Electromagnetic fields as a non-invasive alternative therapy for the treatment of musculoskeletal diseases

Abstract

This review article elucidates the application and viability of electromagnetic fields as therapy and rehabilitation method for the treatment of musculoskeletal pathologies. All studies were found in different databases such as Science Direct, Scielo, IEEE, ProQuest, Pubmed, among others, where the search for information contemplated a period of 5 years (2016-2020). Results evidenced that electromagnetic fields used to treat musculoskeletal conditions showed positive results and improvements in reducing chronic and acute pain in different musculoskeletal pathologies such as osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, nonunions, fractures, fibromyalgia, muscular system injuries, among others. It was possible to evidence that one of the most used magnetic treatments were pulsed electromagnetic fields, which have been implemented to treat joint, muscle and nervous diseases. Additionally, several devices to generate the magnetic stimulation have been designed with a therapeutic and rehabilitation approach, which elucidate the progress in the implementation and acceptance of this type of therapeutic alternatives to treat musculoskeletal conditions. Finally, magnetic stimulation has been also implemented to enhance biomaterials function, evidencing that scaffolds stimulated with electromagnetic fields improve musculoskeletal tissue regeneration.

Clinical Impact of Thermotherapy and Spinal Twisting Massage on Chronic Non-Specific Spinal Pain

“…Also, the experimental group showed a greater increase compared to the control group, although the difference was not statistically significant. Similar to previous studies that demonstrated the efficacy of thermal massage devices in relieving pain and improving mood and stress [ 17 , 18 ], the present study also confirmed the effectiveness of applying heat and spinal twist massage for alleviating pain and enhancing functional outcomes in patients with chronic non-specific spinal pain [ 17 , 18 , 19 , 21 , 22 ]. Remarkably, the outcomes demonstrated a greater effect of heat and spinal twist massage in comparison to earlier studies that employed traditional heat or basic vibration massage.…”

“…Additionally, research conducted by Lee et al found that one month of STMD usage positively impacted depression and stress reduction [ 17 ]. Several other studies have also examined non-invasive and alternative treatments [ 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ], highlighting the need for comprehensive clinical trials to establish STMDs’ wide-ranging efficacy on pain relief, functional mobility, and overall spinal health across diverse patient populations. This research bridges the gap between innovative technology and practical, accessible healthcare solutions, promising a future where spinal pain can be managed more effectively, safely, and economically.…”

Multidisciplinary and Nonpharmacological Management of Pain in Temporomandibular Disorders (TMDs)

“…The stimulation scheme, different ranges of frequencies, and application of various time stimulation mean that there is no standardized protocol in which ways of stimulation are the most appropriate to be able to treat a specific pathology. Even though studies described in this review showed positive results in treatment of musculoskeletal diseases, there is a need to carry out a standardization of the magnetic stimulation parameters application so that they are implemented in a regulated way at the clinical level [ 48 ].…”

Comparative Study of Pharmaceutical, Herbal Medicine, and Low-Value Alternating Electromagnetic Radiation as Anti-Malaria Treatment

“…The results confirm that some electromagnetic-based methods can have a niche role in the treatment and diagnostics of malaria infections. EMF is also very useful in certain conditions, such as bone healing, cancer treatment, neurological conditions, and diathermy (Mattsson, & Simkó, 2019;Vaca-González, 2022).…”