This can help with injury-related pain, healing damaged bones and tissue, promoting blood circulation, and stimulating the immune system and organs.
PEMF therapy was approved by the FDA in 1979 specifically for the healing of nonunion fractures, which came after a Columbia University study that was encouraged by NASA. In the years following this, the FDA has approved the use of PEMF technology for bone healing, post-surgical pain and healing, pain and inflammation, knee pain and even depression.
Sharecare/What is electromagnetic therapy?/PEMF SAFETY – IS PULSED ELECTOMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY SAFE?. Retrieved from: https://www.sharecare.com/health/alternative-medicines/what-is-electromagnetic-therapy
Dr. Magda Havas, PhD./Dr. Oz on PEMF therapy and pain relief. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from: https://magdahavas.com/dr-oz-on-pemf-therapy-and-pain-control/
OSKA/10 Facts About PEMF Machines and What They Can Do For You. Retrieved from: https://www.oskawellness.com/blogs/blog/10-facts-about-pemf-machines-and-what-they-can-do-for-you
Almost anyone can benefit from PEMF therapy from the young to the elderly, as well as animals of various species.
- Anxiety
- Arthritis pain
- Asthma attacks reduced
- Bone healing and density
- Bursitis healing
- Cancer
- Chrohn’s
- Chronic Pain Syndromes
- Circulation
- Depression
- Eye disorders
- Fibromyalgia symptoms improved
- Hearing disorders
- Immune function improvements
- Injury recovery
- Joint pain
- Physical energy
- Postoperative Pain
- Psychiatric Disorders
- Rheumatic disorders
- Schizophrenia
- Sciatica
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
- Tennis Elbow
- Tinnitus
- Menopausal symptoms
- Mental focus
- Migraines
- Musculoskeletal disorders
- Osteoarthritis
- Osteoporosis
Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital/Health Library. Retrieved from: https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=33778
Pawluk, William MD MSc. MATRIX REPATTERNING: Expanding the Horizons of Well-being/Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF): How They Heal. Retrieved from: https://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic
HEALTHY SPACES – HOLISTIC WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES/PEMF FAQs. (2019) Retrieved from: https://www.healthyspacesnorthwest.com/pemf-faqs/
So if a person’s cells are not working correctly, the potential for disease is greater. PEMF therapy can reduce inflammation and help the body heal quicker. PEMF therapy has 60+ years of clinical success in relieving pain at the source by pulsing electromagnetic waves at precise frequencies, speeding the body's recovery at a cellular level (OSKA). PEMF technology has been FDA approved for 25 years for bone healing, post-surgical pain and healing, pain and inflammation, knee pain and even depression (OSKA).
Treatments can take anywhere from 2 minutes to 20 minutes, and a person may see improvements with just one treatment. Pain relief happens a lot faster than other treatments, and PEMF therapy is known to provide long-term results.
PEMF therapy can help with the body’s cardiovascular system, muscles & tissue healing, metabolism, hormone system, respiratory tract, skeletal system, and the nervous system. It is a very safe, non-invasive treatment that could prevent the need for risky medications with side effects, or possibly surgery.
Here are some of the possible benefits of PEMF Therapies:
- Bones and soft tissue healing faster
- Blood pressure regulated
- Cell Improvements: cell detoxification, nutrients circulating in cells, blood and tissue oxygen with movement of blood in cells, and possibly regenerating cells
- Sleep quality improved
- Stress reduction
- Swelling and pain reduced
- Cholesterol improvements
- Chronic pain improvements
- Immune system balanced
- Swelling reduced
- Inflammation decreased
- Metabolism improvements
- Muscle function & injuries improved
- Musculoskeletal pain relief
- Range of motion improved
OSKA/10 Facts About PEMF Machines and What They Can Do For You. Retrieved from: https://www.oskawellness.com/blogs/blog/10-facts-about-pemf-machines-and-what-they-can-do-for-you
Dr. Magda Havas, PhD./Dr. Oz on PEMF therapy and pain relief. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from: https://magdahavas.com/dr-oz-on-pemf-therapy-and-pain-control/
Pawluk, William MD MSc. MATRIX REPATTERNING: Expanding the Horizons of Well-being/Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF): How They Heal. Retrieved from: https://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic
Healthcare in America/Treating Chronic Pain with PEMF Therapy. Retrived from:
https://healthcareinamerica.us/treating-chronic-pain-with-pemf-therapy-f4c09dc183d7
HEALTHY SPACES – HOLISTIC WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES/PEMF FAQs. (2019) Retrieved from: https://www.healthyspacesnorthwest.com/pemf-faqs/
Healthcare in America/Treating Chronic Pain with PEMF Therapy. Retrived from:
https://healthcareinamerica.us/treating-chronic-pain-with-pemf-therapy-f4c09dc183d7
Understanding Electromagnetic Fields in the Body
The earth, people and animals all produce electrical and magnetic fields. Electricity is needed in order for humans to send various signals from brain to the body and vice versa. We know that everything is energy based on science, and everything has a frequency which can change by the second or the minute. All energy is electromagnetic; every organ has a bio electromagnetic field. Science has proven that our bodies actually project their own magnetic fields and that all 70 trillion cells in the body communicate via electromagnetic frequencies (William).
