Chronic pain is stealing lives. It drains energy, ruins sleep, and costs billions every year.
But here is the real question: Are all electrical stimulation devices the same?
A major 2023 comparative review published in Pain and Therapy asked exactly that.
And the answer may surprise you.
What Did This Study Examine?
The full research paper is titled:
“Do Electrical Stimulation Devices Reduce Pain and Improve Function? — A Comparative Review.”
Published 2023. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-023-00554-6
The researchers reviewed 13 different forms of electrical stimulation (ES) used worldwide.
They compared:
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Pain reduction
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Functional improvement
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Medication reduction
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Quality of evidence
Not marketing claims.
Not brand hype.
Actual clinical data.
The Big Discovery
Many electrical devices exist.
But most of them have low-quality evidence.
The review clearly stated:
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TENS, the most commonly used device, showed insignificant or very low improvement in pain and function.
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Many other devices lacked strong long-term data.
However…
Two categories stood out for functional rehabilitation:
1️⃣ NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)
2️⃣ FES (Functional Electrical Stimulation)
And within broader ES forms, muscle-targeting stimulation showed stronger evidence than nerve-only stimulation.
So Where Does EMS Fit In?
EMS stands for Electrical Muscle Stimulation.
It stimulates muscles directly, causing controlled contractions.
What is EMS good for?
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Activating weak or underused muscles
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Preventing disuse atrophy
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Supporting rehabilitation
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Improving circulation
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Assisting functional recovery
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Supporting muscle engagement when natural activation is limited
Unlike TENS, which mainly targets nerves for temporary pain masking,
EMS works deeper — at the muscle level.
That difference matters.
Pain often reduces function because muscles weaken or shut down.
EMS addresses the muscle itself.
That is why muscle-based stimulation (NMES/FES/EMS family) demonstrated more functional impact than nerve-only stimulation like TENS
Why This Matters For Australians
Chronic pain affects up to 40% of adults globally.
Opioids carry serious risks.
The review emphasised the urgent need for safer, non-drug options
Electrical muscle stimulation represents a non-pharmacological approach that may:
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Support muscle activation
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Improve functional outcomes
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Reduce reliance on medications (depending on device type and condition)
That is why the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST exists.
We analyse real peer-reviewed science.
We simplify it.
We always link to the original study.
No secrets.
No hidden sources.
Study Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Study Name | Do Electrical Stimulation Devices Reduce Pain and Improve Function? — A Comparative Review |
| Authors | Christian B. Allen, Tyler K. Williamson, Stephen M. Norwood, Ashim Gupta |
| Institutions | University of the Incarnate Word (USA), University of Texas Health San Antonio (USA), Future Biologics (USA/India), Regenerative Orthopaedics (India) |
| Country of Researchers | United States, India |
| Published In | Pain and Therapy (Springer Nature) |
| Publisher Country | Switzerland / Germany (Springer Nature) |
| Publication Year | 2023 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-023-00554-6 |
| Study Type | Comparative scoping review (2000–2023 literature) |
| Databases Used | PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library |
| Forms of ES Reviewed | 13 different electrical stimulation types |
| Main Findings | Most ES forms lack strong evidence; NMES & FES supported for rehabilitation; TENS showed low or insignificant improvement |
| Pain Reduction Evidence | Limited for many forms; TENS minimal; stronger evidence in muscle-based rehabilitation contexts |
| Function Improvement Evidence | Stronger in muscle activation technologies (NMES/FES) |
| Medication Reduction | Some ES forms associated with reduced medication use |
| Funding | No direct study funding; publication fee funded by Electronic Waveform Lab |
| Conflict of Interest | Two authors consultants for ES manufacturer |
| Original Study Link | https://doi.org/10.1007/s40122-023-00554-6 |
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Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only.
It summarises published scientific research.
ORIEMS FIT does not claim to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Results from electrical muscle stimulation may vary between individuals.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any therapy.
ORIEMS FIT is not affiliated with or endorsed by the authors or publishers of the referenced study.
