We encounter electromagnetic waves every day.
They are used to transmit different types of signals.
These electromagnetic waves are also produced by the cells of our bodies for the purposes of communication.
The field of medicine has also started making use of these waves in order to diagnose and treat various illnesses.
PEMF therapy is also an application of electromagnetic waves.
This article will discuss PEMF therapy, including the different elements involved in PEMF therapy, such as waveforms, intensities and frequencies.
It will also describe some of the important types of PEMF waveforms and different PEMF devices.
Finally, it will highlight the benefits of using this therapy.
You might be someone who is interested in buying a PEMF therapy device, but may not have sufficient knowledge about their different types and functions.
We recommend that you read this article and consult a PEMF therapy expert, in order to select the best PEMF device for your requirements.
What is PEMF Therapy?
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a treatment that makes use of electromagnetic waves.
In this treatment, the PEMF device is used to send electromagnetic waves in the form of small pulses inside the cells of the body.
The cells in our body function like any other battery or cell.
This means that they are very likely to run out of power or energy, which could make them inefficient and slow.
The electromagnetic pulses sent through the PEMF devices act to reenergize our cells.
As a result, the healing process for wounds in a person’s body speeds up and the overall body feels nourished and re-energized.
One of the important qualities of PEMF therapy that distinguishes it from all other therapies, is that there are no risk factors involved in this process.
The patient undergoing PEMF therapy has no discomfort or undesirable effects during or after the therapy.
The technology supporting PEMF therapy is not new.
Electromagnetic fields were identified to be extremely beneficial and useful for medicinal purposes more than 2000 years ago by Chinese and Greek physicians.
They were later studied and experimented upon by Europe and America.
The biggest breakthrough for this technology was getting approved by FDA for various purposes, such as healing non-union fractures in 1979, treating muscle-related issues, like urinary incontinence in 1998, treating mental illnesses, like anxiety and depression in 2006, treating cancers, such as brain cancer in 2011, and lastly as a general wellness device for improvement of overall health in 2015.
The reason behind PEMF therapy’s recent increase in popularity is the awareness people have started to gain in the last decade about the many benefits that this treatment has to offer.
What is PEMF Intensity?
The strength of the electromagnetic fields produced by the PEMF devices during the therapy is known as the PEMF intensity.
PEMF systems can possess different strengths and intensities. The unit for measuring these intensities is either Gauss or Tesla.
PEMF devices of intensities up to 1000 Gauss are usually considered to be low intensity systems.
Anything higher than 1000 Gauss, up to 50,000 Gauss is considered to be a high intensity PEMF system.
Intensity is one of the most important aspects of the PEMF therapy.
It is altered and adjusted, according to the needs of the specific person and illness under treatment.
What is PEMF Frequency?
Like intensity, PEMF frequency can also be changed and adjusted with PEMF devices.
Frequency is the measure of the amount of electromagnetic waves that pass through a particular point in a fixed amount of time.
The safety and risk-free aspect of the PEMF therapy can be primarily attributed to low frequency ranges used in these devices.
The frequency range in most PEMF devices is usually from 1 Hertz to 30 Hertz.
The reason why PEMF frequency is altered is because the different cells and organs in our body have varying reaction to different frequencies.
Therefore, the frequency is altered according to the part of the body under treatment.
What is PEMF Waveform?
A waveform is the visual representation of the waves.
They represent the shape with which the waves flow from one point to another.
The change in shape is due to the change in the amplitude of the signal in the given period of time.
The waveform of the electromagnetic waves emitted in PEMF therapy varies, according to the device being used.
Like frequency, the different wave shapes also have a different impact on various organs and illnesses.
There are three main types of waveforms that are commonly emitted by most PEMF devices. they include sinusoidal (sine) waves, sawtooth waves and square waves.
Other less commonly used waveforms in PEMF devices include rectangular waves, triangular waves, impulse waves and trapezoidal waves.
Importance of Different Waveforms in PEMF Therapy
Sinusoidal Waves: The sinusoidal waves, more commonly known as the sine waves, are one of the most commonly used waveforms in PEMF therapy.
This is because these waves are known to have a very strong impact on a person’s body.
These waves represent a very smooth and regular vibration.
The human brain also produces sine waves in order to control various activities of the body, like sleep patterns and attentiveness.
This is the reason why sine waves produced by PEMF devices are most effective on the brain.
Square Waves: These types of waves have equally fixed high and low periods.
This is the reason why they are called square waves. Square waves are also extremely important in PEMF therapy.
They are responsible for directly impacting the body’s cells.
These waves help to speed up the regenerative processes of the cell and also aid in cell stimulation, which results in faster healing of wounds.