How PEMF Therapy Complements the Body’s Natural Healing Processes
PEMF therapy complements the natural body processes by improving the electrical potential of the cells. Resting cells are negatively charged on the inside, while the outside of the cell is more positively charged (OSKA). These charges are needed for exchanges of calcium, potassium, and sodium ions. The flow of charges across the cell membrane is what generates electrical currents (OSKA). A cell can become more positively charged when stimulated/distressed which can be due to trauma, disease, toxins, physical injury, inflammation, scar tissue, poor nutrition, etc. The distress of cells causes more electrical currents, which in turn become electrical pulses called ‘action potentials.’ Action potentials are in charge of creating the right behaviors, thoughts, and movements. The body requires particular patterns of action potentials, and the increase and disruptive patterns can lead to disease.
PEMF can reverse the positive charge that occurs from cells becoming distressed, returning the electrical currents in the cell to their proper function. PEMF’s produce the right EMF frequencies to complement the body’s natural, self-healing capabilities. Therapeutic PEMFs are specifically designed to positively support cellular energy, resulting in better cellular health and function (William).
We are truly only as healthy as our cells are!
How PEMF Machines Work
There isn’t just one type of PEMF machine that works for every health condition. Every machine is made with different frequencies, waveforms, strengths, and types of stimulators to work for certain types of health conditions. PEMF devices are effective primarily because they are subthreshold, low-frequency, low-power electromagnetic waveforms (also called electromagnetic pulse-forms), specifically designed to target limbic cells in the brain (pain receptor cells in the brain) (Healthcare in America).
OSKA/10 Facts About PEMF Machines and What They Can Do For You. Retrieved from: https://www.oskawellness.com/blogs/blog/10-facts-about-pemf-machines-and-what-they-can-do-for-you
Pawluk, William MD MSc. MATRIX REPATTERNING: Expanding the Horizons of Well-being/Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF): How They Heal. Retrieved from: https://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic
Healthcare in America/Treating Chronic Pain with PEMF Therapy. Retrived from:
https://healthcareinamerica.us/treating-chronic-pain-with-pemf-therapy-f4c09dc183d7
Some of the rare side effects reported include a mild, temporary headache, fatigue, agitation, weakness, dizziness, or warm/cold sensations. Some people may be sensitive to electrical treatments, but it is unknown as to why. Side effects are more common for those with neurotoxicity, poor nutrition, or autonomic dysfunction. Magnetic fields are safe, one example of this is MRIs. They actually expose the body to huge magnetic fields and they have been investigated to show no evidence of harm.
Many PEMF devices have been approved by the FDA, but even devices that have not are said to be very safe. Most devices are considered non-invasive and safe by many organizations. However, if you are purchasing your own PEMF machine, do your research to make sure you are purchasing from a reputable company, and a product that will be right for your needs. There are always good and bad products, there is no 100% guarantee on the safety and effectiveness of every product out there.
Health Conditions PEMF Therapy is Unsafe For
PEMF therapy is considered to be unsafe if you have a pacemaker, insulin pump, pre-existing heart condition, possibly epilepsy, or have metals in your body from a surgery. It is also not a good option for children or people who are pregnant. Some people are concerned about EMFs (electromagnetic fields) being dangerous for cancer (growing cancer cells), along with increasing seizures. But, it has also been reported that PEMF therapy does the exact opposite, reducing cancer cells and seizures. There are two clinical studied that have used PEMF therapy for cancer treatment (view in scientific evidence section). It is advised to check with your doctor before trying PEMF therapy.
Aren’t EMF’s bad?
Not all EMF’s are bad, just the manmade unnatural EMF’s from electrical equipment: TV’s, cell phones, computers, microwave ovens, hair dryers, clock radios, and so on. EMF’s fall into two different categories: non-ionizing (low-level radiation known to be harmless to people), and ionizing (high-level radiation which could cause DNA and cellular damage). Evidence is mounting that a new form of pollution called “electrosmog” is a very real threat because it is disruptive to cell metabolism (William). Electrical equipment creates the electrosmog, which is ionizing. PEMF’s actually help balance frequencies in the body, so they have the opposite effect, and decrease the negative effects of electrosmog.
