If you have been researching treatments for depression, anxious depression, or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), you may have heard of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) therapy. At Synergy Strive, we offer this non-invasive treatment to our patients in Columbia, Towson, and Silver Spring.
You may be wondering what you can expect from the process. Let us go over the treatment steps to help you with understanding the TMS therapy timeline.
Before starting non-invasive TMS treatment, you will have a consultation with an expert therapist at one of our locations in Maryland: Columbia, Towson, and Silver Spring. During this visit, we will discuss your medical history, symptoms, and medications. We will also review how the NeuroStar Advanced TMS procedure works and answer your questions. After the consultation, you will leave with information on what to expect during your upcoming sessions so you are familiar with the timeline for TMS therapy.
During your first TMS session, our therapist will “map” the exact area of your brain that we will target with the magnetic pulses. We do this by placing the NeuroStar magnetic coil against your head and identifying the ideal location and intensity for your treatment. Your therapist will mark this spot on your cap, and you will wear the cap for your subsequent sessions.
At Synergy Strive, licensed TMS technicians administer our NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy at our clinic as part of a multi-session course. We base the number of sessions as well as the duration of each session on your treatment plan. A session can be as short as 19 minutes, administered about five times per week for roughly seven weeks.
Regardless of the exact details, your experience will be personalized, with a compassionate, dedicated team member ensuring your comfort. Here is what to expect at each session:
Since TMS is non-invasive, you can go about your normal activities immediately afterwards—whether that is heading to work, exercising, or spending time with family.
Throughout the duration of your TMS therapy, our team will closely monitor your progress and adjust your treatment plan based on how you respond to the therapy. Many of our patients start noticing improvements in their mood and energy levels around the fourth week of treatment, some even earlier. By the end of the treatment course, many of our patients experience significant relief from their symptoms.
After you complete your magnetic stimulation therapy at Synergy Strive, our care team will work with you to determine if follow-up is necessary. Mood disorders are complex conditions, and every patient’s journey is unique—so we want to make sure you find lasting relief. We will also advise you on lifestyle changes that can help you maintain your results. Our practice offers a compassionate, holistic approach that ensures you feel supported every step of the way and clearly understand the timeline for TMS therapy.
If you have been struggling with mood disorders but have not found relief through traditional treatment, TMS therapy may be a good option for you. At Synergy Strive, we use NeuroStar Advanced TMS therapy to help patients with mood disorders regain control and find balance.
A consultation is the first step to find out how TMS therapy may help you with your mood disorder. Give us a call today so we can help you with understanding the TMS therapy timeline.
