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PEMF Therapy and RecoveryPulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy, also called PEMF, is a wellness modality that utilizes Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields to stimulate and exercise the body’s cells. PEMF therapy is unique in that it is incredibly versatile. It has a wide range of health benefits and a wide range of applications.
- Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is used as a treatment for various health conditions and disorders.
- It’s used to reduce healing times from surgeries, and it’s used to decrease recovery times from exercise, training, and injuries.
- Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy can be used to delay, prevent, or treat symptoms of chronic diseases.
- PEMF therapy is used to promote wellness by facilitating good cell health, stimulating the body’s healing processes, and energizing and oxygenating cells. Athletes at every level use PEMF therapy to improve training and athletic performance.
Sounds great but how does PEMF therapy achieve these desired results?
Damaged cells are also energy deficient; thus they have low oxygen levels, high sodium levels, and a faltered electrochemical gradient. PEMF therapy slows or stops the release of pain and inflammatory mediators, increases blood flow, and reestablishes normal cell interaction by inducing a low-intensity pulse into damaged cells. PEMF stimulates and restores the electrochemical gradient, the cell starts pumping sodium out, potassium enters the cell, the swelling resolves, oxygen starts flowing back in, and pain improves. Several factors influence tissue inflammation and the processes by which PEMF therapy operates to reduce inflammation include complex mechanical, chemical, electrical, and magnetic processes along with increased circulation, oxygenation, and cellular activity. With reduced inflammation, pain decreases and faster tissue healing occurs.
Is it Safe?
While PEMF has been trusted for decades, there are a few contraindications. Implanted electronic devices (such as a pacemaker, defibrillator, or cochlear hearing device), pregnancy, active bleeding, blood clots, and organ transplants are considered contraindications to pulsed electromagnetic fields. In these cases, PEMF may not be an option for you. On average, individual treatments typically last between 15 and 30 minutes. However, you don’t have to stop at 30 minutes as PEMF units produce electromagnetic energy at lower frequencies than most household items, including your microwave, WiFi signal, and your phone.
Studies have proven that after using PEMF therapy, there is increased blood flow, enhanced oxygen consumption, and boosted ATP production by facilitating electron transport. Other studies have shown that it can reduce the physiological effects associated with DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness), and improve perceived muscle soreness, and overall fatigue. Even compared to placebo devices or other passive modalities PEMF therapy had superior outcomes. One study I even read combined PEMF therapy with PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) injections for patients diagnosed with osteoarthritis and had improved outcomes for not only pain but their ability to reintegrate into rehabilitative exercises.
If you are interested in how PEMF therapy can be incorporated into your injury and wellness journey, call us at 727-228-3030 or schedule at strengthchiro.com
Dr. Caleb Hebert, DC
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