The November 2025 study published in the Journal of Orthopaedics, is clinically important because it shifts the conversation around HIFEM technology from purely aesthetic medicine toward functional musculoskeletal optimization. The WOMAC and DASH scores showed 87.5% and 77.8% (respectively) of patients who scored improvements after 3 months. These scores reflected reductions in pain and stiffness, enhanced physical function, 97% of the subjects reporting their joints felt better and 91% of subjects noting improved range of motion.

From a PM&R physician’s perspective, the study reinforces a growing belief that electromagnetic stimulation technologies can play a valuable adjunctive role in restoring neuromuscular performance, improving movement mechanics, and enhancing patient function without medications or surgery. While the study was open-label and relatively small (only 36 subjects), the magnitude of improvement and favorable safety profile are difficult to ignore.

I added the EMSculpt neo® technology to my practice at Southwest Spine & Sports to be able to offer my patients a safe and effective approach for enhancing muscle re-education, joint stabilization, post-injury recovery, or functional optimization. This publication validates why I believe physician-led functional medicine expertise matters when recommending technologies like EMSculpt neo®. Devices alone do not create outcomes; integrating patient selection, proper diagnosis and biomechanics into a comprehensive treatment plan are keys to success.