Why PEMF therapy works?
The idea behind it is that the energy pulses penetrate and stimulate cells at the injury site, and everywhere around it.
In an episode of the Bulletproof Radio podcast, PEMF expert Dr. Gary Ryan, known as “The Energy Doctor,” explains, “Based on a lot of research that was done at Yale, it is apparent that just about any pathology in the body is preceded by a drop in cell charge. Now we have technology that will reach down to the level of a cell that has lost charge and, due to the high intensity of the pulse, bring that pulse back to normal or a more normal situation, which allows it to replicate and produce a more normal cell.”
So, introducing a low-level electromagnetic field into the body can bring those charges back up and restore healthy electrochemical exchanges.
PEMFs stimulate every level of the
body. You apply mats, pads, rings or paddles externally, and the
electromagnetic pulses of energy penetrate the body at the cellular
level. Your body then uses that energy to heal itself through its
natural healing mechanisms. Depending on the extent of the issue, PEMFs
can address a slight imbalance quickly, like a pulled muscle, or it can
work to bring about a more substantial change over time, like restoring a
sluggish organ system.
What science says about PEMF therapy?
The mechanism sounds pretty convincing, but PEMF research under controlled conditions will uncover whether or not PEMF is effective. Here’s what scientists were able to demonstrate about PEMF therapy so far:
- PEMF measurably reduced pain and swelling following plastic surgery[8]
- A sizeable body of research shows that PEMF helps slow-healing tibial fractures fuse[9][10][11]
- A small study demonstrated that PEMF therapy reduces pain from chronic pain conditions and fibromyalgia[12]
- Animal studies show the potential of PEMF therapy in regenerating nerve fibers in the spinal cord and peripheral nerves, which is promising for the future of regenerative medicine[13]
- In cell cultures, PEMF treatment seemed to activate lysozyme, which is a major step in the bone regeneration process.[14]
- Treatment with PEMF improved osteoarthritis by keeping cartilage from breaking down[15]
- PEMF impacted the growth of bone cells in cell cultures, which formed bone tissue in lab tests[16][17][18]
- In a small study, people with rotator cuff injuries went through PEMF therapy, and all participants had either reduced or eliminated symptoms.[19]
- Just one month of PEMF treatment improved pain and functional performance in arthritis patients[20]
- PEMF therapy helped regenerate the liver faster in rats who had part of the liver removed[
