Neuromodulation: Treatment Methods
TPS, tDCS, taVNS, CES, EMTT, ESWT, and fESWT are used in modern medicine to help people with neurological or psychiatric conditions, including depression, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, dementia, autism, and chronic pain, as well as ALS, myelitis, and many others.
TPS – Transcranial Pulse Stimulation
Transcranial Pulse Stimulation (TPS) is based on focused shockwave technology. Ultra-short,high-energy pressure pulses are precisely directed through the skull to defined brain regions.
Unlike electrical or magnetic stimulation methods, TPS uses mechanical pressure pulses to specifically stimulate brain areas and modulate neurological function. Its effects occur at the cellular and molecular level, leading to lasting regenerative changes, reduced inflammation, and — above all — the activation and recruitment of stem cells, which triggers highly sustained tissue regeneration lasting many weeks.
A TPS session lasts 20–40 minutes. Depending on the indication, various affected and interconnected brain regions are specifically treated according to the SOZO FNON network model.
tDCS – Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) is a non-invasive method for stimulating the brain. A weak direct electrical current is applied via electrodes on the scalp to specifically modulate the activity of certain brain regions. With a current strength of just 1–2 milliamps, the treatment is painless and safe.
During tDCS, electrodes are placed on the scalp. The weak direct current affects the excitability of nerve cells, promotes blood flow to the treated brain areas, activates glymphatic clearance, and reduces inflammation. In some areas, stem cells are also stimulated.
The SOZO method always considers several interconnected brain regions (“networks”) and aims to optimize their “data traffic” (FNON), which is why it is used in almost all neurological conditions.
taVNS – Transcutaneous Auricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation
Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS) is a modern, non-invasive therapy in which the vagus nerve is stimulated by gentle electrical impulses delivered through the ear. The vagus nerve is the longest cranial nerve in the body and a central hub of the parasympathetic nervous system — the system responsible for relaxation, regeneration, and healing.
The brainstem relays these signals to various brain regions, producing measurable positive effects throughout the entire body.
This method is used for almost all conditions, as it optimizes blood flow, regeneration, and immune function while also intercepting stress and neutralizing its weakening effects.
Our specialized “tVNS” device has 17 approved indications, most recently including ME/CFS and post-stroke spasticity.
CES – Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation
Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation works with microcurrent-based pulses that can stimulate the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, endorphins, and melatonin. These weak electrical impulses are delivered to the brain via electrodes placed on the earlobes or forehead.
This method is ideal for people who want to avoid medication or are looking for complementary therapeutic approaches. Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation is successfully used for:
- Sleep disorders and insomnia
- Stress and anxiety disorders
- Depressive moods
- Chronic pain
- Difficulty concentrating
EMTT – Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy
EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy) is a high-energy variant of magnetic field therapy. EMTT uses extremely fast, high-frequency magnetic pulses that penetrate deep into tissue and specifically activate biological processes there, including cellular signal transduction, mitochondrial function, and cellular energy production (ATP).
This leads to a marked activation of regeneration, repair mechanisms, and tissue healing. EMTT is particularly effective for chronic, treatment-resistant conditions where conventional approaches often reach their limits.
In the SOZO Brain Center setting, EMTT is used less for the well-known orthopedic or urological indications (chronic bladder infections, back pain, etc.) and primarily for:
• Supporting the regeneration of peripheral nerves, the spine, and neurological structures.
ESWT – Radial Shockwave Therapy
Radial shockwave therapy is one of the most effective non-surgical methods for treating chronic musculoskeletal pain. Energy-rich pressure waves are directed at painful or hardened areas of tissue, stimulating blood flow, releasing adhesions and calcifications, and activating the body's own repair processes.
Stem cells are also activated, which can produce deep-reaching regeneration — as well as cosmetic “improvements,” such as reduced skin aging. The treatment is gentle, takes only a few minutes per session, and requires no downtime. After just a few sessions, many patients report noticeable pain relief and improved mobility.
- Well-known orthopedic applications include heel spurs, Achilles tendon complaints, tennis and golfer's elbow, calcific shoulder, as well as myofascial trigger points and muscle tension.
- Neurologically, it is used for polyneuropathies, Parkinson's, MS, dystonias, paralysis, spasticity, and much more.
Focused Ultrasound Shockwaves – fESWT
fESWT is related to TPS and uses a directed ultrasound pulse that penetrates deep into tissue painlessly, stimulating regeneration there — particularly stem cell activation and new blood vessel formation — while simultaneously reducing inflammation and triggering a range of regenerative effects.
fESWT is applied mainly to the spine or peripherally (hands, feet), with a focus on chronic progressive multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, myelitis, and similar conditions, as well as polyneuropathy, post-operative thoracic pain, and CRPS following spinal surgery.
The treatment is non-invasive and completely painless, like all therapies at the SOZO Brain Center.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TPS treatment painful?
The treatment methods used in our practice are generally painless or only mildly uncomfortable. The developer of the therapy, Prof. Wolfgang Schaden (Head of the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Shockwave Research), reports that 17,000 treatments were performed as part of the device approval process, without a single side effect occurring.
How many sessions do I need?
Depending on the severity of the condition, you will need 5 to 7 sessions at our practice, followed by individualized home treatment.
Request an appointment now:
Tel. +43 1 928 4446
Interesting Case Studies
Learn about case studies we have documented at our SOZO center in Cyprus.
Go to the "Case Studies" page.
Treatment Process
Treatment begins with a neurological diagnostic assessment, followed by intensive therapy at our Brain Center Vienna and subsequent home therapy. Learn more on the page: "Treatment Process".
Conditions we treat
Would you like to learn more about the conditions we treat and scientific research about the neuromodulation methods?
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