medical Fee Schedule (GOÄ). Patients with statutory health insurance generally have to pay themselves; reimbursement is not guaranteed by private insurers either. Please check possible coverage in advance.

Would you like to know whether ion induction therapy may suit your symptoms? Book a consultation.