OSKA/10 Facts About PEMF Machines and What They Can Do For You. Retrieved from: https://www.oskawellness.com/blogs/blog/10-facts-about-pemf-machines-and-what-they-can-do-for-you
Pawluk, William MD MSc. MATRIX REPATTERNING: Expanding the Horizons of Well-being/Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF): How They Heal. Retrieved from: https://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic
PEMF-Devices.com/How safe are PEMF Devices and what are side effects of PEMF therapy? (2017, November 27). Retrieved from: https://pemf-devices.com/side-effects-pemf-therapy-devices/
DRPAWLUK.COM/History of Magnetic Field Therapy. Retrieved from:
https://www.drpawluk.com/education/magnetic-science/history-magnetic-field-therapy/
Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital/Health Library. Retrieved from: https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=33778
Dr. Magda Havas, PhD./Dr. Oz on PEMF therapy and pain relief. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from: https://magdahavas.com/dr-oz-on-pemf-therapy-and-pain-control/
American Inventions
He also proposed the theory of the electromagnetic field (forces extending into the space around a conductor), but he died before his theory was accepted. Nikola Tesla used the relationship of electricity and magnetic fields, and helped in the development of Alternating Current (AC) electrical systems. He has many more notable inventions including X-rays, radar, remote controls, induction motors, and 
more. Most importantly for the purpose of this content, Tesla is also responsible for designing the first magnetic loop coil, which is used in all of today’s PEMF machines.
Electro-magnetism became a concept at the end of the 19th century with the electron being discovered. Albert Einstein showed that electricity and magnetism are not discrete phenomena, but different aspects of the same phenomenon (PEMF.com). Magnetism and electricity were actually added to medical textbooks as therapeutic alternatives for fatigue, arthritis, and insomnia. Due to politics and the growth of pharmaceuticals PEMF Therapies diminished for nearly 60 years, up until the mid 1970s.
PEMF’s Receive FDA Approval
By the 20th century PEMF devices were created starting in the Czech Republic. By the early 1980s that PEMF Therapies were introduced into Hungary and then became available throughout Europe. In the U.S., PEMF devices were originally developed based on research done by NASA. NASA discovered PEMF devices helped astronauts with bone loss, depression, fatigue, and more after taking short trips to outer space. It was also in the 1980’s PEMF therapy became FDA approved for specific health scenarios. Currently, many PEMF devices have been approved by the FDA for wound healing, fusing broken bones, tissue swelling, and depression. Due to a more recent FDA update, it has become easier than ever before to develop new PEMF systems in the U.S. They can be marketed without FDA approval if their intended purpose is to help maintain wellness.
PEMF.com/History. Retrived from:
https://www.pemf.com/en/history.html
DRPAWLUK.COM/History of Magnetic Field Therapy. Retrieved from:
https://www.drpawluk.com/education/magnetic-science/history-magnetic-field-therapy/
Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital/Health Library. Retrieved from: https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=33778
OSKA/10 Facts About PEMF Machines and What They Can Do For You. Retrieved from: https://www.oskawellness.com/blogs/blog/10-facts-about-pemf-machines-and-what-they-can-do-for-you
Pawluk, William MD MSc. MATRIX REPATTERNING: Expanding the Horizons of Well-being/Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF): How They Heal. Retrieved from: https://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic
Evidence-based use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in clinical plastic surgery
PEMF therapy has been used successfully in the management of postsurgical pain and edema, the treatment of chronic wounds, and in facilitating vasodilatation and angiogenesis (NCBI, 2019).
A significant improvement was found in the neck pain, disability, depression, anxiety, and quality of life scores of both groups after treatment when compared to those before treatment (NCBI, 2019)
Efficacy and safety of the pulsed electromagnetic field in osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis.
PEMF could alleviate pain and improve physical function for patients with knee and hand OA, but not for patients with cervical OA.
Mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in oncology
PEMF Research
Here is some research covering the benefits of PEMF therapy for a number of health conditions.
Here are multiple scientific studies for various health conditions that show success with PEMF therapy treatments.
NCBI/Evidence-based use of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in clinical plastic surgery. (2009). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19371845
NCBI/Efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic fields on pain, disability, anxiety, depression, and quality of life in patients with cervical disc herniation: a randomized controlled study
(2019). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31385489
NCBI/Efficacy and safety of the pulsed electromagnetic field in osteoarthritis: a meta-analysis.
(2019). Retrieved from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30552258
In order to provide PEMF therapy, they must obtain training and can obtain a certification. One of the best places for a practitioner to gain a certification is through: Magna Wave, because they are recognized as an accredited school by the AADP (The American Association of Drugless Practitioners).
