Objective To conduct a bibliometric analysis of research hotspots and development trends in the application of peripheral magnetic stimulation (PMS), systematically review the research evolution, and provide references for future studies. Methods We retrieved PMS-related literature from the Science Citation Index Expanded database in Web of Science Core Collection (January 1, 1989 - March 5, 2025). Using VOSviewer (v1.6.20) and CiteSpace (v6.1.R6), we performed annual publication volume analysis, country/institution/author collaboration network analysis, reference co-citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence/clustering/burst analysis, with corresponding knowledge mapping visualizations. Results A total of 124 publications were included. Both publication counts and citation frequencies remained low in early years but showed steady annual growth after 2011. The publications originated from 21 countries/regions, with Germany being the most productive nation, Technical University of Munich the leading institution, and Schneider C (from the Research Center of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation Sciences, Laval University, Canada) the most prolific author. Keyword analysis revealed three major research clusters: neuromodulation technologies, physiological mechanisms, and clinical rehabilitation applications. Future research priorities included expanded clinical applications integrating neuroelectrophysiological indicators with rehabilitation assessments, and interdisciplinary optimization of stimulation parameters through engineering approaches. Conclusions PMS has gained widespread clinical application with growing scientific interest. Future studies should focus on current hotspots to advance precision and intelligent development of this technology.