Author: Oluwatosin I., Biomedical Scientist and Medical Writer
Reviewed by: Dr. Jeoff Drobot
Do you know what great names like Muhammad Ali, Shaquille O’Neal, and Brian Baldinger have in common? Yes, they were all exceptional athletes in their respective fields, who are all also known for using pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to enhance their athletic performances.
Interestingly, this therapy started as an alternative treatment for fractures and associated chronic pains. But seeing that celebrity athletes use it before their games as a part of their wellness routine proves that there is much more to gain from it than just pain relief. And that’s what we’re all here to find out.
What Is PEMF Therapy?
Almost a pure physics terminology, PEMF therapy is a method that employs the use of an electromagnetic field (simply a harmony of electrical charges and magnetic force) to stimulate healing in the body, particularly of fractures in the bones.
Electricity as a way to help heal bones was talked about as far back as the 1800s, but utilizing this approach medically was first done in the early ’70s by veterinarians who attempted to heal fractures in racehorses.
Before the beginning of the 21st century, there was already scientific evidence that PEMF therapy has promising benefits, and recently, it has also shown promise as a better alternative to drugs and other invasive treatments for bone and muscle disorders like osteoporosis, arthritis, and the common lower back pain [1].
But what’s the premise for all these therapeutic promises?
How Exactly Does PEMF Therapy Work?
In simple terms, as PEMF therapy uses electricity to create electric and magnetic fields, it causes electrons within the body to move. This movement mimics the regular electrical impulses and activities that happen when you move your bones yourself.
The magnetic pulse stimulates the body down to the genes, where every needed change or repair begins [2]. This has now been translated to technological devices that deliver this magnetic pulse to specific body parts. So it’s like a jumpstart for the body to start recovery in that area.
Additionally, the skeletal system, comprising the bones and cartilages, is very responsive to electrical and electromagnetic stimulation. And research has proven that this stimulation generates a response in the skeletal system’s molecules responsible for its structure and connectivity [3].
Who Needs PEMF Therapy?
In general, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy may be useful for anyone going through pain. In particular, different bone structure-related pain like chronic lower back pain, osteoarthritis, and non-union fractures.
Depending on the condition and specific need, different types of PEMF devices are available for pain relief.
In cases of localized pain in areas like the knees or the back, a portable PEMF device, like OMI Pulsepad, may be preferred. In contrast, full-body pain and inflammation cases may require a much more expansive device like the OMI Full Body Mat that can accommodate the entire body.
What You Stand To Benefit From PEMF Therapy
Because PEMF therapy stimulates the body’s natural recovery system, many benefits arise since the body functions more optimally to aid this repair. Here are some of them:
The advantages of PEMF therapy continue to dilate. What’s even more amazing about it is that the procedure is not only non-invasive and painless, but research has determined that it is effective and safe, with no significant side effects.
The Way Forward
It’s great news for the active adults that pulsed electromagnetic field therapy shows promise where the regular NSAIDs and Acetaminophens (over-the-counter painkillers) have failed.
Considering that over 1.7 billion people worldwide suffer from muscle and bone conditions, PEMF therapy is a promising innovation that will lessen the pain pandemic with additional benefits for general wellness [6].
With nothing to risk, PEMF therapy seems to be the ideal choice for comprehensive wellness, biohacking active bodies, and efficacious pain relief.
References
[1] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332220309604
[2]. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy – an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
[3]. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7434032/
[4].https://www.scielo.br/j/ramb/a/hfN3zJgNNjLrzxxhCbvQgJv/?lang=en&format=html
[5]. https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/18/9519
[6]. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/musculoskeletal-conditions
