With the economics of medical care and the history of electrotherapeutics firmly in mind, one should seek treatments that are efficient and effective. There is no question that relief of the symptom of pain must be a primary focus of treatment, whether or not a specific pathology is known. Electric devices may be justifiably used for their placebo effects, if the cost is reasonable, because side effects are minor and infrequent. Research shows specific neurochemical effects of several electrotherapeutic devices, supporting the notion that specific therapeutic effects exist in addition to placebo effects. Passage of time and further research will determine which of the current techniques and devices will find their way into future similar articles or monographs.