Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS), also known as Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS), is a non-invasive therapeutic method that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate peripheral nerves, offering effective pain relief and support in post-stroke rehabilitation. It is also effective in alleviating pain associated with conditions such as migraines and fibromyalgia.

Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation works transcutaneously; it is similar in principle to transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which targets the brain (central nervous system), but transcutaneous magnetic stimulation focuses on peripheral areas of the body (e.g., limbs or spinal nerves). As a non-invasive, painless treatment, PMS utilizes time-varying magnetic fields delivered through a magnetic coil to modulate activity in the peripheral nervous system, specifically targeting sensorimotor nerve fibers. Since the pulses are delivered repeatedly, this can be referred to as repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS). Although mPNS targets nerves outside the brain and spinal cord, it can still affect the central nervous system by altering how pain signals are processed and transmitted. Consequently, repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation helps managing peripheral pain and improve nerve and muscle function.

How Magnetic Energy Targets Nerves to Reduce Pain?

Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) works by delivering focused magnetic pulses to specific nerves. These pulses induce electric fields in nerve tissues, altering their excitability. This modulation helps [normalize the transmission of pain signals to the brain. By adjusting neural activity in this way, magnetic nerve stimulation alleviates both chronic and acute pain conditions, often where other methods have failed.

Peripheral Magnetic Stimulation (PMS) is an emerging modality in clinical practice for the management of diverse pain conditions, including:

• myofascial pain syndrome
• neuropathic pain
• postoperative pain
• axial pain
• lumbar radiculopathy
• postoperative pain
• post-traumatic musculoskeletal pain
• migraine
• fibromyalgia

Although mPNS is widely known for chronic pain management, its benefits extend to neurological and post-traumatic rehabilitation, including:

• Limb paresis after stroke – reactivating neuro-muscular connections
• Spasticity post spinal cord injury – reducing muscle tension and improves mobility
• Frozen shoulder syndrome – accelerating recovery of joint function
• Post-fracture and orthopaedic surgery rehabilitation – relieving pain and enhances blood circulation

Through enhanced sensory and motor transmission observed after PMS can be used in neurorehabilitation protocols. It shows potential in addressing impaired motor control, which often coexists with chronic pain and neuromuscular dysfunction.

• FDA Approved – Validated for safety and effectiveness.
• Comfortable – No need for electrodes or skin penetration.
• Highly Effective – Up to 87% pain reduction.
• Non-invasive – No surgery or recovery time.
• Drug-free – Avoids side effects of medications.
• Safe – No risk of addiction or systemic side effects.
• Reduces Opioid Use – Demonstrated 58.3% reduction in opioid intake.

Patients suffering from various neurological conditions can be treated by mPNS therapy.

Who Might Benefit from This Treatment

Patients experiencing acute and chronic pain or those in need of post-stroke neurological rehabilitation may benefit significantly from mPNS therapy.

What are the Contraindications for mPNS Treatment?

Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation (mPNS) is non-invasive and safe. However, there are a few contraindications to this therapy, which should be individually assessed by a physician during the qualification visit.

Contraindications include:

• Presence of metallic implants on the side of the stimulation (e.g., pacemakers, cochlear implants, or metal clips near the stimulation site)
• Active infections or open wounds near the treatment area

Factors to be considered on a case-by-case basis:

• Pregnancy, especially in the first trimester
• Epilepsy, a history of seizures
• Bleeding disorders/anticoagulation

It is essential that each patient undergoes a thorough medical evaluation to ensure the suitability and safety of mPNS therapy in their specific case.

Significant Pain Reduction Shown in Clinical Trials

Studies such as Bedder & Parker (2023) and Leung et al. (2014) show that responding patients experienced significant pain relief, often after only a few sessions - with an average pain reduction of 87%. Importantly, the benefits frequently last for at least three months post-treatment, reducing the need for ongoing therapy and improving quality of life.

mPNS Therapy and Migraine Leahu et al. (2020) Scientific Reports, 10, 10572 https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-62701-9

mPNS Therapy and Fibromyalgia Leenus et al. (2025) Pain Management, 15(1), 45–53 https://doi.org/10.1080/17581869.2025.2459594

mPNS and Chronic Pain, Chronic Neuropathic Pain Bedder & Parker (2023) Journal of Pain Research, 16, 2365–2373 https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S409331 Dana et al. (2024) Pain Practice, 24(1), 10-25 https://doi.org/10.1111/papr.13332

mPNS and Acute/Chronic Postsurgical Pain, (i.a. Axial pain after posterior cervical spine surgery) Park et al. (2023) The Journal of Pain, 24(7), 1151–1162 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2023.02.031

Significant Neural Recovery Shown in Clinical Trials

In addition to pain relief, studies show that mPNS contributes to neural recovery:

Limb paresis after stroke Obayashi & Takahashi (2020) NeuroRehabilitation, 46(4), 569–575 https://doi.org/10.3233/NRE-203103

Spasticity post spinal cord injury Li et al. (2022) Frontiers in Neurology, 13, 967949 https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2022.967949

Frozen shoulder syndrome Kumar et al. (2021) Cureus, 13(6), e15945 https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.15945

Orthopaedic rehabilitation post-fracture Yin et al. (2015) Pain Medicine, 16(5), 953–960 https://doi.org/10.1111/pme.12657

Results from Key Studies (SEAT and Painful Diabetic Neuropathy)

A multicentre, randomised controlled trial investigated the safety and effectiveness of the Axon Therapy, the mPNS in adults suffering from chronic neuropathic pain following trauma or surgery.

