How does PEMF work?

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) is a non-invasive modality that uses electromagnetic fields. PEMF has shown potential to stimulate cellular repair, reduce inflammation, improve circulation, and enhance tissue healing and cellular metabolism. PEMF helps restore balance to the body’s cellular processes (homeostasis), supporting its natural ability to heal and maintain optimal function.

A mobile PEMF service makes this advanced bodywork modality accessible, bringing healing directly to you or your horse, wherever you are.

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) involves the use of electromagnetic fields to stimulate and promote healing in the body. The basic principle behind PEMF is that electromagnetic fields can influence cellular activity, encouraging processes that support healing and tissue repair.

Here’s how PEMF works:

Electromagnetic Fields: PEMF devices generate pulsating electromagnetic fields. These electromagnetic fields are applied to the body through a coil or other mechanism, usually in the form of waves or pulses. The electromagnetic field produced by our Pulse XL Pro machine reaches a maximum frequency of 10 Hz, which is defined as extremely low on the electromagnetic spectrum. These frequencies are found to be safe within certain therapeutic ranges (duration, intensity, etc.). For reference, the Schumann resonance, the Earth’s natural electromagnetic field, is 7.8 Hz

Cellular Response: The electromagnetic pulses penetrate the skin and tissues, interacting with the cells in the targeted area. Each cell in the body has electrical charges (such as ion channels in cell membrane for transport) and reacts to changes in electromagnetic fields. PEMF primarily influences cellular ion exchanges and membrane potentials, which can help restore balance (homeostasis) in stressed or injured cells. 

Improved Circulation:  

Vasodilation: PEMF may stimulate the release of nitric oxide (NO), a molecule that plays a key role in vasodilation—the process of widening blood vessels. By promoting the relaxation of smooth muscles in the blood vessel walls, nitric oxide increases blood flow to tissues, which can enhance oxygen and nutrient delivery to areas that need repair. 

Pain Reduction and Inflammation: PEMF has been shown to potentially reduce inflammation and promote pain relief by influencing the release of specific enzymes and proteins that aid in the body's natural healing processes (i.e. release of nitric oxide and anti-inflammatory cytokines) 

Bone and Tissue Repair: PEMF has shown promise in accelerating bone healing, and there is strong evidence suggesting it supports bone regeneration by influencing osteoblasts (bone-building cells).  (See History Section for FDA approval in 1976 for nonunion bone fractures)

Cellular Energy Boost:  PEMF has been shown to enhance mitochondrial activity, leading to increased ATP (adenosine triphosphate) production, which supports faster recovery and improved cellular function.  ATP is the molecule that carries energy within cells. Increased ATP production supports faster recovery, better tissue regeneration, and overall cellular health. 

In summary, PEMF works by using electromagnetic pulses to interact with the body’s cells. It may promote tissue repair and recovery, may help reduce pain and inflammation, and may improve circulation. It has applications in various areas of health, including pain management, inflammation, rehabilitation, bone healing and overall wellness.

The history of PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) spans several decades, marked by key discoveries and innovations in both scientific research and medical applications. Here's a timeline of its development:

•  Nikola Tesla (late 1800s): A pioneer in electromagnetism, Tesla conducted experiments with alternating current (AC) and electromagnetic fields. While his primary focus was on electrical systems, his work laid the groundwork for future research into the therapeutic uses of electromagnetic fields. 

• Michael Faraday (early 1800s): While not directly involved in PEMF, Faraday's work on electromagnetism and the discovery of electromagnetic induction contributed to the development of the technology that would eventually be used in PEMF devices.

• Magnetic Therapy: In the 1930s, the use of magnets for pain relief and healing began to gain attention. Devices that utilized static magnetic fields (as opposed to pulsed fields such as used in PEMF) were developed for therapeutic use. These were generally used for pain management and circulation improvement.

• Electromagnetic Devices: Early electromagnetic devices began being used for a variety of health purposes, including pain relief and muscle stimulation.

• 1970s – Russian Research: Significant research into PEMF took place in the Soviet Union during the 1970s. Russian scientists began studying the effects of electromagnetic fields on living organisms and quickly realized its potential in healing bones and tissues. This led to the use of PEMF in the Russian space program, where it was used to help astronauts maintain bone and muscle health in the microgravity environment of space.

• FDA Approval (1979): The FDA approved PEMF for the treatment of non-union fractures, a condition where bones fail to heal naturally. This FDA approval was granted particularly for a specific device called the Orthofix bone healing system.  Such approval marked the first major milestone in recognizing PEMF as a medically valid treatment. The FDA's clearance helped establish PEMF as a useful tool in orthopedic and rehabilitative medicine.

• Clinical Expansion:  PEMF gained recognition in Western medicine for its ability to promote bone healing, reduce pain, and support tissue regeneration, particularly in orthopedics. Despite growing interest, its widespread acceptance was gradual due to varying levels of clinical evidence.

• FDA Approvals for Additional Indications:  The FDA gradually expanded its approval of PEMF for other uses, including post-surgical healing, pain management, and treatment for osteoarthritis, reflecting growing clinical support. 

•  Expanded Applications (2000s-Present):  Research into PEMF continued into the 2000s, revealing its potential benefits for a wide range of conditions beyond bone healing, including chronic pain, arthritis, muscle injuries, inflammation, and, in some studies, mental health issues like anxiety and depression.

• At-Home Use and Consumer Devices:  Advances in technology have made PEMF devices more accessible for personal use. Smaller, portable devices are now available for wellness and pain management, although their clinical efficacy for self-treatment continues to be studied

• Ongoing Research: Research into PEMF continues to expand, exploring its potential effects on neurological conditions, athletic recovery, and even cancer treatment. While promising, more studies are needed to fully understand its potential in these areas.

Today, PEMF therapy is widely recognized as a safe and effective modality for various concerns particularly in orthopedics, pain management, and recovery. Its continued evolution promises even more possibilities in promoting health and healing.

There is variety of published research on the uses of PEMF. 

Check out our FAQ tab on where to find PEMF research studies