Dr. Stephanie Barrett, one of Europe’s leading rheumatologists with more than 20 years consultant-grade experience, is pioneering the use of innovative neuromodulation technology to treat fibromyalgia and chronic musculoskeletal pain, marking the first time this approach has been available in a UK rheumatology clinic according to The BrainWave Clinic.
Based at The London Clinic on Harley Street, London, The BrainWave Clinic says it has a clear mission: to help people suffering from chronic pain or fatigue find lasting relief. Dr. Barrett and her team use Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) therapy and advanced functional supplements to restore healthy physiological function and improve patient outcomes.
Dr. Barrett, who gained national recognition as one of the medical experts on BBC 2’s Diagnosis Detectives said: “We’re transforming lives. Our neuromodulation technology provides an entirely new, clinically proven, and non-invasive option for treating chronic pain – and the results have been dramatic.
“More than 93% of our patients report improvements in their symptoms, with many able to reduce or stop medications that cause adverse side effects. An impressive 45% of fibromyalgia patients have achieved complete remission, a remarkable outcome that is rarely seen with other treatments.”
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been especially devastating for fibromyalgia patients, with many experiencing a significant worsening of their symptoms. Some who were managing their condition before COVID have become bed-bound, underscoring the urgent need for effective treatment options like rTMS.
The treatment works by using electromagnetic pulses to target specific brain networks that are overactive in patients with fibromyalgia. These networks process pain and sensory information, and by resetting pain thresholds, rTMS treats the root cause of chronic pain rather than simply masking the symptoms.
Rebekah, an early patient at The BrainWave Clinic said: “Before starting rTMS at The BrainWave Clinic, I was in the midst of a severe fibromyalgia flare-up that made day-to-day life incredibly difficult. Simple tasks like playing with my children or doing housework were almost impossible, and by the end of the day, my hands would seize up completely. I felt like I was failing as a mother and couldn’t participate in family activities, which was devastating for me.
“The moment Dr. Barrett told me, ‘We have a treatment for you,’ I burst into tears. It was the first time anyone had ever said my fibromyalgia was treatable, rather than just something I had to manage. Since starting rTMS, the developments have been life-changing. I can now play with my children, volunteer at my son’s school, and participate in activities that were unthinkable before. My pain has decreased, my energy levels have improved, and I no longer have to say, ‘I can’t do this because mummy is sick.’ This treatment has given me my life back.”
The safety and efficacy of rTMS have been well established in treating psychiatric disorders such as depression and anxiety. Dr. Barrett introduced this method in the UK to treat non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain, providing relief for patients who have not responded to traditional treatments. Studies have consistently demonstrated the effectiveness of rTMS in significantly reducing pain in fibromyalgia patients.
While rTMS is already recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) for depression, Dr. Barrett says she believes it’s only a matter of time before it’s widely adopted for chronic pain treatment as well. The BrainWave Clinic also complements rTMS therapy with advanced supplements to address nutritional deficiencies and further support the body’s recovery and healing processes.
Dr. Barrett added: “Chronic pain affects millions in the UK, and many feel like they’ve exhausted all options to alleviate their suffering. It’s been my life’s work to help people in these circumstances and, at The BrainWave Clinic, we can finally offer hope for long-term relief.”
Dr. Barrett has been a leading voice in rheumatology for decades. In addition to her clinical work, she is a former President of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Rheumatology section and is a highly regarded educator and researcher. She has been featured in all of Tatler’s “250 Top Doctors” guides, and she regularly lectures internationally.
Dr. Barrett’s expertise extends to osteoporosis treatments, hypermobility, inflammatory joint diseases, and her ongoing research in conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS) and fibromyalgia. She was also featured on BBC 2’s Diagnosis Detectives, where she helped diagnose a patient with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, a condition often linked to fibromyalgia.
“Our goal at The BrainWave Clinic is to offer the most advanced, safe, and effective treatment options for chronic pain sufferers who have been let down by conventional approaches,” Dr. Barrett added.
