Transcutaneous spinal neuromodulation (TSN) is an exciting, non-surgical treatment that has the potential to help people with cerebral palsy move more freely. After joining the Clinical Advances in Spinal Neuromodulation Summit—led by Dr. Reggie Edgerton (the modern father of this field) and paediatric physiotherapy expert Dr. Susan Hastings—the StarPhysio team came away energised about what TSN could mean for so many families.
What is TSN?
TSN uses gentle electrical currents placed on the skin over the spine—no surgery or implants needed. Think of it as “waking up” the spinal cord to help signals from the brain travel more effectively to muscles, boosting movement and coordination. When used alongside exercises and ongoing rehab, TSN acts a bit like an amplifier, helping the nervous system build better connections and retrain itself faster.
Effective for all ages and stages
What’s incredibly promising is that real improvements have been seen in just a few months, across different ages and levels of severity. People with cerebral palsy are experiencing better control, less spasticity, and more independence. Plus, TSN seems to make other therapeutics more effective.
It could be a game-changer, but it is still new
All of this makes TSN one of the most significant breakthroughs in cerebral palsy treatment this decade. But it’s still early days, and researchers, including our summit leaders, encourage cautious optimism. There’s a lot to learn as more families and clinics try this approach and share their progress.
Why does this matter for you
StarPhysio is staying right at the frontline of these medical advances, working closely with leaders like Dr. Edgerton and Dr. Hastings to ensure we’re ready to offer the safest and most effective care available. By staying connected to the experts, we can pass along up-to-date knowledge and treatment options that our families can trust.
TSN might just be a true turning point for managing spasticity and unlocking hidden potential in movement for people with cerebral palsy—all without surgery or significant risks