PEMF Therapy 101

What is PEMF Therapy and How Can It Improve Your Wellbeing?

If you are suffering from acute or chronic pain, you know how hard it can be to get effective treatments from mainstream medicine.

While looking into alternative therapies, you may have heard of something called “pulsed electromagnetic field therapy,” or “PEMF.”

PEMF is well-researched and has a long history of use. Despite this, many people with chronic or acute pain have never heard of it.

In this post, you’ll learn all about PEMF therapy—what it is, how it works, and what kind of research has been conducted on it. I will also provide you with some product recommendations.

What is PEMF Therapy?

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is pretty well described by its name.

You’re probably somewhat familiar with electromagnetic fields (EMFs).

It is true that in general, electromagnetic fields are something that you want to avoid. Certain levels of exposure to certain frequencies can damage DNA.

But with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, there are two key differences:

  • Duration of exposure
  • Frequency of exposure

While you probably are aware that devices can emit electromagnetic fields, you might not be aware that electromagnetic fields occur in nature as well.

These natural EMFs do not cause the kind of damage which artificially-generated EMFs do. Our bodies have evolved in their presence, and are adapted to them.

PEMF therapy uses frequencies ranging from 5-30 Hz.

For comparison, the last time you were in a thunderstorm, you were exposed to higher frequency than that.

Ashes mentioned, duration is relevant as well.

PEMF therapy does not produce a continuous EMF.

Instead, you are exposed to the 5-30 Hz electromagnetic field in short, controlled bursts over a period ranging from around 10-20 minutes.

Key Point: PEMF stands for “pulsed electromagnetic field.” PEMF therapy uses short duration pulsed exposure to 5-30 Hz electromagnetic fields in order to treat injured tissue and reduce pain. Both the frequency and duration resemble the kind of EMFs we are exposed to in nature, which is what makes PEMF safe.

 

What Does Research Have to Say About the Safety of PEMF?

While you may be satisfied with the explanation above concerning the frequency and duration of PEMF therapy EMFs, you might be wondering what research has to say about the safety of this alternative treatment.

This comprehensive review in 2011 looked at 11 different trials for whole-body PEMF mats.

The patients in question were being treated for a wide range of different conditions, which may be why the trials only reported “sporadic positive effects.”

Regardless, the review found no issues involving safety.

Specifically, the researchers wrote, “Acute adverse effects have not been reported. However, adverse effects occurring after long-term application have not been studied so far.”

Key Point: Current research supports the belief that PEMF therapy is safe for short-term use. Whether or not the supplies for long-term use is not yet certain. More research is needed for chronic pain applications.

 

How Does PEMF Therapy Work?

How can exposing yourself to electromagnetic fields help to speed up recovery when you are injured or treat acute or chronic pain?

Well, the completely honest answer is “we’re still not sure,” but it may involve mitochondria.

A nutritional periodontist named Dr. Danenberg has written an interesting post exploring this topic.

 

Explaining that ATP is produced in the body through a series of protein complexes, Dr. Danenberg writes:

“If damage occurs in any of these Complexes, then there is dysfunction in the mitochondria. Dysfunctional mitochondria could lead to decreased ability for a cell to do what it was designed to do. Ultimately, chronic disease would be the result of dysfunctional mitochondria.

 

There is some evidence that PEMF therapy may improve the health of mitochondria.[1],[2] However, based on my search of PubMed, there has never been a study to demonstrate that damage to the ETC in mitochondria could be repaired by PEMF therapy.”

In order to address this gap in a small way, Dr. Danenberg conducted a study on a single convenient subject (the doctor’s wife) using a PEMF mat.

Dr. Danenberg writes:

“While I am reporting the results of only one person, I believe I had control of all potential confounding factors … The results from the 4-week mitochondria test reported a significant decrease in the overproduction of mitochondria and significant improvements in both Complex I and Complex III.”

 

Key Point: It appears that by normalizing mitochondria production and improving the protein complexes, PEMF may be able to provide its therapeutic effect.

 

What Does Research Say About PEMF Effectiveness?

Just as you may have guessed, even with decades of use, more research is still needed in the area of PEMF’s effectiveness. But here are some studies which show that it may be beneficial for a range of conditions:

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial Using a Low-Frequency Magnetic Field in the Treatment of Musculoskeletal Chronic Pain

This study looked at whether PEMF would help patients who were suffering from chronic localized musculoskeletal pain, chronic localized inflammatory pain, or fibromyalgia. While the researchers did feel more studies were needed, they concluded, “PEMF may be a novel, safe and effective therapeutic tool for use in at least certain subsets of patients with chronic, nonmalignant pain.”

 

Magnetic Pulse Treatment for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomised, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

69 patients with osteoarthritis of the knee participated in this research study. The study concluded, “Medicur unipolar magnetic devices are beneficial in reducing pain and disability in patients with knee OA resistant to conventional treatment in the absence of significant side-effects.”

 

A portable pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) device to enhance healing of recalcitrant venous ulcers: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trial

This study revealed that “the PELUT device is a safe and effective adjunct to non-surgical therapy for recalcitrant venous leg ulcers.”

