Welcome back to another post from the ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST – where we bring out real research in a way everyone can understand. Whether you're 14 or 70, we want to make science feel less like a textbook and more like a helpful, curious friend.
In this post, we explore a scientific letter written by five physical therapy experts who strongly believe that electrotherapy (yes — the kind of technology behind EMS and TENS) might actually help reduce neck pain — even though some clinical guidelines have dismissed it too quickly.
At the end of this post, you’ll find a link to the full article, so if you’re into collecting research papers, checking facts, or diving deeper, we’ve got you covered.
🧠 ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST Q&A SUMMARY
📌 Who Did This Research and When?
This research was a published Letter to the Editor written by five physical therapy researchers in 2018. They reviewed and challenged the conclusions of a big clinical guideline that said electrotherapy doesn’t help neck pain.
🌎 Which Country and Institution?
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🇧🇷 Brazil (Federal University of São Carlos, State University of Campinas, and Federal University of São Paulo)
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🇺🇸 USA (University of Indianapolis, Indiana)
These universities are respected for their work in physical therapy and rehabilitation science.
🧑🔬 How Prestigious Are They?
All five authors are specialists in physical therapy with experience in research and clinical teaching. Their institutions are known for research in movement and recovery science.
💰 Who Funded This Research?
This was not a paid project. It was an academic contribution to correct what the researchers believed was a misunderstanding in a popular guideline.
❓ What Is This Research Specifically About?
It’s a response to a guideline that told physiotherapists not to use electrotherapy for neck pain.
These researchers reviewed the same studies and argued the opposite: there is some helpful evidence, especially when it comes to:
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TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)
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EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)
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Ultra-reiz (a form of TENS)
They say electrotherapy might help reduce neck pain, especially right after treatment for people with chronic pain, whiplash, or muscle tightness (myofascial pain).
👥 Who Was This Study Done On?
The original research they reviewed involved real patients with:
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Chronic neck pain
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Whiplash
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Myofascial pain syndrome (pain in tight muscles)
These are common issues in everyday people — from people who work long hours at a desk to older adults with stiff necks.
🔬 Which Research Method Was Used?
They reviewed several Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) — the gold standard in medical research — and discussed their results clearly.
✅ WHAT DID THEY FIND?
The authors found that TENS and EMS-type therapy can help some people with neck pain feel better, at least for a short while.
Here are some highlights:
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✅ TENS reduced pain for whiplash and chronic neck pain in some trials
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✅ EMS was found helpful for trigger point pain
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✅ One study showed Ultra-reiz (a type of TENS) worked better than ice, exercise, and advice alone
📊 Specific Data That Supports These Findings:
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In one trial, TENS helped more than placebo in chronic myofascial neck pain
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Another found Ultra-reiz current reduced whiplash pain better than ice and home exercises
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EMS helped relieve trigger point pain when applied right after treatment
Although the studies were small, real people experienced real relief after these treatments.
💡 Why EMS Could Be Helpful for Neck Pain
Electric stimulation:
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Helps muscles relax
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May block pain signals
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Encourages better blood flow
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Supports areas that feel stiff, sore, or tired
That’s why many people feel better after using it — but it’s always best used with guidance.
🙌 How This Might Help ORIEMS FIT Users
This study suggests that EMS (and similar devices like TENS) might help relieve muscle tension and discomfort, especially in the neck. For Oriems Fit users dealing with stiffness, long work hours, or age-related soreness, this could support a more comfortable daily routine.
📘 Original Research Paper
Original Name:
Low-Level Laser Therapy and Electrotherapy for Neck Pain: Letter to the Editor
Authors:
Érika Patrícia Rampazo, James W. Bellew, Carlos Eduardo Pinfildi, Ricardo Luís Salvaterra Guerra, Richard Eloin Liebano
Link to Study:
Link to original study (PDF)
This link goes to Oxford University Press’s journal platform, a trusted source for physical therapy and medical research. You can download the original article or bookmark it for your own reading.
🧭 About ORIEMS FIT RESEARCH DIGEST
At Oriems Fit, we love sharing real research that sparks curiosity. Our mission is simple:
Make health and science easy to understand — and a little more fun.
We know you’re not here to read boring textbooks. You just want to know what works, what doesn’t, and why people say EMS is helpful. So we read the science, simplify it, and share it with you. That way, you can decide for yourself.
🗣️ What Do You Think?
Have you ever tried EMS for neck pain or soreness?
Did it help you feel better, or did you notice something interesting?
💬 Leave a comment and let us know your experience — your voice might help someone else too.
⚠️ Disclaimer
This blog post is for informational and recreational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
For full details on our disclaimer, visit:
https://oriems.fit/blogs/research-digest/disclaimer
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