Since it was first officially approved by the FDA in 2007, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) has helped people overcome a wide variety of different conditions. This unique therapy seeks to transform the way the body functions, down to the cellular level. Usually, PEMFT is conducted using a dedicated PEMF device. These devices, which typically weigh just a few pounds and are about the size (and shape) of a thicker yoga mat, can be purchased directly online or through various PEMF providers. PEMF Therapy sessions will usually last about 45 minutes to 1 hour and can be conducted in the privacy and comfort of your own home.
Considering that these devices have only been in use by mainstream society for a little more than a decade, there is no surprise that people (and scientists) are constantly discovering new uses for them. Studies are actively being conducted in order to determine how PEMF therapy can help people overcome a tremendous variety of conditions.
In this article, we will discuss a few of the many ways that PEMF devices are currently being used. Though it will be important to speak with your doctor before pursuing any specific treatment options, you may be surprised by the profound impact these devices can have on your quality of life.
Pain Relief
One of the most common uses of PEMF devices is pain relief. Targeted areas often include the back, neck, and other parts of the body that experience pain on a consistent basis. PEMF devices, such as the A2000 True Pulse device, make it easier to focus on specific areas and encourage intercellular healing. These alternative treatments are often quite popular because they save people from the pain and expenses of surgery or the risk of becoming addicted to pain killers. While they cannot treat all types of pain, they have been proven to be effective for many different people.
Mobility Improvement
PEMF Therapy can also be used to help people increase their mobility. This can include both athletes who are recovering from certain injuries or individuals who are suffering from chronic conditions that inhibit their mobility, such as arthritis. At the cellular level, magnetic fields can pass through the body and begin to repair bones, muscles, and other parts of the body that are essential for total mobility. When combined with physical therapy, PEMF treatments may be even more effective.
PEMF for Sleep
In the United States (and elsewhere around the world), sleep disorders are incredibly common. Currently, it is estimated by the CDC that about 40 million American adults suffer from chronic sleep disorders and about 20 million American adults suffer from occasional sleep disorders. While each of these people will require a personal treatment plan, PEMF therapy has helped many people get a better night’s sleep, even when other treatments were proven ineffective. By targeting the neural network of the body, common sleep disorders such as insomnia can be effectively combatted.
Mental Healthcare
Mental health issues also plague a large portion of the population, which has caused many within the medical community to begin looking for alternative forms of treatment. In some cases, patients who engaged in PEMF therapy on a regular basis have claimed that they have effectively overcome (or at least better managed) various different mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. The FDA has approved the use of these devices for stress relief and stress management (2011). Many people also claim these devices have helped improve their ability to focus.
PEMF Stroke Recovery
Strokes can create a wide range of complications, such as “facial drooping”, numbness in the arms, speech issues, and other problems. A stroke is often informally referred to as a “brain attack.” While there is still ample research being conducted on the topic, PEMF stroke recovery can help many people begin recovering from these problems. PEMF therapy promotes increased circulation and oxygenation throughout the body. Considering that strokes are caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain, this may prevent future strokes from occurring.
General Healing
When we are healing from something—whether an injury or anything else—this healing takes place at the cellular level. 100 million cells die every minute and are eventually replaced by new cells; successfully healing will require these new cells to be healthier and fully functional. PEMF therapy can help “balance” the positive and negative charges taking place within the cells, which can accelerate tissue recovery and other healing processes.
Reducing Inflammation
Inflammation, which affects many adults, is caused by improper circulation throughout the human body. When cells do not have the appropriate charge, they will tend to stick together, making circulation much more difficult. With PEMF Therapy, it becomes possible to restore the proper charges of these cells and consequently enable them to flow freely throughout the body. Inflammation occurs most commonly near the knees, elbows, ankles, and other related areas. If left unaddressed, inflammation will often get worse as time goes on.
Preventative Treatment
As the costs of many medical treatments have been on the rise, there has been an industry-wide shift towards using preventative treatment. By taking active measures to avoid injuries before they actually occur, you can maintain your health and potentially avoid the need for expensive and invasive surgeries in the future. Some people use PEMF devices as a form of preventative treatment, even if they are not actively suffering from any of the conditions mentioned above. The benefits of PEMF treatment—improved circulation and oxygenation, improved mobility, reduced inflammation, and reduced pain—are universally sought after. Additionally, these devices have no proven negative side effects, meaning they may be worth giving a try.
Conclusion
As time has gone on, the available uses and applications of PEMF devices have considerably increased. These dynamic devices can be used to treat many different conditions and helping people of all kinds. If you are looking for an effective, alternative treatment option, a PEMF device might be exactly what you need.
Over the past few years, the market for pulsed electromagnetic field machines has significantly expanded. By using naturally occurring electromagnetic waves, it has long been believed that these devices can provide lasting relief to individuals experiencing pain.
Though PEMF devices have been approved by the FDA for more than a decade (originally approved in 2007), many in the industry have declared that additional studies are warranted. Speculators have wanted to not only know that PEMF devices are safe, but also that these devices are effective and capable of treating a wide range of different conditions.
