Over the last few decades, PEMF therapy has been increasing in popularity.
It has been used for treating various medical conditions and illnesses.
However, with the increase in its popularity, there have been growing concerns about its safety.
This article discusses the various electromagnetic waves and their impacts.
It also compares PEMF and MRIs, examines electromagnetic hypersensitivity and addresses some preventive measures and precautions that should be taken while using this treatment.
While the research has proved that this treatment is very safe, there may be situations where this treatment could cause safety concerns.
It is, therefore, important to take certain precautions, when using this therapy.
Electromagnetic Waves and Their Impacts
We are affected by several different types of electromagnetic waves.
Radio waves are the electromagnetic waves used in various communication devices.
Ultraviolet waves are emitted from light bulbs etc.
X-rays and gamma rays are used in medical treatments.
There are many different electromagnetic waves all around us, most of which we cannot even see.
This does not mean that they are bad for our health.
These waves actually have several health benefits.
The UV radiation from the sun, for example, is considered to be very beneficial for a person’s health because they help in the production of Vitamin D.
The UV rays are used to treat several bone related disorders, like rickets and osteoporosis. X-rays and gamma rays are also used in medical diagnosis and treatments.
The important thing to remember is that these electromagnetic waves must be used in very small quantities to get benefit from them.
If not, they can be very harmful.
This information is important because it also applies to PEMF therapy.
If the pulse electromagnetic field therapy is performed at very controlled frequencies and amplitudes, then it can be very beneficial for a person’s health.
However, if the frequencies exceed the safe levels, PEMF therapy can burn the skin or damage the eyes.
It is, therefore, essential that the electromagnetic waves are used at safe frequencies and amplitudes.
Comparing Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and PEMF Devices
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is a technique which uses magnetic fields and radio waves to form images of different parts of a person’s body.
This technique is primarily used in the diagnosis of various health issues, including tumors.
MRI has been used by medical practitioners all over the world for many years.
It is considered to be very safe, even for pregnant women and infants.
An excellent way to evaluate and measure the safety level of pulse electromagnetic field therapy is by comparing it to MRI, which is a trusted diagnostic technique.
Although MRI is very safe, a contrast agent is sometime used, which could be harmful.
The PEMF therapy does not use any contrast material, which makes it even safer that MRI.
In addition, the electromagnetic waves used in PEMF therapy are of significantly lower intensity than those used in MRI.
Potential Threats Associated with the PEMF Therapy
There are several concerns regarding the safety of the PEMF therapy.
One of the primary concerns is that this therapy involves the emission of electromagnetic waves into our body, which could potentially harm then brain.
In response to this concern, the example of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation can be used for comparison purposes.
The rTMS is a treatment in which magnetic fields are used to manipulate the part of the brain responsible for the control of mood and depression.
This is an established technique (like MRI) that has been used since 1985.
It is used primarily to treat mood-related psychological disorders.
This treatment uses a machine that produces a very loud sound.
It is, therefore, necessary to use precautionary measures, like earphones.
Similar to MRI, relatively high intensities are used in the rTMS process.
As a result, mild side effects, like headaches or slight discomfort, are possible after the treatment.
However, these side effects are temporary and no actual harm is caused by the treatment.
The PEMF therapy does not have the same side effects as the rTMS treatment.
This because the PEMF therapy device does not emit loud sounds and the electromagnetic wave intensities are lower.
As a result, there are no side effects.
Researches and Studies
Several research studies have recently been conducted on rTMS and the PEMF therapy.
The main purpose of these studies was to ensure that the treatments are safe for regular use.
The first study was conducted on newborn rats in 2001. The rats were exposed to electromagnetic pulses.
The purpose of the study was to evaluate the impact of electromagnetic pulses on the brain.
The results showed that there were no negative impacts or side effects.
The development of the rats’ brain cortex was actually enhanced (1).
A 2006 study on rTMS treatment included young men in perfect health.
The selection of healthy test subjects allowed the easy detection of any side effects of rTMS.
The test subjects were exposed to 38,880 pulses of the rTMS treatment during a one-week period.
The study results were positive, since none of the test subjects felt any side effects after the research experiment (2).
Although the week-long rTMS study did not indicate any side effects, the researchers wanted to study the impacts that the treatment would have over a longer time period.
As a result, a 2009 study was conducted over a one- year period.
This study also included a 75- year-old patient, in order to have participants in a variety of age groups.
This confirmed that treatments like rTMS and PEMF therapy did not need to consider age as a risk factor.
This study also found that none of the test subjects experienced any side effects or discomfort (3).
There was also a concern that procedures, like PEMF therapy, MRI scans and rTMS can cause or trigger seizures.
Seizures are caused by an electrical disturbance or disruption in the brain.
It causes the person to lose consciousness and to have sudden changes in movements or activities.
Since procedures, like PEMF therapy, use electromagnetic waves or pulses, people believe that they could act as a trigger for seizures, especially for those patient suffering from epilepsy.
This has rarely occurred during MRI scans.
Those rare cases have been due to stress experienced by the patient rather than the actual treatment itself.
However, several studies were conducted in response to this concern.
The American Epilepsy Society published a study which clearly addressed this issue.
This study had very surprising results. It found that claims about pulse radiation triggering seizures were completely false.
The electromagnetic pulses could actually be used as an effective treatment for this problem (4).
Electromagnetic Hypersensitivity
Electromagnetic hypersensitivity is still a complicated and controversial condition.
The symptoms can be severe.
However, it is not possible to diagnose this condition.
People who suffer from this condition are extremely sensitive to any exposure to electromagnetic fields.
If a person suffers from this condition, they should exercise caution when using PEMF therapy because it relies on electromagnetic fields.
However, PEMF therapy may not harm them because the therapy uses low frequencies which can be adjusted as necessary.
It is important to test the therapy first.
Necessary PEMF Therapy Precautions
Although PEMF therapy is considered to be very safe, there are situations where it is very important to be cautious and to use precautions.
Implants are a risk factor for treatments involving electromagnetic waves or pulses.
It has been shown with MRI scans that implants are not safe and compatible with these types of treatments.
The type of precautionary measures vary depending on the type of implant.
For example, electrical implants, such as pacemakers, which are used for cardiac problems could be disturbed by PEMF therapy.
Therefore, it is important to be cautious.
For implants, such as stents or rods, PEMF therapy could cause discomfort and pain in the area of the implant.
PEMF therapy could pose the threat of leakage in silicone breast implants.
Therefore, individuals with implants should be very careful when considering PEMF therapy.
People are often discouraged from self-medication.
It is recommended that the condition or symptoms should be diagnosed by a medical expert and treated accordingly.
This also applies to PEMF therapy.
If you are experiencing any pain or symptoms, you should first be examined by a medical professional before starting PEMF therapy.
For those whose regularly take medications, the dosage is based on your body’s response to the drug.
PEMF therapy impacts the body on a cellular level, which promotes efficient healing.
It also has an impact on how the medicine affects the body.
Those who are considering using PEMF therapy, should first consult your doctor regarding adjusting the dosage of your medicine.
However, you should not change the dosage on your own.
There has been no indication that PEMF therapy is harmful to pregnancies or that it would cause any damage to the baby.
Nevertheless, PEMF manufacturers and medical practitioners generally do not recommend the therapy for pregnant women.
Conclusion
PEMF therapy is one of the most risk-free available electromagnetic field treatments.
Although PEMF therapy is extremely safe, it is important to review the potential risk factors and precautions that need to be taken.