Neuromodulation For Enhanced Athletic Recovery: Non-invasive Stimulation Techniques For Pain Relief

PURPOSE The aim of this research is to assess how well non-invasive neuromodulation methods, particularly transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), might lessen pain and hasten an athlete's recuperation after an injury or workout. The goal of this study is to determine the best practices for these modalities in order to reduce recovery time and optimize therapeutic benefits. METHODS A systematic assessment of recent clinical research and trials investigating the use of TENS and tDCS for pain treatment in athletes was carried out in this study. According to the inclusion criteria, studies had to quantify pain alleviation, recovery time, and functional improvement when using TENS or tDCS. To ascertain the effectiveness of treatment regimens in addressing post-exercise soreness and injury-related pain, factors such as frequency, intensity, and duration were examined. RESULTS The study showed TENS decreased in pain in athletes after intense workouts, especially when used twice a day. For tDCS, using a low setting made it easier for athletes to regain muscle function and move more comfortably, getting them back to their usual activity levels faster. Many athletes reported feeling overall more comfortable and less dependent on pain meds after using these neuromodulation techniques. Conclusion Non-invasive options like TENS and tDCS give athletes practical ways to manage pain and speed up recovery. By including these techniques in sports rehab routines, athletes may avoid some medications, stay on track with training, and recover more quickly from tough workouts and injuries.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Published
2025-09-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1249/01.mss.0001159248.78980.19
Primary Topic
Pain Management and Treatment
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Neuromodulation For Enhanced Athletic Recovery: Non-invasive Stimulation Techniques For Pain Relief

Manuel Orozco, Stephanie Lau, Taylor Alfonso
Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise
Pain Management and Treatment
article

Neuromodulation For Enhanced Athletic Recovery: Non-invasive Stimulation Techniques For Pain Relief

Manuel Orozco, Stephanie Lau, Taylor Alfonso
article en

Abstract

PURPOSE The aim of this research is to assess how well non-invasive neuromodulation methods, particularly transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), might lessen pain and hasten an athlete's recuperation after an injury or workout. The goal of this study is to determine the best practices for these modalities in order to reduce recovery time and optimize therapeutic benefits. METHODS A systematic assessment of recent clinical research and trials investigating the use of TENS and tDCS for pain treatment in athletes was carried out in this study. According to the inclusion criteria, studies had to quantify pain alleviation, recovery time, and functional improvement when using TENS or tDCS. To ascertain the effectiveness of treatment regimens in addressing post-exercise soreness and injury-related pain, factors such as frequency, intensity, and duration were examined. RESULTS The study showed TENS decreased in pain in athletes after intense workouts, especially when used twice a day. For tDCS, using a low setting made it easier for athletes to regain muscle function and move more comfortably, getting them back to their usual activity levels faster. Many athletes reported feeling overall more comfortable and less dependent on pain meds after using these neuromodulation techniques. Conclusion Non-invasive options like TENS and tDCS give athletes practical ways to manage pain and speed up recovery. By including these techniques in sports rehab routines, athletes may avoid some medications, stay on track with training, and recover more quickly from tough workouts and injuries.

Medicine & Science in Sports & ExerciseVol. 57(10S)
Larkin Community Hospital (US)
Openalex Percentile: Top 61%
Pain Management and Treatment
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.

Neuromodulation For Enhanced Athletic Recovery: Non-invasive Stimulation Techniques For Pain Relief — Manuel Orozco, Stephanie Lau, et al. · Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS