Electrotherapy Systems Market

The electrotherapy systems market was valued at approximately US$ 4.99 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to around US$ 9.42 billion by 2031. The market is anticipated to experience a CAGR of 8.1% from 2025 to 2031.Market Insights and Analyst Perspective:This report outlines growth opportunities based on current trends in the electrotherapy systems market and their expected effects during the forecast period.

An electrotherapy system is a medical device designed to enhance a patient's muscle function by delivering electric currents through their tissues. Electrotherapy is effective in managing acute post-traumatic and post-surgical pain, promoting wound healing, relaxing muscle spasms, preventing and alleviating disuse atrophy, assisting in muscle rehabilitation, maintaining and enhancing range of motion, and alleviating acute post-traumatic and post-surgical pain. Typically, electrotherapy units consist of a battery-operated device connected to adhesive electrode pads that adhere to the skin. Factors such as the rising incidence of sports injuries and strategic initiatives by manufacturers are driving the growth of the electrotherapy systems market.

Market Drivers:The increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurovascular diseases, and musculoskeletal disorders, is expected to fuel the growth of the pain management devices market. These conditions significantly impact an individual's health by weakening immunity and causing chronic pain. Chronic diseases are most frequently observed in adults and the elderly population. For example, data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that between 2019 and 2021, the prevalence of chronic pain among US adults ranged from 20.5% to 21.8%, with high-impact chronic pain affecting 6.9% to 7.8%. In 2021, approximately 51.6 million US adults experienced chronic pain, and 17.1 million faced high-impact chronic pain.

Moreover, chronic pain is often prevalent among athletes, sports enthusiasts, and individuals with previous injuries. The occurrence of chronic pain increases a person's reliance on others for daily activities, making pain management crucial for maintaining a normal routine. Electrotherapy systems offer prolonged relief and contribute to improved health, thus driving the growth of the electrotherapy systems market.

According to the report "Spinal Cord Injury Facts and Stats" published in July 2022, approximately 17,700 Americans sustain a spinal cord injury each year, with around 78% being men and an average age of 43. Estimates from the National Safety Council indicate that nearly 3.2 million individuals in the US sought treatment in emergency departments for injuries related to sports and recreational equipment in 2021. Consequently, the high rate of spinal cord injuries supports the growth of the electrotherapy systems market.

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act categorizes electrical muscle stimulators (EMS) as devices. The FDA regulates the sale of all electrical muscle stimulators in the US according to the legislation and the agency's guidelines. Therefore, companies cannot legally sell their stimulators unless they comply with all relevant FDA premarket regulatory requirements. Most electrical muscle stimulators evaluated by the FDA are intended for use in physical therapy and rehabilitation under a physician's supervision. Companies must demonstrate to the FDA that their EMS devices can be safely and effectively used in that context if they wish to sell them directly to consumers. Companies marketing EMS devices must adhere to the applicable FDA premarket regulatory standards before they can legally sell their products. Thus, stringent regulatory requirements for electrotherapy products can hinder the growth of the electrotherapy systems market.

Strategic Insights

Report Segmentation and Scope:The analysis of the electrotherapy systems market has been conducted by examining the following segments: product, application, and end user.

Segmental Analysis:The electrotherapy systems market is segmented by product into percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), spinal cord stimulation (SCS), micro-current therapy, interferential current therapy (IC), electro-acupuncture (EA), pulsed short wave diathermy (PSWD), transcutaneous spinal electroanalgesia (TSE), and others. The spinal cord stimulation segment held the largest market share in 2022 and is expected to register the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. Spinal cord stimulation has been utilized in medical facilities for many years. Conditions such as cervical and lumbar radiculitis, failed back surgery syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, and neuropathy can benefit from this therapy. Spinal cord stimulation is an effective, safe, and cost-efficient method for managing chronic pain. Newer spinal cord stimulation technologies are being developed to address a broader range of clinical indications, including visceral and ischemic pain, with the potential for enhanced efficacy.

By application, the market is divided into neuromuscular dysfunction, pain management, acute and chronic edema, sports injury treatment, iontophoresis, urinary and fecal incontinence, and others. The pain management segment accounted for the largest share of the electrotherapy systems market in 2022 and is projected to exhibit the highest CAGR from 2022 to 2030. The growth of this segment is driven by the increasing prevalence of trauma and sports injuries. According to data from the World Health Organization released in March 2022, nearly 30 million children and teenagers participate in organized sports, resulting in over 3.5 million reported injuries annually. Additionally, it was estimated that 570,000 individuals experienced traumatic pain in the US in 2021. An increase in back pain and neck pain also contributes to the rising demand for electrotherapy to manage chronic pain.

By end user, the electrotherapy systems market is categorized into hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and others. In 2022, the hospitals segment represented the largest share of the electrotherapy systems market.

Regional Analysis:The electrotherapy systems market report encompasses North America (US, Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Spain, UK, Germany, France, Italy, and the Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (South Korea, China, India, Japan, Australia, and the Rest of Asia Pacific), the Middle East & Africa (South Africa, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and the Rest of the Middle East & Africa), and South & Central America (Brazil, Argentina, and the Rest of South & Central America). In terms of revenue, North America led the electrotherapy systems market in 2022. The aging population is a significant factor contributing to the increased demand for electrotherapy in the region. According to WHO data released in December 2022, it is estimated that by 2053, 73 million individuals in North America will be aged 65 or older. The same source indicates that 17% of the US population over 65 years old experiences back pain and spinal injuries.

Electrotherapy Systems Market Report Scope

Competitive Landscape and Key Companies:The electrotherapy systems market report focuses on key players in the industry, including BTL, DJO LLC, Omron Healthcare Inc, Abbott, Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic, Nevro Corp, Phoenix Healthcare, Eme srl, and Pure Care. These companies are dedicated to developing new technologies, enhancing existing products, and expanding their market presence to meet the growing global consumer demand. The electrotherapy systems market forecast can assist stakeholders in planning their growth strategies.

In January 2022, Medtronic plc, a global leader in healthcare technology, received FDA approval for its Intellis (rechargeable) and Vanta (recharge-free) neurostimulators for treating chronic pain associated with diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN). This new indication provides DPN patients access to Medtronic's leading SCS portfolio, which includes multiple programming options for personalized therapy, unrestricted MRI access, and superior battery chemistry and performance, along with the Medtronic TYRX Neuro Absorbable Antibacterial Envelope.

In March 2021, the FDA approved Medtronic plc's application for revised commercial labeling for its Intellis platform with Differential Target Multiplexed (DTM) programming. The new labeling included study outcomes from a multicenter randomized control trial, highlighting superior back pain relief provided by DTM SCS compared to conventional SCS.

In September 2020, Boston Scientific launched the WaveWriter Alpha portfolio of SCS systems in Europe. This portfolio includes four MRI conditional, Bluetooth-enabled implantable pulse generators (IPGs) that offer greater personalization based on patient needs. The products feature both rechargeable and non-rechargeable options, as well as access to waveforms that address multiple pain areas.