In today’s digital age, there are many advertisements each day on various platforms, such as television and social media.
Many claims and promises are made regarding the product being marketed. PEMF therapy and devices are no exception.
This article will present an overview of PEMF therapy, address the myths that people have believed about this therapy, and highlight some of the scams that people need to be aware of, when purchasing a PEMF therapy device for themselves.
There are many companies which claim to sell the “best” and “most effective” PEMF therapy device.
The customer feedback about PEMF therapy is similar to what it would be for other products.
Many people love the therapy, while others are skeptical about it.
In these situations, it is difficult to determine who to believe, which company and brand of PEMF therapy device to buy.
The best source of information is research backed articles, like this one!
What is the PEMF therapy?
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy involves exposing the human body to electromagnetic waves at various frequencies, in order to boost its natural healing capabilities.
While other electromagnetic waves, such as microwaves and X-rays can prove to be harmful for the cells in human body, the waves produced by PEMF devices are actually beneficial.
This is due to their delivery method and frequency rate. PEMF waves are created in short bursts with an extremely low frequency, mimicking the electromagnetic waves that are present in our natural environment.
PEMF therapy targets our injured cells and helps restore their electromagnetic charges, which are lost due to injuries.
Interesting Facts about the PEMF Therapy
PEMF therapy has been around for more than 60 years.
It was approved by the FDA in 1979 as an effective treatment for nonunion fractures.
Over the years, the FDA has approved PEMF therapy to treat various illnesses, such as depression, anxiety and even brain cancer [2].
Organizations, like NASA, have also invested millions of dollars in exploring the possibilities of PEMF therapy.
NASA has created their own PEMF devices to treat any symptoms that astronauts face, such as muscle weakness and joint pain, while in space [3].
Interestingly, PEMF therapy is not limited to humans.
It was initially used by health workers to mend the broken legs of race horses [4].
Myths and Misconceptions about the PEMF Therapy
The Treatment is not Safe
When people hear the term ‘pulse electromagnetic field therapy’, they immediately assume that it is potentially harmful or dangerous for the body.
This is because they associate the word “electromagnetic waves” with danger, without actually understanding the significance of these waves in our lives and our very own bodies.
This common misconception can be easily cleared up by consulting studies on PEMF therapy.
For example, a study was held to check PEMF therapy’s safeness in the treatment of osteoarthritis (5).
The treatment in the study had no undesirable side effects on the test subjects.
This is something which is not true for many of the medicines that we take on a daily basis.
As far as our brain is concerned, even the high intensity PEMF therapies have been tested and declared perfectly safe for the brain.
The PEMF therapy Should be Used Only for a Fixed Amount of Time
People are often confused about how long they should use PEMF therapy.
They are looking for a time period which is both “safe” and “effective” simultaneously.
Most people think that using the device for a few minutes is best and any longer than that could be dangerous.
However, there is nothing that supports or verifies this particular belief.
Research studies have actually shown the many benefits of using PEMF therapy for longer periods of time (6).
The amount of time to use PEMF therapy should be based on the individual and their needs.
It is dependent on the problem being treated.
This is because each issue has a different recovery or healing time.
It is recommended that an expert be consulted in this situation.
PEMF Therapy does not Work
The third myth is based on the reluctance that many people have about using new treatments.
People are unwilling to investigate these new treatments by reading about research and studies that demonstrate their effectiveness.
Since PEMF therapy is not as well-known as other generic medical treatments, people automatically assume that it is a scam and does not work.
Over the last few decades, Several recent studies have demonstrated the benefits and effective of PEMF therapy for treating a variety of illnesses and health related problems.
Fractures are an example of a health problem which is healed quickly with the help of PEMF therapy (7).
Clinical trials have proven that the PEMF therapy helps in treating knee osteoarthritis, and other bone related disorders (8).
There is Only One Effective Intensity
This myth claims that there is a single fixed intensity of the PEMF therapy, which is effective in treating any type of condition or illness.
Some manufacturers of the PEMF therapy devices claim that using low intensity machines is safe, while others claim that only high intensity devices are effective and beneficial.
The effectiveness of the PEMF therapy intensity depends on the illness being treated.
There can be numerous effective intensities, depending on the specific purpose.
