Icono traumatología

Traumatology

In traumatology and orthopaedics, surgical outcomes depend not only on technique but on the biological environment in which healing occurs. When the autonomic nervous system (ANS) remains in sustained post-surgical alert, the inflammatory cascade is amplified, sleep is disrupted and functional recovery stalls — not because the repair failed, but because the system governing it is locked in defence mode.

Non-invasive neuromodulation with NESA XSIGNAL® helps regulate the post-surgical inflammatory response, support bone healing and accelerate return to function. It does not change your surgical technique: it enhances the physiological environment in which it heals.

Treatment

NESA XSIGNAL® modulates the ANS across the perioperative pathway. Preoperatively, it supports HRV stability, which is associated with surgical outcomes; postoperatively, it may help regulate inflammation, support osteosynthesis and restore restorative sleep, where bone consolidation occurs.
It may help reduce the post-surgical inflammatory cascade, improve heart rate variability (a marker of post-operative adaptability), support bone consolidation and reduce centrally amplified pain. Recovery may progress more efficiently when the ANS is better regulated.
It integrates into surgical protocols without conflict. Preoperatively: HRV assessment and preparation protocol. Postoperatively: immediate recovery protocol, followed by progressive loading phases. Each NESA phase is personalised.

Functional objectives

  • Improved pain control and reduced hypersensitivity.
  • Better sleep and more restorative rest.
  • More efficient recovery between sessions.
  • Improved tolerance to therapy and loading.
  • Greater adherence to, and progression within, the treatment plan.

Applications

Common Clinical Presentations

  • Acute or subacute pain — Post-surgical. Early autonomic modulation may help reduce the risk of chronicity and central sensitisation.
  • Chronic or recurrent pain — Late post-operative presentations, often sympathetically mediated due to early ANS dysregulation.
  • Inflammation and oedema — Sustained post-surgically due to dysregulated inflammatory responses. May improve with appropriate autonomic support.
  • Sleep disturbances — Immediate post-operative phase. Critical, as bone consolidation and tissue repair occur during sleep. Fragmented sleep may compromise recovery.
  • Elevated physiological stress / hyperarousal — A response to surgical trauma. Associated with complications; reducing this state may support overall recovery.
  • Hypersensitivity / central sensitisation — Common post-operatively. May require recalibration of nociceptive processing to support rehabilitation.

As Support for Recovery Processes

  • Prehabilitation and preparation for surgery.
  • Post-surgical recovery.
  • Return to loading / return to activity.
  • Low exercise tolerance.
  • Support for microcirculation and tissue perfusion.

Benefits

  • Support for pain control: acute and persistent — May help reduce acute post-operative pain and lower the risk of chronicity, supporting better tolerance to rehabilitation.
  • Improved sleep and recovery — Critical in the post-operative phase, where bone graft integration, osteosynthesis and wound healing take place.
  • Support for inflammatory and oedema processes — Helps regulate the post-surgical inflammatory cascade. Oedema may resolve more efficiently, with fewer complications.
  • Support for microcirculation and peripheral vascular function — May contribute to improved oxygenation of the surgical site, supporting wound healing and bone consolidation.
  • Improved tolerance to therapeutic load and exercise — Supports earlier and more effective return to activity. Rehabilitation may be more effective when the ANS is regulated.
  • Complementary, non-invasive and drug-free support — Compatible with analgesics, antibiotics, immobilisation and progressive physiotherapy.
  • Individualisable protocols based on symptoms and autonomic profile — Tailored to surgical complexity and patient profile. Preoperative HRV may inform post-operative protocols.

Modulate the root. Enhance your treatment

Neuroanatomy of the autonomic nervous system associated with your clinical specialty

IMG-030_Tronco encefalico
IMG-023_Complejo vagal
IMG-012_Insula y corteza cingulada anterior
IMG-003_Menuda espinal_asta dorsal
IMG-047_Ganglios simpaticos
IMG-026_Nervio vago

Introducing NESA XSIGNAL®

NESA XSIGNAL® is a non-invasive neuromodulation system that applies very low-intensity microcurrents through electrodes, with protocols oriented towards regulation of the autonomic nervous system. It is designed to integrate into clinical practice as part of the multimodal approach.

In Traumatology, the protocols act specifically on preoperative preparation, inflammatory control, post-surgical bone consolidation and load tolerance during the rehabilitation phase.

Testimonials

“I would recommend NESA to everyone because I am very happy with the results. Before I walked with a cane and now much better, without it. I have been with the treatment for two years and it has been very successful for me.”
“At first, I didn’t believe the treatment was effective, but my pains and problems sleeping worsened. After starting the treatment, I began to improve gradually. Now I walk and sleep better, and my quality of life has significantly improved.”
“NESA microcurrents not only treat pain, but address multiple problems comprehensively, accelerating post-surgical recovery and offering rapid and effective results that are revolutionizing rehabilitation.”
El impacto de regular el SNA en traumatología
When autonomic regulation is integrated into surgical protocols, measurable differences may be observed: reduced immediate post-operative pain, improved bone consolidation, fewer complications and faster return to function. A stable ANS supports more predictable surgical outcomes. In trauma and orthopaedics, this translates into:
A well-regulated ANS in the perioperative phase supports stable osteosynthesis, appropriate wound healing without complications such as seroma, and controlled inflammation without chronicity. The post-surgical body has greater capacity for repair when the nervous system supports recovery rather than remaining in a defensive state.

