What Is PEMF Therapy
This article provides a comprehensive guide to PEMF therapy, a treatment that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields to promote healing and alleviate pain. Whether you are considering PEMF therapy as a prescribed treatment or simply want to learn more about it, this guide will cover everything you need to know.
From the benefits and contraindications of PEMF therapy to the equipment needed and how to use it, this guide offers a detailed overview of the treatment. Additionally, it covers the costs associated with PEMF therapy, popular accessories, and precautions that should be taken. Whether you are interested in using PEMF therapy at home or in a doctor's office, this guide will help you make informed decisions.
What is PEMF therapy?
PEMF therapy is a physical therapy that utilizes electromagnetic fields to treat bone and muscle disorders, both chronic and acute. It aims to restore cellular balance and promote healing.
What is PEMF therapy used for?
PEMF therapy is a non-invasive treatment that helps reduce pain and inflammation in bones, muscles, and joints. It is commonly used to treat patients suffering from osteoporosis, arthrosis, arthritis, joint pain, and bone fractures. Additionally, it is used for bone consolidation after fractures, reabsorption of bone edema, and in many other cases.
Here are some of the pathologies that can be treated using PEMF therapy:
- Osteoporosis
- Scapulohumeral periarthritis
- Ulcers
- Arthrosis
- Coxarthrosis
- Discopathies
- Arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
- Muscle atrophy
- Muscle pain
- Joint pain
- Osteonecrosis
- Neuropathies
- Cervical pain
- Algodystrophy
- Muscle strain
- Chronic pain
- Cartilage lesions
- Muscle cramps
- Ligament injuries
- Rhizarthrosis
- Epicondylitis
- Tendinitis
- Impingement syndrome
- Epicondylitis (Golfer's elbow)
- Chondropathies
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Lumbago (back pain)
- Inflammations
- Rotator cuff
- Lumbar-sacral pain
- Whiplash
- Tarsal tunnel
PEMF therapy is a treatment that requires medium to long cure times and a lot of perseverance from the patient. Although some patients may feel the first benefits after only ten days or so, a treatment cycle usually lasts about 45-60 days and can be repeated several times a year. In addition, the patient is required to undergo therapy for at least 2-3 hours every day (maybe more, depending on the pathology and the instructions received from their doctor).
Different models of devices and applicators are available on the market that allow patients to customize their treatment and meet their needs. Some devices can be used during the night, making the therapy more convenient for patients. It is important to note that renting a PEMF therapy unit is almost never the most cost-effective solution.
PEMF Therapy: The Benefits
PEMF therapy has been found to have several benefits. It can reduce pain and inflammation, which is often accompanied by improved mobility and the ability to return to daily activities. The therapy has an analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect, which can help reactivate blood circulation, especially microcirculation. It can also aid in tissue recovery processes and improve scarring. Additionally, PEMF therapy can help relax muscles, leading to an overall sense of well-being.
Does PEMF Therapy Work?
PEMF therapy has been an established therapy for decades, with thousands of clinical studies reporting its efficacy in treating diseases of the musculoskeletal system. Pulsed electromagnetic fields help reactivate the communication process between the inside and outside of the cell, accelerating the healing time of the treated tissue. In the presence of a disease or inflammatory state, the body's cells are damaged, and their membrane loses some of its ability to exchange nutrients and waste substances with the outside. PEMF therapy can help to restore this process, leading to reduced pain and improved healing outcomes.
PEMF Therapy: Contraindications
PEMF therapy is generally considered safe and has no side effects. However, there are some contraindications that should be considered before using this therapy. Individuals with a pacemaker or other implanted electronic devices should avoid PEMF therapy due to the risk of electromagnetic interference [1]. Pregnant women should also avoid PEMF therapy as there is not enough scientific evidence to support its safety during pregnancy.
PEMF Therapy: Equipment for Every Need
PEMF therapy devices come in different forms, from powered to battery-operated devices, and with preset programs. They also have different applicators to treat bones, muscles, and joints of all sizes. These devices are designed to cater to the varying needs of patients with different pathologies and body parts. With the availability of different PEMF therapy equipment, it is easy to find a suitable device for every need.
Low-frequency PEMF therapy and high-frequency PEMF therapy
When it comes to choosing between low-frequency and high-frequency PEMF therapy, the decision depends on the type of treatment needed. Low-frequency PEMF therapy can reach deeper tissues and bone tissue, making it suitable for treating a wide range of conditions. In contrast, high-frequency PEMF therapy is used to treat superficial tissues and soft tissues. However, low-frequency PEMF therapy can also cover all the applications found in high-frequency. In this article, the focus will be on low-frequency PEMF therapy for ease of reading. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which type of PEMF therapy is best for an individual's needs.
Frequencies and Intensities
PEMF therapy devices use two key parameters, frequency and intensity, to deliver treatment. Frequency is measured in Hertz (Hz) and intensity in Gauss (G). The frequency and intensity values for treatment are usually set by a doctor, but the doctor may not always provide precise values. Therefore, many devices feature preset therapy programs based on authoritative clinical studies.
