If you suffer from acute and chronic pain, you know how difficult it can be to find a treatment that really works. You’ve likely tried many different types of therapies and medications, but nothing seems to give you the relief you need. Thankfully, there’s a new treatment on the horizon that just might be the answer you’ve been looking for – PEMF for pain management.
PEMF therapy (which stands for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy) is a type of treatment that uses magnetic fields to stimulate healing in the body. PEMF devices emit pulsing electromagnetic energy that penetrates deep into the tissues of the body, providing pain relief by reducing inflammation and stimulating repair at a cellular level.
PEMF treatments are becoming increasingly popular as more and more people discover their effectiveness in managing chronic pain. But how does this therapy work, and what are its potential benefits? Let’s take a closer look.
Table of Contents
How Does PEMF Therapy Work?
PEMF therapy works by sending low-frequency pulses of electromagnetic energy into the body. These pulses interact with the cells in your body, causing them to produce electrical currents. These electrical currents then stimulate various biological processes, including cell repair, circulation, and nerve function.
This therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including:
– Arthritis
– Chronic pain
– Fracture repair
– Joint pain ie shoulder pain
– Reduced pain and muscle soreness
The Benefits of PEMF for Pain Management
One of the most important benefits of PEMF therapy is its ability to reduce inflammation.
Inflammation is a healthy response when we have an injury – it helps to protect the injured area and promote healing. However, when inflammation persists long after an injury has healed (as is often the case with chronic pain), it can actually do more harm than good.
PEMF therapy helps to reduce inflammation by increasing blood circulation and oxygenation at a cellular level, which helps to flush out toxins and promote healing.
Another important benefit of this therapy is its ability to stimulate cell repair.
As we age, our cells become less efficient at repairing themselves – which can lead to all sorts of age-related health problems, from wrinkles and gray hair to arthritis and joint pain. PEMF therapy helps to jumpstart this process by providing cells with the energy they need to repair themselves more quickly and efficiently.
PEMF therapy is also effective in promoting circulation and nerve function. Poor circulation can often lead to pain, stiffness, and cramping, as well as a host of other health problems. PEMF therapy helps to improve circulation by increasing blood flow and oxygenation at a cellular level. This not only helps to reduce pain and inflammation, but also helps to improve overall health and well-being.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Chronic Pain
Chronic or persistent pain typically lasts for more that 3 months or longer than the normal healing time frame.
If you suffer from chronic pain, you know how difficult it can be to find a treatment that really works. You’ve likely tried many different types of therapies and medications, but nothing seems to give you the relief you need.
PEMF therapy works with chronic pain in the way of charging your cells and restoring the body on a cellular level, this can then a lot of the time give relief to people.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy for Acute Pain
Acute pain is typically short-term and lasts for only a few days or weeks. It can be caused by an injury, surgery, or illness.
PEMF therapy can be used to treat acute pain in the same way as chronic pain. The electromagnetic pulses work to charge your cells and promote healing at a cellular level.
How is PEMF different to Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation or “TENS” for short?
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is a therapy that uses low-voltage electrical current for pain relief. It is typically used to relieve acute pain, but can also be effective for chronic pain management.
A machine that performs transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation is typically called a “TENS Machine” have become reasonably common. Small electrodes are stuck to the skin via pads and the machine sends pulses of gentle electric current to the area where its attached, this stimulates the nerves near the pain.
A PEMF device operates in a completely different way.
It operates by using pulsed electromagnetic fields that recharge cells and reduce inflammation.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy can be thought of as a whole-body recharger.
Bryant Meyers, author of PEMF – The Fifth Element of Health, explains that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy works by “improving adenosine triphosphate [ATP] production, increasing oxygenation, enhancing circulation, promoting hydration, facilitating detoxification”. In the pulsed electromagnetic field therapy field, hes considered a leading figure.
Scientific Studies on Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy has actually been around and in use for over 100 years.
Here in the West pharmaceuticals reigned supreme and any sort of electrotherapy was overshadowed by pills and potions.
However in Eastern Europe and the Soviet Union this sort of therapy was used more readily and was used by the Soviet Astronaut program to help reduce bone density issues their cosmonauts were facing.
The first recognized body in the West to pick this technology up was NASA.
They also used this therapy to reduce bone loss that occurs when they are removed from the earths gravitational and magnetic fields.
They ended up conducting a 4 year study where they were able to confirm PEMF could improve cell viability and enhance the function of tissues.
There have been numerous other studies where patients report a significant reduction in pain or significant improvement in their symptoms.
You can read some of those here –
Small study about rotator cuff injuries where participants had reduced or eliminated symptoms
One month of treatment improved pain in arthritis patients
Small study on PEMF therapy in the treatment of musculoskeletal chronic pain
FAQs
1. What is PEMF therapy?
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) is a type of therapy that uses low-frequency magnetic fields to stimulate healing in the body. This non-invasive, drug-free therapy has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of conditions, including chronic pain, arthritis, joint pain, and muscle soreness.
2. How does PEMF therapy work?
PEMF therapy works by stimulating cells in the body with low-frequency magnetic fields. These magnetic fields cause electrical currents to flow through the body, which then stimulate various biological processes, including cell repair, circulation, and nerve function.
3. What are the benefits of PEMF therapy?
PEMF therapy has a variety of potential health benefits, including reducing inflammation, stimulating cell repair, promoting circulation and nerve function, and relieving pain.
4. Is PEMF therapy safe?
Yes, PEMF therapy is considered to be safe for most people. However, as with any type of therapy, there are always some risks involved. It’s important to speak with your doctor before starting PEMF therapy to make sure it’s right for you.
5. How long does PEMF therapy take?
PEMF therapy sessions typically last between 30 and 60 minutes. However, the length of time may vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual’s response to therapy.
6. How many PEMF therapy sessions will I need?
The number of PEMF therapy sessions needed will vary from person to person. Some people may only need a few sessions, while others may need to continue therapy for weeks or months.
7. How much does PEMF therapy cost?
The cost of PEMF therapy will vary depending on the type of therapy you receive and the number of sessions you need. However, overall, PEMF therapy is considered to be a relatively affordable treatment option.
8. Where can I get PEMF therapy?
You can receive PEMF therapy at a variety of locations, including hospitals, clinics, and rehabilitation centers. You can also purchase your own PEMF therapy device for use at home.
9. What are the side effects of PEMF therapy?
PEMF therapy is generally considered to be safe with few side effects. However, some people may experience temporary discomfort, dizziness, or nausea during or after a therapy session. If you experience any severe side effects, be sure to speak with your doctor.
10. Is PEMF therapy covered by insurance?
In most countries PEMF therapy is generally not covered by insurance. However, some insurance plans may cover PEMF therapy if it is considered medically necessary. Be sure to check with your insurance provider to see if PEMF therapy is covered under your plan. Hopefully we can start to see these non-evasive treatments recognized more in the near future.
Conclusion
PEMF therapy is a promising new treatment for those who suffer from chronic pain. This non-invasive, drug-free therapy uses magnetic fields to stimulate healing in the body by reducing inflammation and promoting cell repair. If you’re looking for an alternative treatment for your chronic pain, PEMF therapy just might be worth a try!
When shopping for PEMF Therapy devices it can become a little overwhelming, there are so many factors to consider –
How strong does the magnetic field need to be?
What waveform is best?
How long do I have to use the device to facilitate healing?
What brand is best?
For recommendations on the right PEMF therapy device check out our post on – Best PEMF Devices. In that post we go into 5 of the top devices on the market today.
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