Electrophysical Therapies for Musculoskeletal Disorders

Electrophysical therapies encompass a range of non-invasive modalities that utilise electrical, electromagnetic or photonic energy to modulate biological tissues for the relief of pain, reduction of inflammation and promotion of tissue repair. Common approaches include radiofrequency diathermy, capacitive–resistive electric transfer and high-intensity laser therapy. These methods operate through both thermal effects—where deep heating enhances circulation and metabolic activity—and non-thermal mechanisms, such as modulation of cell membrane permeability, activation of ion channels and influence on inflammatory mediators. Applications span chronic low back pain, tendinopathies, myofascial syndromes and post-surgical rehabilitation. By improving microcirculation, promoting collagen synthesis and providing analgesia, electrophysical therapies serve as adjuncts to exercise, manual therapy and pharmacological management. Growing evidence supports their role in accelerating recovery, enhancing function in athletes and reducing reliance on systemic analgesics, underscoring their global clinical significance.

Research from Nature Portfolio

Recent clinical evaluations of pulsed monopolar radiofrequency diathermy have demonstrated significant improvement in disability, pain intensity and quality of life among patients with chronic low back pain after a brief course of treatment. Deep heating generated by high-frequency currents yielded sustained benefits in physical function, social participation and sleep quality. In parallel, cadaveric investigations of capacitive–resistive electric transfer therapy applied to the knee have elucidated how low- and high-power protocols differentially affect capsular and intra-articular temperatures as well as current flow. High-power applications achieved pronounced temperature elevations in joint structures, suggesting tailored protocols might optimise therapeutic heating in chronic versus acute inflammatory settings.

Electrophysical Therapies for Musculoskeletal Disorders publication trend

The graph below shows the total number of articles in electrophysical therapies for musculoskeletal disorders across all publications each year (not limited to Nature Index journals).

Technical terms

Radiofrequency diathermy: Application of high-frequency alternating currents to generate deep tissue heating for therapeutic effects.

Capacitive–resistive electric transfer (CRET): A diathermy technique using alternating current through capacitive and resistive electrodes to modulate tissue temperature and perfusion.

High-intensity laser therapy (HILT): Use of concentrated laser light to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation and provide analgesia via photobiomodulation.

Microcirculation: The flow of blood through the smallest vessels, critical for nutrient delivery, waste removal and healing processes.

Thermal effects: Tissue responses arising from heat generation, including vasodilation, increased metabolism and pain threshold elevation.

References

1. Effects of monopolar pulsed-capacitive dielectric radiofrequency diathermy in patients with chronic low back pain: a randomised clinical trial. Scientific Reports (2024).
2. Thermal and non-thermal effects of capacitive–resistive electric transfer application on different structures of the knee: a cadaveric study. Scientific Reports (2020).
3. Does the Application of Tecar Therapy Affect Temperature and Perfusion of Skin and Muscle Microcirculation? A Pilot Feasibility Study on Healthy Subjects. Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine (2019).
4. TECAR Therapy Associated with High-Intensity Laser Therapy (Hilt) and Manual Therapy in the Treatment of Muscle Disorders: A Literature Review on the Theorised Effects Supporting Their Use. Journal of Clinical Medicine (2022).
5. Effects of Transfer Energy Capacitive and Resistive On Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis :. Galen Medical Journal (2022).