These waves are generally used for localized treatment of any specific organ or illness.
Sawtooth Waves: The sawtooth waveform has the largest frequency and amplitude compared to all of the waveforms used in PEMF therapy.
As the name suggests, the waves in this waveform are shaped like the spikes or teeth of a saw.
Since these waveforms emit a larger burst of energy, which is represented by the pointy spikes of the waves, they are considered to be the most effective and impactful wave types for full body applications and benefits.
Types of PEMF Devices:
With the increasing developments in PEMF technology, it is becoming difficult to decide which PEMF device to choose.
This is because there are numerous different types of PEMF devices available in the market.
Each of these devices offers unique features and benefits. PEMF devices are generally very patient specific.
While a particular type of device might be suitable for one patient, it is not guaranteed to be suitable for another.
For this reason, it is important to consult informative articles like this one, or a PEMF expert to figure out which device would work the best for you.
There are currently three main types of PEMF devices in the market – Far Infrared and PEMF combination mats, medical grade PEMF machines and portable devices.
- Far Infrared and PEMF combination mat: This is one of the most advanced PEMF machines available in the market. It makes use of not only the pulsed electromagnetic field technology, but also incorporates the far infrared technology. Both of these technologies have been used for various health benefits, like improving blood flow, heart function, general health and many others. In order to facilitate consumer use, it is in the shape of a mat. It is possible for a person to comfortably lay on it for several hours. The retail price of this product is approximately $2000. However, it offers many more features and benefits, compared to other expensive types of PEMF devices.
- Medical Grade PEMF machines: These PEMF therapy devices are very complex and difficult to use. They are similar to equipment that is used in hospitals and are very expensive (starting at $13,200 for a basic model). The price increases exponentially with additional features.
- Portable PEMF devices: As the name suggests, these PEMF devices are portable. They are easy to use on the go. However, they are designed primarily for localized use. The prices of these devices range from $399 to thousands of dollars.
Benefits of PEMF Therapy
Increased production of ATP
Adenosine Tri-phosphate, most commonly known as ATP, is an organic compound produced by our body.
This compound is responsible for providing energy for the proper functioning of many muscles and nerves controlling many body processes.
PEMF therapy helps stimulate and increase the production of ATP in the body.
Promotes healing of the cells
The PEMF therapy helps provide the cells in our body with the energy that they need to function properly.
In the cases of wounds and injuries, it promotes faster healing and a higher cell recovery rate.
Reduction in inflammation
PEMF therapy is used to treat many joint related problems, such as arthritis.
In arthritis, the joints swell up and get inflamed.
This causes considerable discomfort and pain.
Joint function is also compromised in this medical condition.
PEMF therapy helps to reduce the inflammation and other symptoms that are associated with arthritis.
Stimulates the production and release of endorphins
PEMF therapy helps to increase the release of endorphins in the body.
Endorphins are chemicals produced by our body for the purpose of releasing stress and relieving pain.
These chemicals are often prescribed after major surgeries for pain relief.
The PEMF therapy helps to naturally increase their production and release within the human body.
Treats mental illnesses like depression and anxiety
The PEMF therapy is very useful for improving the psychological and mental health of a person by relieving problems, like anxiety and depression.
This helps a person have a healthier mindset and lead a more productive life.
Increases the healing rate of broken bones
PEMF therapy has a strong correlation with the bone healing process.
This is why the use of this therapy is very beneficial to speed the healing of fractured bones.
This application can be used with animals.
Heals damaged nerves
This is a very important benefit because our nervous system plays a vital role in connecting our brain to the various parts of our body.
With damage to the nerves, this connection can be disrupted and the body part adversely affected.
PEMF therapy helps to heal any damaged nerves in the body. (1)
Improves the flow of blood in the body
PEMF therapy plays an important role in improving blood flow.
This is achieved when the diameter of the blood vessels is widened with the help of electromagnetic pulses generated by PEMF devices.
This increase in diameter helps provide a larger pathway for the blood to flow through smoothly. (2)
Improves the immune system
PEMF therapy has the ability to strengthen weakened white blood cells.
It also increases the production of new white blood cells.
The white blood cells are the main components of our immune systems.
The body’s overall immunity is improved by strengthening its white blood cells.
Helps Sleep Management
The PEMF device helps to relax a person’s mind and body.
It makes it easier for a person to fall asleep.
This therapy also stimulates the release of melatonin, which helps maintain deep sleep.
Conclusion
This article helps analyze the important factors involved in PEMF therapy, as well as discussing the different PEMF devices present in the market.
Since different types of PEMF devices offer different features, it is important to identify which PEMF device is best suited for your needs, in order to maximize the therapy’s effectiveness.