The study reported:

• Pain relief (≥ 50%): 71% of patients who received both mPNS and standard treatment reached significant pain relief, while only 13% of those who got standard treatment alone did.
• Mean pain score reduction (VAS): The mPNS group reported a 3.8-point drop in symptoms (over 50% improvement), while the Conventional Medical Management (CMM) group had only a small 0.7-point drop (about 10%).
• Quality of life (EQ‑5D‑3L): Improved notably in the mPNS + CMM group, with little to no change seen in the CMM‑only group
• Patient Global Impression of Change: 80.6% in the mPNS group rated their overall condition as improved, versus only 4.3% in the conventional treatment.

mPNS combined with standard medical therapy can be significantly more effective than standard therapy alone in managing chronic pain: post-traumatic and post-surgical neuropathic pain.

Fast Onset of Relief and Lasting Effects

A major advantage of mPNS therapy is its rapid onset of action - study from Bedder, M., & Parker, L. (2023) showed a rapid improvement starting from the first treatment. Effects often persist for at least 3 months, and in some cases, longer. This sustained relief leads to a significant improvement in quality of life and helps reduce reliance on other therapies.

Fig. Graph showing the rapid improvement observed already after the first treatment in the study from Bedder, M., & Parker, L. (2023).

Potential to Reduce Reliance on Pain Medications

Scientific data confirm that mPNS can reduce the need for analgesics. In the study by Bedder & Parker (2023), 58.3% of patients who responded to treatment reduced their opioid intake, helping prevent tolerance and addiction.

Reference: Bedder, M., & Parker, L. (2023). Journal of Pain Research, 16, 2365–2373 https://doi.org/10.2147/JPR.S409331

mPNS displays several advantages over other pain treatments such as pharmacotherapy, TENS, and invasive procedures.

Different from Electrical Stimulation Methods (Like TENS)

Although both mPNS and TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) aim to stimulate nerves and relieve pain, they differ significantly:

Mechanism of Action

• TENS uses surface electrodes to deliver electrical impulses to superficial nerves.
• mPNS delivers magnetic pulses that penetrate deeper, reaching nerves not accessible to TENS—without skin contact.

Application Range

• TENS is most effective for superficial and acute pain.
• mPNS is effective for chronic, deep-seated, and neuropathic pain.

Sensory Experience

• TENS can cause tingling, discomfort, or even burning sensations.
• mPNS is usually painless, often described as a mild tapping or vibration.

A Safer Alternative to Medication

mPNS is especially valuable for patients who cannot or do not want to take medication, or who seek modern, drug-free pain control.

• No Addiction
• No Gastrointestinal damage or ulcers
• No Liver or kidney damage
• No Drowsiness or impaired concentration

Advantages Over Invasive Procedures Compared to invasive procedures, mPNS offers a number of important benefits that make it a safer, more accessible alternative for many patients. The main advantages over Invasive procedures:

• Low risk: Avoids complications such as infection, scarring, or nerve injury.
• Minimal side effects: Well-tolerated without the systemic effects of medications.
• No anesthesia needed: Safe for patients who cannot undergo sedation or surgery.
• Convenient: Short, outpatient sessions that do not require hospitalization. Cost-effective: Less expensive than surgical or implant-based interventions.

Magnetic Peripheral Nerve Stimulation is non-invasive, pain-free, and safe for most patients. There is no need for anaesthesia, surgery, or recovery time, and no systemic side effects such as fatigue, nausea, or drowsiness.

Conditions Approved by the FDA, Including Diabetic Neuropathy

mPNS is FDA-approved for managing chronic and hard-to-treat post-surgical, post-traumatic pain and diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Clinical experience also supports its use in other pain conditions and rehabilitation protocols.

mPNS therapy offers a viable alternative to invasive procedures and invasive interventions, particularly for patients who are unresponsive to conventional methods.

Clinical studies show that mPNS can lead to significant improvement in reduction of persistent pain, with favourable changes observed in pain scores. The therapy is guided by customizable stimulation parameters and standardized treatment protocols, allowing individualized care. Unlike many traditional therapies, mPNS has shown minimal adverse effects, providing neuromodulatory benefits without tissue damage. These characteristics underscore its growing relevance as a safe and effective approach within the multidisciplinary management of both sensory disturbances and motor dysfunctions.

An mPNS treatment session is a simple, non-invasive procedure designed to deliver targeted magnetic pulses to peripheral nerves involved in pain or dysfunction. The entire experience is typically comfortable and efficient, requiring no sedation, or recovery period. Each session is conducted by a trained healthcare provider in a clinical setting and is tailored to the patient’s specific needs. Here is what to expect:

Your Initial Consultation and Assessment

You will be evaluated by a neurologist or psychiatrist, who will determine whether mPNS is appropriate for your condition and tailor the treatment plan accordingly.

The Treatment Process Step-by-Step

During each session:

• A magnetic coil is placed on the skin near the target nerve.
• Pulses are applied for 13–30 minutes.
• Patients feel a mild tapping or vibration—no pain or discomfort.
• No preparation is needed, and normal activity can resume immediately after treatment.