Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) is a technology that uses electromagnetic waves at various frequencies to stimulate and promote the body’s natural recovery processes. In the United States, PEMF exposure has long been approved by the FDA as a treatment for certain types of bone fractures with considerable clinical evidence to support the efficacy of the technology.
While electromagnetic fields, like those produced by microwaves and x-ray machines, are harmful in high doses, frequency and duration make a significant difference. The electromagnetic waves created by a PEMF machine only occur in brief bursts and are low frequency like the waves found in nature and the waves involved in PEMF treatments usually have a lower frequency than occur during a thunderstorm.
PEMF treatments operate by targeting the membranes of cells‘ positive and negative magnetic charges. These charges are used to exchange ions carrying the chemical elements that a body needs to function (such as calcium and potassium). Over time cells deteriorate or get injured, and they lose their magnetic charges and the ability to exchange ions. Symptoms like inflammation, fatigue, and pain result from these damaged cells that have low electric charges. PEMF technology targets an affected area and restores the cells’ optimum electromagnetic charges.
PEMF technology was developed in World War II but its origins go back to Nikola Tesla who invented the first magnetic loop coils which continue to be used in modern PEMF machines. PEMF therapy itself originated from NASA research into the benefits of electromagnetic fields for helping astronauts with fatigue, bone loss and other issues resulting from their trips to outer space. They discovered that the cause of these problems was the absence of the earth’s natural magnetic field.
The first PEMF machines were large and consisted of what is called a Helmholtz coil which was the size of a person. They produced an almost uniform region of magnetic fields and the patient would be placed inside the machine to effect treatment. Modern PEMF machines are reduced in size considerably and have the dimensions of a yoga mat. They are somewhat thicker, however, so that they can house flat spiral coils that produce the electromagnetic field. Today a patient can use a small, wearable device that they place near the area of the body that requires relief. PEMF technology has applications in helping bone healing, post-surgical pain and healing, inflammation, knee pain and depression and its benefits are backed by scientific trials carried out by physiotherapists, rheumatologists, and neurologists.