The intensity can be adjusted within the preset program, but increasing the intensity does not reduce the time needed for proper treatment. Intensity and time are two completely unrelated concepts. The intensity is closely related to the depth of treatment. For example, to treat a femur fracture or in the presence of plaster, the electromagnetic fields will encounter more obstacles in their path, so the intensity will have to be increased.
Consistency is key to shortening healing time. The night-time treatment mat can help patients maintain consistent therapy for as many hours as possible.
In summary, frequency and intensity are the two key parameters of PEMF therapy devices. The frequency and intensity values for treatment are usually set by a doctor, but many devices feature preset therapy programs based on clinical studies. The intensity can be adjusted within the preset program, but increasing the intensity does not reduce the time needed for proper treatment. Consistency is key to shortening healing time.
PEMF Therapy: How It Works
PEMF therapy involves a generator that sends electrical impulses to magnets, called solenoids. These solenoids emit pulsed electromagnetic fields that are transmitted to the human body. The electromagnetic fields target damaged cells and help them regain balance in a process of cell regeneration. The applicator that holds the solenoids can have different shapes depending on the area of the body being treated. The technology behind PEMF therapy is simple and non-invasive.
PEMF therapy: how to place magnets (solenoids)
PEMF therapy devices come with different types of applicators, from simple bands to wrap around a painful or inflamed body part to back treatment mats, which are also used for foot PEMF therapy. The important thing is to place the magnets, also known as "solenoids," contained within the applicators in contact with the part of the body to be treated. They do not necessarily have to be placed on bare skin, but in contact with the body. Non-woven bands or cotton clothes can be used if the idea of keeping the applicator in contact with the skin is not preferred. However, synthetic or fleece clothes should be avoided as they may interfere with the magnetic field.
To position the solenoids for each pathology or body part, a recommended approach is to download the I-Tech Life app, register, and access the exclusive content. This app provides detailed instructions on how to position the solenoids for each specific body part or pathology.
How to Determine if Your PEMF Therapy Device is Working
One of the most common questions people have about PEMF therapy is how to tell if their device is actually working. Fortunately, determining whether your device is functioning properly is a straightforward process.
Most low-frequency PEMF therapy products come equipped with a white rectangular "box" that vibrates when placed on the applicator. This indicates that the device is functioning properly. If the white magnet is missing or damaged, a magnetic nut can be used as a replacement. It is important to note that the magnet should be thick (2-3 cm) and not a fridge magnet.
If the device is not producing any vibrations or if the magnet is missing, there may be an issue with the connection of the applicator to the equipment body. In this case, it is recommended to seek assistance from the manufacturer or a qualified technician.
Overall, checking whether your PEMF therapy device is working properly is a simple process that can be accomplished by verifying the presence of the white magnet or the use of a suitable replacement.
Night-time PEMF Therapy
PEMF therapy can be carried out during the hours of sleep, hence the term "night-time PEMF therapy." This type of therapy is effective for musculoskeletal conditions such as osteoporosis and arthrosis, which require longer sessions and treatment on multiple parts of the body. Since PEMF therapy requires medium to long treatment times, the more hours per day it is carried out, the greater the benefit. There are no constraints in terms of overdose, so the more therapy one can do, the better. Night-time PEMF therapy is a comfortable and effective way to treat these conditions while allowing the patient to get a good night's sleep.
What precautions to take before starting a PEMF therapy session
Before starting a PEMF therapy session, it is important to take certain precautions to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Avoid using the telephone or PC during the session and keep them away from the equipment body or solenoids to avoid interference with the devices.
- If you are using a brace during the therapy session, make sure it does not have any magnetisable metal parts.
- Always consult your doctor and read the user manual carefully before starting the treatment to ensure you are aware of any potential risks or side effects and can start the treatment with confidence.
By following these precautions, you can ensure that your PEMF therapy session is safe and effective and helps you achieve the desired results.
Is it better to do PEMF therapy at home or in a doctor's office?
PEMF therapy requires treatment cycles of at least 30-45 days and a session that lasts at least 2-4 hours to be effective. As a result, a specialized center cannot receive patients for so many consecutive hours, which means that the number of sessions required will increase. This is why PEMF therapy is particularly suitable for home use.
Moreover, the cost of a course of treatment at a medical practice is often equal to or greater than the cost of buying a PEMF therapy device. The advantage of the purchase is that you can use the device wherever and whenever you want, repeating the cycle even at a later date, according to your needs, at no extra cost and in the comfort of your own home.
Therefore, it is better to do PEMF therapy at home rather than in a doctor's office. Not only is it more convenient and cost-effective, but it also allows for a more flexible treatment schedule.
Where to Buy a PEMF Therapy Device
PEMF therapy devices can be purchased through various sources such as healthcare stores, orthopaedic centres, and pharmacies. However, it is important to buy from an authorized distributor to ensure you are purchasing a reputable product.
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