5 Things You Need to Know About PEMF Therapy

Guest post by Amelia Croud

What is PEMF therapy? Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) or low field magnetic stimulation (LFMS) therapy is a noninvasive technology that stimulates and encourages the body's natural recovery process using electromagnetic waves. Some researchers and therapists believe that PEMF therapy works by increasing the body’s capacity to release nitric oxide, which plays a critical role in healing wounds regulating the body’s inflammatory response, cell proliferation, collagen formation, and antimicrobial action.

The use of magnetic therapy dates back thousands of years and its use has been documented in Chinese, Aztec, Greek, and Indian medicine traditions, among others. Around the world, PEMF is nowadays becoming a popular form of therapy for people who suffer from autoimmune disorders, chronic pain, and even mental health issues. It has even been used for decades in veterinary medicine to treat horses and more recently, for small and ruminant animals.

Before you consider buying a PEMF therapy plan, you might have a lot of questions and confusion regarding its safety and efficacy. Some common questions that you may consider include the following: is it safe? How will it improve my physical and mental health? Are electromagnetic waves dangerous for the human body?

If you have asked any of these questions  or have serious concerns about investing in PEMF, this article is written with people like you in mind.  Below we address  the 5 most important things you need to know about PEMF and its dangers.

Is PEMF Therapy Always Safe?

Is PEMF Therapy Safe? The short answer is “No”. The intensity of pulsed electromagnetic waves and their exposure time are the two most important things to consider while discussing the safety of PEMF. The frequency of electromagnetic waves used in PEMF therapy is usually low. Most of them fall in the range of 5-30 Hz. This is similar to the kinds of electromagnetic waves  you would encounter in nature, and are in fact less potent than the waves produced in a thunderstorm.

Most PEMF therapy sessions last for 10-20 minutes. During these sessions, the PEMF machines burst electromagnetic frequencies in areas of the body and brain that require healing.

This description implies that PEMF therapy is generally a safe alternative technique for most people who are seeking relief from chronic pain or are experiencing acute symptoms from a recent injury. X- Rays can be dangerous when they cause damage to cells that the body cannot repair easily, and they do carry an increased risk of cancer, though they are generally considered safe. PEMFs are entirely safe,  although there are certain people who should probably not use PEMF machines without first consulting a physician, including pregnant people, people with pacemakers, acute viral diseases tuberculosis, cardiopathy, tumors severe arrhythmia, and magnetized prosthetics, among others However,  that does not mean PEMF machines are dangerous formost people: everyone from children to the elderly can generally safely use PEMF. As is the case with any new treatment, though, , it is better to consult your doctor before trying out a PEMF therapy plan.

 

Is PEMF Like Electric Shock Therapy?

When people read about PEMF, the first thing that often comes to mind is that PEMF is the same as electricity or an electroconvulsive therapy both of which send electric currents throughout the patient’s body. This may frighten some people, as they are not aware of the actual mechanisms behind PEMF therapy. Actually, PEMF uses electricity to generate electromagnetic fields that penetrate the patient’s body to heal, energize and repair the cells and body. Unlike electricity, PEMFs are totally safe and harmless.

 

Is PEMF  FDA Approved?

PEMF therapy has been subject to numerous trials and  clinical experiments worldwide, particularly in Japan the United States, and Western Europe, beginning in the mid-1950s. The past 50 years have seen PEMF therapy approved by the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) for a range of injuries and conditions. In 1979, the US Federal Drug Administration (FDA) approved PEMF therapy for the healing of nonunion fractures (these are fractures that the body is unable to heal on its own). In 1998, the FDA approved PEMF Therapy for urinary incontinence and muscle stimulation.

In 2004, the FDA approved PEMF Therapy for cervical fusion patients at high risk of non-fusion. In 2006, the FDA approved PEMF Therapy for the treatment of depression and anxiety. In 2007, FDA approved all such stimulation devices. Treatment of brain cancer is one of the most recent therapies for which PEMF has received FDA approval: this took place in  2011. It has shown promising results in extending the lives of patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and deadly forms of brain cancer.

 

Should You Try PEMF As An Alternative Treatment?

Today more people are aware of and concerned about the unwanted side effects of prescription medicines and opt to avoid using them whenever this is feasible. Many patients nowadays also want a safe alternative therapy that allows them to avoid the toxic effects of medications. If this describes you, consider PEMF therapy as a viable option for pain management and healing, after doing your due diligence to find out how it works and whether you fall into the narrow category of patients for whom PEMF is not recommended. For the majority of patients seeking relief, PEMF therapy can offer you a safe option for treating a number of conditions like anxiety, depression, sleep disturbance, osteoarthritis, and others as previously described in this article. 

Is a PEMF Machine a Smart Investment?

PEMF machines are surprisingly reasonable to purchase: they cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. When you consider the fact that most digital treadmills and stationary bikes cost more than the average PEMF machine, these devices seem like a good deal by comparison They are also a significantly more reasonable purchase when you consider that having your own PEMF machine cansave money on future clinical expenses and medical clinic bills. Genrally, purchasing a pulsed electromagnetic field therapy device for your home use is a financially savvy venture that can enhance your well-being for a relatively low cost.

The overall picture is that PEMF is a safe and efficient alternative to conventional therapies for chronic or acute pain and even some mental health disorders. This FDA-approved therapy is cost effective and offers a number of alternative or complementary options for various physical and mental ailments.

Amelia Croud is the content manager of a PEMF Therapy website. She is on a mission to provide users information and tips about PEMF experiences and practices.

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