Pulsed Signal Therapy (PST)
Authored by Ashitha Abdul Ashraf, Senior Consultant Physiotherapist – Incharge | Medically Reviewed by Dilshana Thasni T, Senior Consultant Physiotherapist | Last Reviewed: August 2026
What Is Pulsed Signal Therapy?
Pulsed Signal Therapy (PST) is a non-invasive, needle-free treatment that uses low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields to stimulate the body’s own cartilage and tissue repair processes. It is delivered through a treatment chair or applicator with no injections, no incisions, and no anaesthesia required.
PST is US FDA and European CE-approved for the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions, including knee arthritis. At Maana Health, it is used both as a standalone treatment and as part of a broader physiotherapy plan.
How It Works
PST delivers a specific pulsed electromagnetic signal to the treatment area. The signal is designed to stimulate cellular activity in cartilage and periarticular tissue, supporting the body’s own regenerative processes rather than simply masking pain. This makes it a fundamentally different approach from painkillers or steroid injections, which manage symptoms without addressing the underlying joint tissue.
What a Session Involves
You sit or lie comfortably while the PST applicator delivers the pulsed signal to the treatment area. Sessions are painless — most patients feel nothing during treatment beyond mild warmth. PST can be used as a standalone treatment or integrated into a broader plan with exercise and other non-invasive therapies for a better overall result.
Clinical Evidence & Approvals
US FDA & European CE-Approved
PST has been approved for use in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including knee arthritis, and is generally considered safe and well-tolerated with minimal reported side effects.
PST: An Overview — APLAR 2003
A clinical overview of Pulsed Signal Therapy presented at the Asia Pacific League of Associations for Rheumatology (APLAR).
PST for Musculoskeletal Conditions — APLAR 2004
Clinical data on PST’s application across a range of musculoskeletal conditions, presented at APLAR.
Conditions PST Treats
Part of our Musculoskeletal Wellness Program.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pulsed Signal Therapy approved for the treatment of knee arthritis?
Yes. PST has been approved for use in treating various musculoskeletal conditions, including knee arthritis — it is US FDA and European CE approved.
Are there any known side effects?
PST is generally considered safe and well-tolerated, with minimal reported side effects.
Can PST be used as a standalone treatment, or does it need to be combined with other therapies?
PST can be used as a standalone treatment, but it can also be integrated into a comprehensive treatment plan that may include other non-invasive therapies, exercise, and lifestyle modifications to get a better result.
How long do the benefits of PST last?
Some studies have suggested that the benefits of PST can be sustained over a long-term follow-up period, indicating its potential as a durable treatment option. However, individual results vary.
Living with knee arthritis, frozen shoulder, or another musculoskeletal condition? Find out whether PST is right for you.