Pulsed electromagnetic field (pemf) therapy
Alternate names: Electromagnetic Field Therapy, Electromagnetic Healing, Electromagnetic Pulse, Electromagnetic Radiation, Electromagnetic Therapy, Magnetic Field Therapy, Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy, Transcranial Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
Background
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.
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.
Safety Safety definitions
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.Effectiveness
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.
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
- 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.
Dosing & administration
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.
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.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
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.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 19/02/2024 11:00:00 and last updated on 10/11/2022 09:31:13. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
