Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a non-invasive therapy using devices that emit low-frequency electromagnetic fields with no skin contact.
PEMF therapy is based on the theory that the magnetic field enhances circulation and healing and improves well-being. It has anti-inflammatory effects which might contribute to its effects on pain and swelling. There are many different PEMF devices used in therapy.
People use PEMF therapy for back pain, fractures, osteoarthritis, and pain after surgery. It is also used for cancer, depression, fibromyalgia, high blood pressure, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.
Some PEMF devices have been cleared as medical devices by the US FDA.
Is It Effective?
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
- Back pain. PEMF therapy seems to help reduce chronic low back pain. It's not clear if it helps relieve sudden back pain.
- Fractures. PEMF therapy seems to help heal certain types of bone fractures.
- Osteoarthritis. PEMF therapy seems to improve pain from osteoarthritis, especially knee osteoarthritis.
- Pain after surgery. PEMF therapy might slightly reduce pain after some types of surgery.
There is interest in using PEMF therapy for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Is it Safe?
PEMF therapy is possibly safe when used appropriately. It's been used under medical supervision without any major safety concerns. It's generally well-tolerated.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if PEMF therapy is safe to use while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.
It is not known if this treatment interacts with any medicines. Before using this treatment, talk with your health professional if you take any medications.
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
There are no known interactions with foods.
PEMF therapy is a non-invasive therapy using specific devices that emit low-intensity and low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Specific devices have been cleared by the US FDA for use for certain conditions, including Provant Therapy System (Regenesis Biomedical) and SofPulse Duo (Ivivi Technologies, Inc.). Devices vary in size and location of use.
PEMF therapy sessions may last from 5 minutes up to 4 hours, with multiple sessions daily or weekly. Be sure to seek and follow directions from your physician or other healthcare professional before using PEMF therapy.
Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Electromagnetic Healing, Electromagnetic Pulse, Electromagnetic Radiation, Electromagnetic Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy, Transcranial Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy.
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