What Is the Science Behind PEMF Therapy?

If you suffer from chronic pain — like a lower back that seizes up constantly or arthritis issues — you might be willing to try anything to reduce the pain. Along with whatever the doctor ordered, you may be interested in complimentary treatments that don’t come with heavy side effects. One possible option is PEMF therapy. It’s now available in at-home products, but does it really work? Find out the science behind PEMF therapy, its potential benefits, and if it’s worth the investment. 

What is PEMF therapy?

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy stimulates your cells into action, making them work faster to regenerate and recover. Pulsating electromagnetic fields send electrical currents to your cells, much like a battery getting charged. It’s non-invasive and easy to use whether at a clinic or at home with a PEMF mat. 

It was originally designed to help people heal from health conditions, particularly bone and joint issues like osteoarthritis. Now, it’s being used for wound healing, chronic pain, and neuroprotective help. Thanks to at-home PEMF products, it’s also becoming popular for better sleep and general pain relief, like soreness after working out. 

Science behind PEMF therapy: does it really work? 

A recent 2023 review showed that while some studies show promise, more research is needed to validate its potential benefits. Currently, there is some evidence to suggest it may help with certain conditions and health issues. For example, a 2019 review suggests PEMF therapy could help reduce inflammation by positively influencing how immune cells respond to injury. It may be used as a complementary treatment or an alternative for those unable to use pharmaceuticals. 

One 2022 review showed that PEMF therapy specifically alleviated chronic back pain and improved mobility. Another study on people who woke up often to urinate during the night also showed improvement in their sleep. However, these studies need further testing to confirm their results. 

Also, many of the studies used clinical devices and not at-home PEMF mats. PEMF mats might deliver different results, but they can be versatile and offer a wide range of frequencies for varying conditions. 

Benefits of PEMF therapy

Here are a few of the potential benefits you might notice with PEMF therapy: 

Improved blood flow and energy

We all need good circulation for nutrients and oxygen to reach our cells so they can work their best. PEMF therapy might help with this, boosting blood flow to specific areas. That means better recovery and cell repair, along with improved energy levels. 

Reduced Inflammation

PEMF therapy may help the immune system respond better to injury or damage. For example, early usage of PEMF therapy focused on bone and joint issues, which may be associated with inflammatory conditions like osteoarthritis. 

Pain relief

Thanks to improved cell regeneration and blood flow, inflammation and pain might be managed more efficiently. For example, the 2022 study on chronic back pain showed it reduced pain compared to control groups.

Better mobility

When suffering from certain health conditions, like joint issues, reduced inflammation can also lead to better mobility. With less pain comes more flexibility and ease of movement. 

Higher-quality sleep

While more research is needed, there are a few small studies that suggest PEMF therapy may improve sleep quality. One study in particular on people with overactive bladders showed reduced sleep disturbances. 

Are there any risks or side effects?

Like many therapies, there might be a few side effects involved. Since it’s a non-invasive treatment, they’re often mild, such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea or dizziness
• Tingling or warm sensation
• Temporary increase in current pain 

Who should not use PEMF therapy?

PEMF therapy isn’t for everyone. Be sure to speak to your doctor before giving it a try, especially if you have a health condition. Several groups of people should avoid using it entirely, including: 

• Children
• Cancer patients
• Pregnant people
• Those with seizure disorders
• People with pacemakers or electronic implants
• Patients with active bleeding or anyone with bleeding disorders

Tips to get started with PEMF therapy

If you’re looking for a PEMF mat for at-home use, there are a few things to be aware of, such as: 

• Frequency. Look for a device with frequencies that match your needs. Lower frequencies (1-30 Hz) are often recommended for relaxation, recovery, and sleep. Higher frequencies (50-100 Hz) are more common for pain management and blood circulation. 
• Intensity. Get a device that lets you adjust the intensity and be sure to start at the lower end. Gradually increase as your body adapts, but watch out for any side effects that indicate it’s too much. 
• Duration. Some devices have automatic timers where you can set your session time. Start slow with a 10-minute session and slowly work your way up, if needed. There’s no exact time range recommended by professionals, so keep an eye on how you react and adjust as needed. 

Consistency is important but be careful not to overdo it. Talk to your healthcare professional about usage, timing, and frequencies for your specific condition to get the best results. 

Different types of PEMF devices

There are quite a few devices on the market that come in all shapes and sizes. Which one is best depends on your needs and lifestyle. For example: 

• Portable devices. Small pads, handheld units, or even small mats that roll up are easy to carry around. You can take them to work or while traveling, or just to keep at home. 
• Wearables. Strap-on devices can be wrapped around specific body parts, like your wrist, ankle, or lower back. You can wear them under clothes and keep them on while you go about your day. 
• Full-body mats. Large mats are usually best for relaxation, sleep, or body-wide pain or inflammation. They’re used by lying down on them, so they may not be as portable as other options. 
• Professional devices. Healthcare professionals and clinics will often use higher-intensity devices. These devices are mostly in clinics since they’re more complex and costly. 

Overall, the effectiveness of PEMF therapy varies greatly depending on your needs and the device used. While it may help reduce pain and inflammation, it’s not for everyone and results can’t be guaranteed. Much more research needs to be done to test just how valid PEMF therapy is for different health issues.  

Have you given PEMF therapy a try? What was your experience? Let other readers know what to expect and what devices you found most helpful. 

FAQs

1. What does PEMF therapy do?

PEMF therapy uses electromagnetic fields to send small electrical currents to your cells and tissues. These currents may be able to stimulate cells, promoting regeneration and recovery. 

2. Can PEMF therapy help with chronic pain?

PEMF therapy might help with chronic pain by reducing inflammation and improving cell regeneration and blood flow, but more research is needed to say for certain. 

3. How long should a PEMF session last?

It depends on your needs, but if you go to a clinic the session may last anywhere from 20 to 60 minutes. At home PEMF devices have specific instructions that should be followed — speak to your doctor first. 

4. Can PEMF therapy help with sleep issues?

Some people say that PEMF therapy helps them relax and sleep better, but valid research is lacking. 

5. How much does PEMF therapy cost?

Costs vary depending on your needs and the clinic or device. A 30-minute session at a clinic can cost $30 or more. At-home devices may cost several hundred dollars.