Electroanalgesia Certification Program Introduction
The Certified Electroanalgesia Program is designed to educate Healthcare Professionals in understanding the benefits of using electroanalgesia to treat their patients. The program dives into the basics of this technology, and the overall aspects needed to incorporate electroanalgesia as part of any medical practice.
What is electroanalgesia?
“The reduction of pain by electrical stimulation of a peripheral nerve or the dorsal column of the spinal cord” – Dorland’s Medical Dictionary.
Electroanalgesia is using two identical pure sinusoidal medium-frequency currents (above 8,000 pps to as high as 10,000 pps) with specific phase orientation. This results in a new current that is unidirectionally aimed into the depths of tissue.
Why is electroanalgesia important?
Pain is a major medical problem. Worldwide, from 60 to 80% of people will have it during their lifetime and 2% to 5% will have it at any given time. In the United States, low back pain is one of the most common problems for which people visit a doctor and is the most common cause of disability under age 45.
Looking at the misuse and abuse of pain medications it is evident that other alternatives are needed to deal with this national crisis. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) stated:
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention emphasized the importance of finding alternatives to opioid medication for treating pain. In the new clinical practice guidelines for back pain, the authors endorsed the use of non-pharmacologic therapies. However, one of the more widely used non-pharmacologic treatments for chronic pain (namely radiofrequency ablation therapy) was recently reported to have no clinical benefit. Therefore, this clinical commentary will review evidence in the peer-reviewed literature supporting the use of electroanalgesia and laser therapies for treating acute pain, cervical (neck) pain, low back pain, persistent post-surgical pain after spine surgery (“failed back syndrome”), major joint replacements, and abdominal surgery as well as other common chronic pain syndromes (for example, myofascial pain, peripheral neuropathic pain, fibromyalgia, degenerative joint disease/osteoarthritis, and migraine headaches).
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5749131/
Electroanalgesia Certified Operator (ECO)
The Electroanalgesia Certified Operator is the first tier of a three-level certification program. The ECO is the basic level and the same has been designed to ensure that individuals that complete this program have a basic understanding of electroanalgesia, its benefits and the proper application as an alternative treatment. The actual course work consists of approximately 4 courses and a short test after completion of these courses. Once the previously mentioned work has been completed and the individual passes the ECO test he/she will be awarded the Electroanalgesia Certified Operator accreditation.
ECO Certification Test
The ECO certification test consists of approximately 20 questions covering the basics of Electroanalgesia. The test is timed and candidates have approximately half an hour to complete the same.
The ECO test can only be taken at specified testing centers at specified designated dates. The ECO test is normally scheduled as part of the EPI Compliance conference but additional dates and locations may be pre-arranged on a case by case basis.
Prerequisite Requirements
There are no prerequisites for this level nor are there any other educational qualifications required.
Examination Breakdown
The ECO test is based on 4 sections. The actual distribution of questions and scores is as follows:
| Section | Description | Score (%) |
| 1 | Introduction | 15 |
| 2 | The Science of Electroanalgesia | 30 |
| 3 | Conditions and Treatments | 30 |
| 4 | Application | 15 |
Obtaining the ECO certification is based on candidates passing every section with a minimum score of 70%.
Exam retake policy
Individuals failing to pass the test may be scheduled for an online re-testing section or they can choose to retest at the next scheduled session.
Post Certification Requirements/Renewal
ECO certification is valid for a period of three years. ECO’s must complete at least three Electroanalgesia certified courses within this period.
Electroanalgesia Program Outline
| Time | Description | Speaker |
| 1:00 pm |
Introduction The growing opioid crisis, non-opioid analgesic drugs, techniques for acute and chronic pain management. Electroanalgesia, history, devices and treatment alternatives. |
|
| 2:00 pm |
The Science of Electroanalgesia Electroanalgesic theories (The gate control theory, the endorphin release theory). Specific Parameter Electrical Signaling, Electrophysiology of the Neuron, Mechanisms of Electromedical Pain Management (Counter-irritation, Release of neuropeptides, Nerve fiber block), and Cell Membrane Hyperpolarization vs. Depolarization. |
|
| 3:00 pm | Conditions and Treatments Pain relieving effect (motor nerve and muscle activation and simulation, Increase blood flow, circulation, effects on muscle, biological influence. |
|
| 4:00 pm |
Application Most common diagnosis and services. Sample cases and studies. Incorporation of electroanalgesia into patient care. |