What is PEMF? Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy Explained

As someone who lived with chronic pain, I understand the struggle to find relief. We have physical therapy options today that we can own and use at home. After visiting dozens of PEMF forums, I’ve met hundreds of people who relieved their pain using PEMF. That’s enough for me to create a PEMF library here on As Well You Should.

The first obstacle to understanding PEMF hits everyone in the face at first glance: Holy cow, this is complicated. To buy the right device, you must understand frequency, intensity, waveform, how often, and how long to use it. Is it safe? What’s the difference between the brands? The big question that divides PEMF followers is: What’s better, low intensity or high?

PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields) therapy is a groundbreaking, noninvasive method of reducing pain, lowering inflammation, and boosting healing. Like red light therapy, PEMF works on the cells. The treatments are remarkably similar. Both use electromagnetic energy to repair the cells.

In this article, we’ll explore PEMF therapy. We’ll see what it is, how it helps, and how it can better your health and life. Whether tackling chronic pain or improving your fitness, PEMF treatment might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

Key Takeaways:

• PEMF treatment uses electromagnetic fields to jumpstart healing.
• Its use is backed by science.
• It helps with various issues like pain, inflammation, and weak cells.
• The therapy is safe, non-invasive, and can match your unique needs.
• Devices offering PEMF vary in size and power
• There’s much research supporting PEMF therapy’s health benefits.

PEMF: A One-Minute Introduction

Let’s examine why PEMF works to relieve pain and inflammation. You need only understand a few facts.

1. Cells have an electric charge that drops when injured or inflamed (when something is attacking them or when they attack themselves as part of the healing process).
2. A pulsing magnetic coil generates an electric charge.
3. A PEMF machine fixes the cells’ energy by exposing low-voltage cells to a more appropriate electromagnetic charge.
4. Healthier cells lead directly to less pain.

Breaking it down another way:

What Is PEMF?

PEMF is the creation of pulsed magnetic fields that generate electric fields.

What Is PEMF Therapy

PEMF Therapy Treatment uses pulsed magnetic fields to create electrical fields that reset cell voltage to healthy levels. These fields promote healthier cells, allowing the body’s repair systems to regenerate tissue and lower inflammation.

Why Does PEMF Use Pulsing?

When magnets move, they create electric fields. But they don’t make the fields when they are still, otherwise known as “static.” A static magnet does not create an electrical charge. But a moving magnetic does generate a charge. That’s why PEMF uses pulsation to create an electrical field.

Is PEMF “Magnetic Therapy”?

PEMF is not magnetic therapy. That term refers to using a static magnet for health. Static magnets don’t generate electrical fields. Whether static magnets promote health is not a question for this article. Put it this way: PEMF is backed by science.

• The “pulse” in PEMF is the signal turning on and off
• Static fields have no pulse and no health effects
• PEMF is not “magnet therapy.”
• Low and high-frequency pulsation both work well
• Whether low or high-frequency is “better” is a hotly debated question.

What PEMF Frequency and Intensity Are “Best”?

To answer which frequencies and intensities are best, you can look to the science, and you can look to the experts who interpret that science.There is more science supporting low frequency and low intensity, but that doesn’t stop some experts from insisting that high frequency and high intensity are better.Whether you get a low- or high-frequency PEMF device depends on which expert you believe or which science you read. In another article, I will guide you through the frequency options.

What Are the Benefits of PEMF Therapy?

PEMF therapy helps with the following:

1. Chronic pain and inflammation
2. Musculoskeletal injuries, osteoporosis, and bone fractures 
3. Joint problems such as osteoarthritis
4. Nerve damage and neuropathy
5. Healing wounds and regenerating tissue

Pain Relief

PEMF exposure is good at easing pain. It works by interrupting pain signals and cutting down on swelling. Plus, it helps the body heal itself. It’s helpful if you have ongoing joint pain, sore muscles, or pain after an injury.

Reduced Inflammation

Inflammation causes many health problems, including pain and slow healing. PEMF therapy is great at reducing inflammation. It kick-starts the body’s anti-inflammatory responses.

Joint Problems and Arthritis

That inflammation reduction also helps relieve arthritis joint pain and stiffness. Much of the discomfort and stiffness in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis stem from chronic inflammation, which PEMF helps resolve.