 

Electrochemical Therapy of Pelvic Pain: Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) on Tissue Trauma

While this study was a small one, its results were quite astonishing. The researchers wrote, “Eighteen of 20 episodes of gynaecological pelvic pain (89.5%) were successfully treated in a remarkably short time by brief (15 to 30 minute) exposures to a magnetic induction device … There was evidence of accelerating pain relief as a possible neurological effect, accelerated healing at cellular level and clearance of urinary tract infection.”

The researchers pointed out that not only was the therapy effective, but that it is also cost-effective and convenient with an “absence of adverse side effects.”

 

Transcranial Low Voltage Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Depression

In this research trial, T-PEMF was shown to alleviate the symptoms of depression better than a sham treatment with “few side effects.”

So at this point, we have evidence suggesting that PEMF can be used to effectively treat:

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Depression
  • Pelvic pain
  • Tissue trauma
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Venous ulcers
  • Chronic localized musculoskeletal pain
  • Chronic localized inflammatory pain

 

Because PEMF is well-tolerated and cost-effective, it is worth giving it a try for your own pain issues.

PEMF mats often incorporate other features to make them even more relaxing and restorative.

You may even find that such a mat provides you with sufficient relief to avoid more expensive interventions. For chronic pain patients, this can greatly enhance your life while potentially keeping more money in your wallet.

Key Point: PEMF has been shown in research studies to be well-tolerated and effective in treating a broad range of health conditions. It may lead to improvements in physical and psychological wellbeing.

 

Why Have You Heard So Little About PEMF?

Considering that PEMF is research-backed and may be a promising treatment for a number of conditions, you might be wondering, “Why haven’t I heard more about this?”

There are a couple of likely answers:

  • First of all, doctors usually do not prioritize treating pain. They are concerned with conditions which can end your life or reduce your physical function, but pain is something they typically seem to feel you can live with. As a result, not as much money, effort or care is put into researching pain treatments or helping patients to manage their pain.
  • Secondly, pharmaceutical companies want you popping pills, not using PEMF therapy. So pain medications tend to be well-known, but alternative therapies like PEMF often are never even brought up to patients by their doctors.

Key Point: If you have never heard of PEMF, or only know a little bit about it, that probably is a reflection of the priorities of the medical industry, not a statement on the effectiveness of PEMF.

 

What are Some of the Best PEMF Devices?

If you are ready to try using PEMF to treat your health condition, it is important to make sure that you are getting a high quality product from a trusted brand.

While PEMF is backed by science, not all devices are able to deliver. Following are our top recommendations right now. These PEMF mats combine PEMF technology with far infrared heat and gemstone healing to provide a luxurious experience time and again.

MediCrystal Far Infrared Bio-Magnetic Mini Mat
MediCrystal Far Infrared Bio-Magnetic Mini Mat

Currently, this is our top pick if you are shopping for PEMF on a budget. This technology is an investment, and this product is no exception—but it is much more affordable than some competing PEMF devices.

 

  • 19-parts system
  • Crushed natural amethyst and tourmaline layers (these provide ions and far infrared deep impact heat)
  • Mat is equipped with protection against overheating
  • 1-30 Hz (manually adjustable)
  • 13 auto programs
  • Two free mat covers are included
  • Risk-free 100% refund guarantee
  • One-year warranty

 

Considering the relatively low cost of this mat, it is packed with extra features we wouldn’t normally expect. It is also backed by a company that provides service 7 days a week. All told, that makes it a steal.

 

Far Infrared Amethyst Mat by Bio Amethyst

Far Infrared Amethyst Mat by Bio Amethyst

If you are in the market for an amethyst PEMF mat which has a lot of excellent features and great feedback from customers, this one by Bio Amethyst is well worth taking a look at.

 

  • 18 layers thick
  • Natural amethyst gems
  • PEMF therapy combined with negative ions and heat
  • Built to last 10-20 years
  • one-year warranty
  • Adjustable temperature between 86 and 168 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Aesthetically appealing design
  • 300 gauss static magnets
  • Free protection cover
  • 24/7 customer service

 

With its high-quality materials and durable, long-lasting design, it is easy to see why this is such a popular mat. If you are looking for something similar to the MediCrystal Far Infrared Bio-Magnetic Mini Mat but with a more aesthetically pleasing appearance, this is it.

HL HEALTHYLINE Infrared Mat PEMF Therapy Device

HL HEALTHYLINE Infrared Mat PEMF Therapy Device

According to the seller, more than 500,000 customers have purchased and enjoyed using this infrared mat.

 

  • Contains 12 pounds of crushed amethysts, 1 pound of crushed tourmaline and 1 pound of crushed obsidian
  • Combines hot stone therapy with far infrared rays and PEMF
  • Adjustable temperature between 95-158 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Auto shutoff timer
  • 18 layers
  • Try it with no risk for 30 days
  • 1-year warranty
  • Lifetime trade-ins and upgrades

 

You can get this mat in even larger sizes than the other two (up to 80” x 40”). On the whole, features are similar to the other two recommended mats, but this mat includes crushed obsidian in addition to the amethysts and tourmalines.

Start Enjoying the Benefits of PEMF Therapy Today


Now you know all about PEMF and what it can do for your health. If you are ready to enjoy a deeply relaxing healing experience in the comfort of your own home, purchase a PEMF mat today. Because these mats can work great for many years, you’ll find that over the long run, they offer you a cost-effective, natural treatment you can rely on. Click on any of the links above to bring PEMF’s science-backed benefits into your life!