The definitive study on PEMF devices was conducted at St. Joseph’s Health Care Centre in London, Ontario (Canada). The detailed and comprehensive study sought to test the effect that PEMF machines would have on individuals suffering from chronic pain and fibromyalgia.
In this article, we will explore this revolutionary study and discuss why it had a positive impact on the medical community. We will also discuss how the market for PEMF devices has notably evolved since this study was completed.
PEMF Study Background
Fibromyalgia is a common condition that tends to affect people who are 40 years or older (though it can affect younger people as well). The symptoms of fibromyalgia include “widespread muscle and joint pain and fatigue.” Because these symptoms can come from other underlying conditions, it is important to speak with your doctor and receive a formal diagnosis before proceeding with any treatment.
The study, which had 32 final participants (aged between 28 and 81 with a mean of 54 years), sought to determine if PEMF devices can actually be used to treat fibromyalgia and related conditions. Of the 32 patients involved, 17 had fibromyalgia. The study also accounted for the specific type of pain the participants were experiencing, such as neck pain and back pain.
In order to make sure the experiment would be worthwhile, the team adhered to rigid scientific standards. The study was a “randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled” clinical trial that was conducted by independent researchers not associated with any particular PEMF producer. During the course of the study, patients received PEMF treatments for forty minutes per day, twice per day, for seven consecutive days.
The Results: Do PEMF devices work?
This important study concluded that PEMF devices are measurably effective at treating fibromyalgia and other related conditions. In fact, while the study does admit that additional research would certainly be helpful, it claims “PEMF may be a novel, safe and effective therapeutic tool for use in at least certain subsets of patients with chronic, nonmalignant pain.”
The research team was careful not to overstate their conclusions, but this was a clear sign that PEMF devices can help some people in need. This study, particularly due to its scientific rigor, has been consistently cited by the FDA and other organizations that are heavily involved in the PEMF industry. In a time where opiate abuse has become a major problem in the United States and elsewhere, finding an alternative method for treating certain types of pain is certainly a major leap forward.
How has the PEMF industry changed?
In many ways, this study was a major launching point for the PEMF industry as a whole. With FDA approval and scientific support, many companies have seen the benefits these devices can provide. In response, the number of PEMF suppliers, producers, and marketers has noticeably risen.
As the market becomes more competitive, the quality of PEMF devices has improved in response. Currently, there are many different PEMF machines available to choose from. While it is not uncommon for doctors to recommend these devices to their patients, they can also be purchased online or over the counter at various locations. In addition to having proven effectiveness, these devices also have no known side effects.
PEMF machines can be used to improve healing, blood cells, and oxygen delivery down to the cellular level. Countless patients have had positive experiences with these machines and many users consider them to be far superior to their previous approaches to pain management (such as prescription medications).
Despite the fact that quality has been on the rise, many PEMF brands have become more affordable. This is largely because, with new technology and production methods, manufacturing a single machine is now much less expensive. While the future of the PEMF market is yet to be seen, it is clearly moving in a very exciting direction.
Conclusion – Do PEMF Devices Work?
A recent study has concluded that PEMF devices can be used to manage several different conditions, particularly, chronic pain that is caused by fibromyalgia. With multiple supplementary studies and additional research being conducted on a regular basis, PEMF machines will likely play a much more relevant role for individuals looking for lasting pain relief. For more information on
Orthopedic Surgeons focus on all things musculoskeletal by definition. With pulsed electro magnetic field therapy offering so many healing benefits for the body, it is a great treatment to couple with orthopedic practices. In an interview with Dr. C. Andrew L. Bassett, he notes that approximately 10,000 of the 12,000-plus orthopedic surgeons in the U.S. have used pulsed electromagnetic fields on at least one patient. This adds up to around 65,000 patients nationwide.
Not only can PEMF provide relief for newer or chronic injuries, but it can also be used as an aid during surgery recovery.
Chronic Injuries
PEMF can be used as an electrotherapeutic treatment in these cases. When pulsed electro magnetic field therapy is applied to an area of chronic pain it can increase the circulation which will reduce inflammation, regenerate damaged tissue, and decrease intensity of pain itself. This can be used following the onset of a ‘flare up’ to target sources of discomfort.
New Injuries
PEMF therapy has been shown to reduce inflammation and pain in new injuries while also improving overall healing time. For an injury that does not require surgery, pulsed electro magnetic field therapy can be a great way to promote healing and reduce recovery time. We touch on this in our “Does PEMF Therapy Work” blog.
Surgery Recovery
Surgery recovery can be joined with the ‘new injury’ sector as it is a fresh wound to the body that needs support. There can be many weeks to months of rehabilitation required with some orthopedic related procedures. Pairing PEMF with recovery can improve pain levels, inflammation and healing time.
Conclusion
If you are suffering from orthopedic related injuries or discomfort, looking into pulsed electro magnetic field therapy could be a great source of relief for these ailments. Pulsed Harmonix offers a selection of professional devices and options for at-home use. For more information, contact us.