MAGNA WAVE/MAGNA WAVE CERTIFICATION. (2018). Retrieved from: https://www.magnawavepemf.com/certification/
Dr. Magda Havas, PhD./Dr. Oz on PEMF therapy and pain relief. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from: https://magdahavas.com/dr-oz-on-pemf-therapy-and-pain-control/
A couple places you can search for a practitioner include
MAGNA Wave (It has a bit over 2,000 worldwide practitioners)
PULSE CENTERS (The locations on this site are mostly U.S. based)
There is also an organization called Association of PEMF Professionals, who don’t have a search directory, but may be able to provide information on finding one.
Many of these PEMF systems are used worldwide, and are popular for Olympic Athletes to use for enhanced performance, increased endurance, and faster recovery.
In the United States, there are many PEMF systems that people can purchase over-the counter or through experienced practitioners. Some whole-body systems have been available in the US for over a decade and have been used in Europe by tens of thousands of people for a wide variety of problems without significant negative effects for over 20 years (William).
Pawluk, William MD MSc. MATRIX REPATTERNING: Expanding the Horizons of Well-being/Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF): How They Heal. Retrieved from: https://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic
Dr. Havas PhD., Magda/Dr. Oz on PEMF therapy and pain relief. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from: https://magdahavas.com/dr-oz-on-pemf-therapy-and-pain-control/
The practitioner will start by asking the patient about areas of concern, then explain how the treatment will work. PEMF therapy is non-invasive and it can actually be relaxing. Some people go into a meditative state or even fall asleep. PEMF therapy may require lying down on a massage table with a PEMF system on it, or receiving treatment while sitting with the device placed on the painful area of the body. There are a variety of different machines, so it is hard to describe how each machine may be placed on the body, or how it will feel. Some people may notice a tingling feeling, poke, pulses, tightening, a dull zap, while others may just feel a sense of relaxation. After treatment, patients report feeling well-rested, energized, or at peace.
Treatments can be anywhere from 2 -20 minutes in length. Treatments may be daily or just once a week, it all depends on the person and what health condition they are dealing with. The number of treatments necessary, will also depend on the person.
The treatment can be done without a practitioner’s help. Some practitioners may tell the patient where to move the PEMF device after how long, and then leave the room checking back frequently.
HEALTHY SPACES – HOLISTIC WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES/PEMF FAQs. (2019) Retrieved from: https://www.healthyspacesnorthwest.com/pemf-faqs/
Drumwright, Steve. (2017, January 24). CHIROPRACTIC ECONOMICS/A first-timer’s guide to using a PEMF Device. Retrieved from: https://www.chiroeco.com/pemf-device-experience/
Healthcare in America/Treating Chronic Pain with PEMF Therapy. Retrived from:
https://healthcareinamerica.us/treating-chronic-pain-with-pemf-therapy-f4c09dc183d7
HEALTHY SPACES – HOLISTIC WELLNESS TECHNOLOGIES/PEMF FAQs. (2019) Retrieved from: https://www.healthyspacesnorthwest.com/pemf-faqs/
Drumwright, Steve. (2017, January 24). CHIROPRACTIC ECONOMICS/A first-timer’s guide to using a PEMF Device. Retrieved from: https://www.chiroeco.com/pemf-device-experience/
Sharecare/What is electromagnetic therapy?/PEMF SAFETY – IS PULSED ELECTOMAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY SAFE?. Retrieved from:
https://www.sharecare.com/health/alternative-medicines/what-is-electromagnetic-therapy
DRPAWLUK.COM/History of Magnetic Field Therapy. Retrieved from:
https://www.drpawluk.com/education/magnetic-science/history-magnetic-field-therapy/
OSKA/10 Facts About PEMF Machines and What They Can Do For You. Retrieved from: https://www.oskawellness.com/blogs/blog/10-facts-about-pemf-machines-and-what-they-can-do-for-you
Beth Israel Lahey Health Winchester Hospital/Health Library. Retrieved from: https://www.winchesterhospital.org/health-library/article?id=33778
Pawluk, William MD MSc. MATRIX REPATTERNING: Expanding the Horizons of Well-being/Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF): How They Heal. Retrieved from: https://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic
Healthcare in America/Treating Chronic Pain with PEMF Therapy. Retrived from:
https://healthcareinamerica.us/treating-chronic-pain-with-pemf-therapy-f4c09dc183d7
Dr. Magda Havas, PhD./Dr. Oz on PEMF therapy and pain relief. (2011, November 24). Retrieved from: https://magdahavas.com/dr-oz-on-pemf-therapy-and-pain-control/
PEMF.com/History. Retrived from:
https://www.pemf.com/en/history.html
PEMF-Devices.com/How safe are PEMF Devices and what are side effects of PEMF therapy? (2017, November 27). Retrieved from: https://pemf-devices.com/side-effects-pemf-therapy-devices/
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