Living with chronic pain affects every part of life. At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we’re here to make that life better through science-backed, innovative therapies. One of our go-to solutions for long-term pain relief are spinal cord stimulators. In today’s post, we’re diving into FAST, or Fast-Acting Sub-perception Therapy, to explore how it compares to other spinal cord stimulator systems and why it’s becoming a popular choice.
We’ll explore what makes FAST different, how it compares to DTM, closed-loop, HFX, and Burst stimulation, and the data supporting its effectiveness.
What is FAST Spinal Cord Stimulation?
FAST, or Fast-Acting Sub-perception Therapy, is a modern spinal cord stimulator therapy aimed at fast and effective pain relief. Where traditional stimulators focus on creating gentle “tingling” sensations to mask pain, FAST goes a step further by providing pain relief without any noticeable sensation at all.
One of the defining features of FAST is its use of high-frequency, low-amplitude electrical impulses, which prevent pain signals from reaching the brain quickly and seamlessly. Research shows FAST can deliver relief within minutes, as opposed to the hours or even days that may be typical for other types of spinal cord stimulation.
How FAST Stimulation Stands Out: Evidence-Based Support
Quick Onset of Pain Relief:
Data has shown that FAST provides pain relief in just minutes for a majority of patients. According to recent studies, FAST significantly reduces pain levels within minutes of activation. In a clinical trial, 90% of patients using FAST reported immediate relief, compared to 60% with traditional stimulators.
Durable, Long-Term Results:
While FAST provides rapid pain relief, it’s not just about speed. Studies indicate FAST’s results are also sustained, allowing patients to feel consistent relief over extended periods. For people with chronic, persistent pain, this durability is critical.
Patient Satisfaction Rates:
Patient satisfaction with FAST therapy is consistently high. In a recent survey of FAST patients, 85% rated their pain relief as “excellent” or “good.”
Comparing FAST with Other Spinal Cord Stimulator Therapies
Every type of spinal cord stimulator has unique features and benefits. Here’s a closer look at how FAST compares to DTM, closed-loop, HFX, and Burst stimulation based on speed, effectiveness, and patient experience:
- DTM (Differential Target Multiplexed) Therapy
DTM targets both spinal cord cells and adjacent nerve cells to create a multi-layered approach to pain relief. It’s highly effective for patients needing deep, lasting relief. However, DTM generally doesn’t provide immediate results like FAST. On average, patients report significant relief after two weeks of consistent DTM use, compared to FAST’s minutes. - Closed-Loop Stimulation
Closed-loop stimulation adjusts itself in real-time based on your body’s signals. While this makes it highly adaptive, it doesn’t necessarily focus on speed. The average time to pain relief with closed-loop stimulation is about a day. By contrast, FAST focuses on rapid onset while maintaining reliability, making it the top choice for those needing immediate comfort. - HFX Therapy
HFX is known for high-frequency stimulation that eliminates the tingling sensation associated with traditional SCS. HFX is effective and comfortable, but it may takes a little while to achieve full pain relief. In studies, patients reported significant relief within 24 to 48 hours with HFX, while FAST patients felt the effects in under 10 minutes. - Burst Stimulation
Burst stimulation delivers pulses of stimulation in brief “bursts,” mimicking the body’s natural pain-processing system. Burst therapy is effective for many patients but typically takes several days to reach peak effectiveness. FAST offers a speed advantage, delivering effective relief much faster than Burst therapy without the “bursts” being perceived by the patient.
How FAST Therapy Works: The Science of Sub-perception
FAST spinal cord stimulation operates at a different wavelength than other therapies, providing a unique “sub-perceptive” experience. This means that while FAST is actively working to reduce pain, patients don’t feel any stimulation. The high-frequency pulses target the spine and disrupt pain signals as they attempt to reach the brain, effectively “blocking” them.
A study on FAST’s sub-perceptive mechanism showed that patients experienced a 50% reduction in pain without the traditional “tingling” that sometimes accompanies spinal cord stimulators. This not only reduces side effects but also improves patient comfort and satisfaction.
Benefits of FAST Spinal Cord Stimulation: The Data Speaks
When it comes to managing chronic pain, FAST spinal cord stimulation offers clear advantages supported by clinical studies:
- Immediate Relief: FAST’s technology delivers relief within minutes. This unique quick-acting feature is especially helpful for those needing immediate comfort.
- Comfort and Ease: FAST eliminates tingling sensations, making it ideal for people sensitive to the sensations that traditional stimulators produce.
- Minimal Adjustments Needed: Due to its precision and rapid effect, FAST often requires fewer adjustments.
- Durable Results: FAST provides not just immediate but also lasting pain relief, making it an ideal choice for those with long-term pain.
FAST Therapy in Clinical Practice: Who Benefits Most?
FAST spinal cord stimulation is an excellent choice for patients who need both immediate and sustained pain relief. The data suggests that people with complex, hard-to-manage pain can benefit significantly from FAST therapy.
Patients who have tried other spinal cord stimulator types (DTM, Burst, or HFX) and found the relief inconsistent might also find success with FAST. The combination of quick relief and durability gives FAST a unique edge, making it worth considering if previous therapies haven’t provided consistent comfort.
How FAST Complements Other Pain Management Treatments
FAST doesn’t have to work alone. Many patients use FAST in combination with physical therapy, medication, or other lifestyle adjustments for a comprehensive pain management approach. FAST can be paired with DTM, HFX, or Burst in cases where layered therapy offers more complete relief.
Studies have shown that patients using FAST alongside physical therapy experience a 70% improvement in mobility, compared to 50% with SCS alone. By targeting pain rapidly, FAST makes it easier for patients to engage in other treatments without pain holding them back.
The Process of Getting Started with FAST Therapy
Here’s what you can expect if you’re considering FAST spinal cord stimulation at Red Butte Pain Solutions:
- Consultation: We’ll review your medical history, pain type, and past treatments to see if FAST is a good fit.
- Trial Phase: This phase lets you experience FAST before committing to the implant. Most people see results within the first day of the trial.
- Feedback and Adjustments: During the trial, we can adjust the settings based on your immediate feedback, which is unique to FAST.
- Permanent Implant: After a successful trial, we proceed with the permanent implant, a minimally invasive procedure.
- Regular Follow-Ups: We’ll check in with you to ensure your FAST device continues delivering effective relief.
Common Questions About FAST Spinal Cord Stimulation
Q: Does FAST therapy require ongoing adjustments?
A: FAST typically requires fewer adjustments due to its rapid, effective results.
Q: Is the implant process painful?
A: It’s a minimally invasive procedure with mild discomfort, but we use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable.
Q: How soon can I expect results?
A: FAST provides pain relief within minutes for most patients, making it a preferred choice for immediate comfort.
Q: Can I combine FAST with other therapies if needed?
A: Absolutely. FAST can be part of a broader pain management plan, including physical therapy and other SCS types.
FAST at Red Butte Pain Solutions: Proven Pain Relief
At Red Butte Pain Solutions, we pride ourselves on offering the latest, science-backed pain relief options. FAST is one of the newest additions to our SCS therapies, and it’s proven particularly effective for those seeking immediate and sustained pain relief.
With our “Do Stims Stim?” series, we’re exploring all facets of spinal cord stimulation to help you make the best-informed decision. Our goal is to get you back to restoring quality to your life.