Nerve Damage and Neuropathy

Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation interferes with pain signals caused by nerve damage and neuropathy. The science is still out on whether the intervention helps with healing, but it does help with neural pain relief.

Osteoporosis and Bone Fractures
Pulsed electromagnetic field effects include the ability to knot and strengthen bones. The first FDA approval for using PEMF was to repair non-union fractures resulting from bones not stitching together properly during the healing process. The effect of electromagnetic fields on bone to strengthen bones in osteoporosis is one of the more well-studied and supported effects of electromagnetic fields. 

Wound Healing

Pulsed electromagnetic therapy speeds up healing and recovery. It improves cell function and blood flow and helps damaged tissues grow back. It’s ideal for healing from injuries, surgeries, or chronic issues.

Enhanced Cellular Function

PEMF therapy is great at making cells work their best. It boosts how they talk to each other, better absorbs nutrients, and makes more ATP (energy cells use for repair).

What Body Areas Can Be Treated With PEMF?

PEMF can focus on specific body parts. It works well in places like:

1. The back and spine
2. The neck and shoulders
3. Joints like knees and hips
4. Extremities like hands and feet
5. Organs and soft tissues inside us

How Do PEMF Sessions Work?

To do PEMF, you make physical contact with a magnetic coil. Put the coil on a body part or make contact with something like a mat or pillow with the coil embedded in it.

Besides turning on the machine’s power, you might also decide about the type of fields you want to generate. Some devices have no options, and some are overwhelmingly variable. This refers to the lack of consensus about the best frequencies and intensities.

To do a session:

• Use a mat or applicator.
• Allow the device to be in contact with you
• Turn on the power and optionally adjust the settings.
• Treatment time is usually fifteen to sixty minutes and is often recommended for every other day.

What Does a PEMF Therapy Session Feel Like?

PEMF therapy doesn’t feel like anything. No sensation comes along with exposure to electromagnetic fields. Because of this lack of feedback, manufacturers often include a testing device so that you can ensure the PEMF machine is, in fact, in operation.

What Are The Types of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Devices?

There are PEMF devices for different applications:

PEMF for horses and dogs is usually shaped as a wearable blanket or a magnetic coil you hold for the animal.

Some devices are large and difficult to carry, while others are designed to be battery-operated and portable.

Some simple devices come preset with one or two settings the manufacturer believes are sufficient for the intended use (such as pain relief or bone healing). Others have multiple settings that allow you to change the magnetic wave’s intensity, frequency, and shape.

Top PEMF Device Brands and Models

Here are some popular PEMF machines.

Brand	Model	Key Features
Biocharger	Biocharger NG	Offers high-intensity PEMF therapy, versatile wellness uses, and advanced programming.
iMRS	iMRS Prime	It is known for being portable, easy to use, and having broad PEMF therapy coverage.
Magnetico	Magnetico Sleep Pad	Designed for sleep and relaxation, it uses low-intensity fields and has a comfortable, durable build.
Pulsed Energy Technologies	PEMF 120	Combines affordability with versatile PEMF therapy methods, suitable for targeting specific areas or the whole body.

Is PEMF Therapy Safe?

Pemf therapy is seen as safe and gentle. But it’s not for everyone. Some people with health issues should be careful with it. People with the following situations either should not use PEMF therapy or should at least get a doctor’s clearance:

• Pacemakers
• Implanted electronic devices
• Pregnant women
• Cancer
• Bleeding disorders
• Blood-thinning medications

What Are the PEMF Therapy Side Effects?

Most people tolerate PEMF therapy well. But, a few may face minor side effects:

• Temporary muscle spasms or twitching during the treatment session.
• Mild skin irritation or redness at the treatment site.
• Headaches or dizziness in some cases.

These effects will go away soon. If they don’t, stop and see a doctor.

Conclusion

Looking back on the amazing points we’ve covered, I find PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy truly mind-blowing. It repairs our electrical voltage down to the level of a cell. We have trillions (no exaggeration) of cells, which makes this a powerful therapy. This safe method can lessen pain, reduce swelling, boost healing, and improve cellular function.

The PEMF therapy’s science is incredibly interesting. More and more studies show it helps with wellness by easing long-term issues and speeding up healing. I’m excited about how it could change healthcare and self-help ways. It makes me hopeful about a healthier and better life for us all.