Key Evidence (3 papers):

  • Frandsen MN, et al. (2022) Preoperative heart rate variability as a predictor of perioperative outcomes: a systematic review without meta-analysis Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing. PMID: 35092527 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-022-00819-z
  • Barkhudaryan A, et al. (2025) Autonomic dysfunction after stroke: an overview of recent advances. PMID: 40131648
  • Wu F, et al. (2022) Ocular autonomic nervous system: an update from anatomy to physiological functions. PMID: 35076641
Chronic post-surgical pain is often associated with persistent ANS dysregulation following surgical trauma. Early modulation in the immediate post-operative phase may help reduce the risk of chronicity. Where pain is already established, combining autonomic regulation with rehabilitation may support more consistent resolution.

Key Evidence (3 papers):

  • So V, et al. (2021) Scoping review of the association between postsurgical pain and heart rate variability parameters Pain Reports. PMID: 35155967 DOI: 10.1097/PR9.0000000000000977
  • Rampazo ÉP, et al. (2023) Heart rate variability in adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review. PMID: 37661339
  • Adlan AM, et al. (2014) Autonomic function and rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review. PMID: 25151910
In the post-operative phase, sleep plays a central role in recovery: collagen synthesis, haematoma resorption, callus mineralisation and resolution of vasogenic oedema all occur during restorative sleep. A patient without adequate sleep is at greater risk of delayed consolidation. Supporting stable nocturnal autonomic regulation may contribute to more efficient recovery.

Key Evidence (3 papers):

  • Sun J, et al. (2021) Association between postoperative long-term heart rate variability and postoperative delirium in elderly patients undergoing orthopedic surgery Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience. PMID: 34135747 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.646253
  • Frandsen MN, et al. (2022) Preoperative heart rate variability as a predictor of perioperative outcomes: a systematic review without meta-analysis Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing. PMID: 35092527 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-022-00819-z
  • Cameron S, et al. (2024) Mind and skin: exploring the links between stress and dermatological disease. PMID: 37469218
Improved perfusion at the surgical site supports oxygen delivery for bone repair, clearance of inflammatory metabolites and more efficient wound healing, with reduced post-operative oedema. Persistent post-operative vasoconstriction may contribute to delayed consolidation. Supporting vasomotor regulation is therefore an important factor in recovery.

Key Evidence (3 papers):

  • Frandsen MN, et al. (2024) Time-course of heart rate variability after total hip arthroplasty Journal of Clinical Monitoring and Computing. PMID: 37052614 DOI: 10.1007/s10877-023-00992-9
  • Lee JY, et al. (2011) Heart rate variability in men with erectile dysfunction. PMID: 21811698
  • Goernig M, et al. (2008) Peripheral arterial disease alters heart rate variability. PMID: 18684283
Your surgical technique remains central. NESA contributes by supporting the post-surgical biological environment: controlled inflammation (not suppressed), restorative sleep, manageable pain and an ANS that supports rather than interferes with consolidation. Well-executed surgery combined with a regulated ANS may lead to more consistent, predictable recovery.

Key Evidence (3 papers):

  • Souza R, et al. (2026) Neuromodulation of heart rate variability: a systematic review and meta-analysis Autonomic Neuroscience. PMID: 41506123 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2026.103379
  • Yeom JW, et al. (2025) Transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improves sleep quality in chronic insomnia disorder: a double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled trial Sleep Medicine. PMID: 40398066 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2025.106579
  • Alomari MS, et al. (2022) Non-inferior and more feasible transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation in treating overactive bladder: a systematic review and meta-analysis International Journal of Urology. PMID: 35711082 DOI: 10.1111/iju.14961

Resources

Training courses

Our training work at NESA Academic is aimed at professionals who want to integrate non-invasive neuromodulation and autonomic nervous system regulation into rehabilitation, physiotherapy and reconditioning. The content combines physiology, application criteria by specialty, safety and session design, so that integration is practical and consistent in the clinical setting.

Testimonials

Real cases and experiences from clinics and teams that integrate NESA XSIGNAL® into rehabilitation, physiotherapy and reconditioning. What comes up repeatedly: better rest, reduced reactivity during high-load periods and more sustained treatments over time. We also share clinical meetings where protocols, learnings and case discussions are presented.

News

Articles, bibliography and downloadable materials to go deeper into non-invasive neuromodulation, autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, vasomotor control and neurovascular health applied to rehabilitation, physiotherapy and reconditioning. A living library to keep clinical criteria up to date and provide context for each indication.