The example of an MRI scan machine demonstrates the concept.
Those machines usually operate at very low intensities, but can only operate at higher intensities.
The intensity can be adjusted depending on what needs to be imaged.
The same is true of PEMF therapy devices.
One Frequency Should be Used for Treating all Conditions
In PEMF therapy, the frequency required to treat a condition, or an illness is very subjective.
This is because it depends on a number of factors.
The primary factor which needs to be considered when altering the frequency of a PEMF device, is the nature of the condition being treated.
Every illness reacts differently to PEMF therapy.
Therefore, it requires a different frequency for treatment.
It is incorrect to assume that a single frequency can treat all conditions.
Another important factor to consider is the person under treatment.
Every person’s biological makeup and anatomy are completely unique.
As a result, the effectiveness of PEMF therapy also varies from person to person.
Even though low frequencies might be useful for one person, they not be effective for someone else.
It is, therefore, important to purchase a PEMF therapy device where the frequency can be adjusted to meet the individual’s specific needs.
Misinformation About PEMF Therapy
Many PEMF therapy machine manufacturers spread false information in their marketing to potential customers.
Most people can’t distinguish between credible and non-credible claims made by these companies.
These are some of the common misconceptions and scams involving PEMF therapy devices.
A Specific PEMF Device Should be Used for Specific Conditions
Companies often claim that their product is the best PEMF device for treating a particular condition or illness.
There is no truth in these claims.
If the right intensity and frequency is applied, numerous devices can be used to treat the same condition.
The use of PEMF therapy is very good for a person’s health, regardless of which company manufactures the PEMF device.
In order to treat specific conditions, it is important to focus on the frequency and intensity range of a PEMF device, rather than its brand.
All PEMF Devices are the Same
People have a common misconception that all PEMF devices are the same.
There is actually a wide variety of PEMF devices that are available in the market.
Some of these devices have a fixed frequency and waveform, while others having multiple frequency choices.
The prices also vary from as little as $400 to as much as $30,000.
Therefore, a person should buy the device which is best suited to their requirements.
You Must get a PEMF Device that is Approved by the FDA
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for the approval of the safety of food, drugs and medical devices for public use.
The FDA ensures the safety of a device, but usually significantly limits the function and benefits of the device.
It can become difficult to market the various benefits of a medical device after getting FDA approval.
This is because FDA approval is only applicable for a specific type of function.
FDA registration and FDA approval are not interchangeable terms.
They should not be confused with each other.
Every company that imports devices from outside the United States must have a FDA registration.
It is often confused with FDA approval, due to the misleading marketing and advertisements of some companies.
People Should not use the PEMF Therapy in Conjunction with Other Treatments
Another common misconception surrounding PEMF therapy is that it should not be used simultaneously with other medical treatments.
It is often believed that the PEMF therapy could disrupt or hinder their progress.
This is not true.
PEMF therapy is actually known to improve the effectiveness of many other treatments, by stimulating the body’s healing process.
High Intensity Therapies are Dangerous
Many people believe that a PEMF device which uses higher frequencies can be harmful.
This misconception has been proven to be wrong by many researchers.
They found that test subjects underwent high intensity therapies for very long time periods, without any undesirable or harmful side effects.
Low Intensity PEMF Therapies are not Beneficial
There is considerable misinformation that is circulating about high intensity PEMF therapies, as well as many misconceptions about the low intensity of electromagnetic waves used in PEMF therapy.
It is claimed that low intensity causes PEMF therapy to be completely useless.
The intensities are very specific to a person’s condition.
Research has shown that there are many conditions which are treated more effectively with a relatively lower intensity over longer periods of time.
Therefore, instead of being ineffective, lower intensities are actually more beneficial for certain conditions being treated by PEMF therapy.
Importance of Getting Professional Guidance for PEMF Therapy
While deciding which PEMF device to use and how to plan PEMF therapy sessions, it is always best to consult someone who has knowledge and experience on this subject.
This article is intended to provide basic guidance on PEMF therapy.
A medical expert recommend the specific frequencies and intensities to use and which device you should buy.
They can also advise you about the duration of PEMF therapy that is required for your condition.
PEMF therapy is very personalized and different for every person.
If you copy someone else, it does not guarantee that you will get the desired results.