ABSTRACT
The development of Pulsed Signal Therapy (PST™) was initiated 3 decades ago following proof that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) could promote the healing of bone fractures and reports that they could also relieve pain due to osteoarthritis and traumatic joint damage. Because most of these latter claims were based on anecdotal observations and different PEMF devices had varied characteristics, an effort was made to determine whether a pulsed electromagnetic field with specific parameters might provide superior and more consistent results. The normal stimulus for cartilage production and bone formation results from piezoelectric signals that generate a “streaming potential” in the extracellular matrix when skeletal structures are subjected to physical pressure. Bones that are immobilized in a cast for long periods of time become
demineralized, and conversely, it has been shown that regular exercise helps build stronger bones. Because this restorative electrical signal is impaired in osteoarthritic joints, it seemed logical to attempt to define and accurately reproduce this natural physiologic stimulus so that similar benefits could be achieved in affected tissues not subjected to any load. Basic science research that focused on physical chemistry as well as clinical trials conducted between 1973 and 1988 confirmed the validity of this approach. Since then, the ability of PST to relieve osteoarthritic pain and improve mobility has been unequivocally verified in double-blind and open label clinical trials of over 100,000 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and other joints. This noninvasive treatment is not associated with any pain or discomfort and long-term follow-up confirms sustained efficacy as well as an absence of any adverse side effects.
