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mPNS for Knee Osteoarthritis

mPNS for Knee Osteoarthritis

Chronic pain in the shoulder, neck, or back is persistent pain lasting months or longer that limits movement and quality of life. mPNS (magnetic peripheral nerve stimulation) is a noninvasive neuromodulation therapy that targets peripheral nerves to reduce pain and restore function.

What is knee osteoarthritis and how it works

Knee Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease of the knee characterized by progressive cartilage loss, bone remodeling, synovial inflammation, and changes in surrounding ligaments and muscles.

Pathophysiology: Mechanical stress, cartilage breakdown, subchondral bone changes, and inflammatory mediators lead to altered joint biomechanics and sensitization of peripheral nerves that transmit pain

Common symptoms

  • Persistent or activity-related knee pain (aching, sharp, or burning)
  • Morning stiffness or stiffness after periods of inactivity
  • Reduced range of motion and difficulty bending or straightening the knee
  • Swelling, crepitus (grinding), and episodes of instability or buckling
  • Pain with walking, climbing stairs, standing from a seated position, or squatting

Statistics and prevalence

Knee OA is one of the most common types of osteoarthritis worldwide. Prevalence increases with age, obesity, prior joint injury, and certain occupations. Many population studies report a significant portion of adults over 50 show radiographic or symptomatic knee OA; symptomatic OA prevalence is lower than radiographic changes but remains a leading cause of disability in older adults

How knee OA affects daily life

Limits mobility and independence — walking, climbing stairs, household tasks, and recreational activities become difficult

Reduces exercise tolerance and may lead to deconditioning and weight gain, which worsen symptoms  

Interferes with work, social activities, sleep, and overall quality of life

Emotional impact: frustration, anxiety, and reduced participation in valued activities

Common treatment options

Self-management and lifestyle

Weight loss, low-impact aerobic exercise, and strength training (quadriceps/hip muscles)

Activity modification and assistive devices (canes, braces)

Conservative medical care:

Physical therapy, exercise programs, and targeted manual therapy

Analgesics and NSAIDs for short-term symptom control (use under clinician guidance)

Topical NSAIDs, acetaminophen, or topical analgesics for localized relief

Intra-articular injections (corticosteroid for short-term relief; hyaluronic acid in select patients)  

Interventional options

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or other orthobiologic injections (variable evidence)

Viscosupplementation, nerve blocks, radiofrequency ablation for selected patients  

Advanced Interventions / Multidisciplinary

Knee arthroplasty (partial or total) for end-stage disease with severe pain or functional limitation

What is mPNS and how it works

mPNS delivers focused magnetic pulses over peripheral nerves that innervate the knee region to modulate pain signaling non-invasively.

Mechanism: Magnetic stimulation alters peripheral nerve excitability and reduces peripheral and central sensitization that contribute to chronic OA pain. By interrupting maladaptive pain signaling, mPNS can lower pain intensity and improve neuromuscular function without systemic drugs or injections.

How mPNS can help knee osteoarthritis

Targeted pain reduction that can enhance participation in rehabilitation and exercise programs

Improved walking tolerance, range of motion, and functional performance when combined with physical therapy

Low systemic side-effect profile compared with long-term oral medications

Non-invasive alternative or adjunct for patients seeking to delay or avoid injections or surgery

Typical treatment course and what to expect

    • Clinical evaluation to confirm OA diagnosis, identify contributing factors, and screen for contraindications (e.g., certain implanted electronic devices).
    • mPNS is delivered in a series of brief outpatient sessions; protocols differ by clinic.
    • Many patients report gradual pain reduction and improved function over days to weeks, especially when mPNS is paired with exercise and weight-management strategies. Side effects are uncommon and usually mild (temporary local discomfort).

Who may benefit

Patients with symptomatic knee OA who have incomplete relief from conservative care or who want a non-invasive adjunct to improve pain and function.

Candidates must be screened by a clinician for suitability and contraindications

mPNS for knee osteoarthritis : Quick FAQ

Most patients find the stimulation tolerable; sensations are typically mild

Many notice gradual improvement over days–weeks; individual results vary.

No — mPNS is an adjunctive therapy and does not preclude surgery if needed later.

Schedule an evaluation

Consult your orthopedic or our specialist to see if mPNS is appropriate for your knee osteoarthritis and to develop a personalized treatment plan.

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