Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

Researchers from the University of Warwick’s Bio-Electrical Engineering Innovation Hub explained that a bioelectrical view of the cell could enhance our ability to predict and control cellular behavior. In both electrochemical cells (batteries) and biological cells, the partitioning of charged molecules and ions across membranes in and around the cell gives rise to the chemical reactions and ion movements. 

We know that when batteries are low on charge, they perform short of their potential. Similarly, biological cells that are low on charge will also exhibit dysfunction. Much like rechargeable batteries for cell phones, laptops, and cars, biological cells can also be recharged to function optimally. We can also expect that just as some rechargeable batteries hold their charges less as they age, the duration or impact of recharging biological cells will vary from one cell/individual to the next. 

“The bioelectrical conceptualization of cell behaviour can be illustrated with an analogy between a biological cell and a battery, both of which use redox reactions and ion movements.”

Bioelectrical understanding and engineering of cell biology (Journal of the Royal Society, 2020)

After understanding that biological cells behave like electrochemical cells (batteries) through chemical reactions and ion movements, it helps to understand exactly what cellular and subcellular reactions and ion movements take place under the influence of PEMF. While the referenced article discusses PEMF’s mechanism of action of muscle cells, the components involved could translate to many other cells. For example, the TRPC1 protein involved in this study is a voltage-gated ion channel located on the plasma membrane of numerous human and animal cell types. PEMF helps position/orient TRPC1 so that it better facilitates the movement of calcium (Ca2+) ions into the cells. Inside the cell, calcium ions:

• Get to the mitochondria, which in turn respires more [makes more ATP through a process called cellular respiration]

• Aid in production of another protein (calcineurin) which supports the immune system, and 

• Stimulates epigenetic cascades that support production of mitochondria. 

In essence, with (1) and (3) you have more mitochondria available and each is respiring more, thereby generating more ATP and energy for the cell to do its job. Given that TRPC1 and other voltage-gated calcium channels are in so many different cells, it makes sense that regardless of the cells in question, the central impact of PEMF is moving calcium ions and stimulating mitochondrial respiration and reproduction, leading to greater energy. 

Ambient and supplemental magnetic fields promote myogenesis via a TRPC1-mitochondrial axis: evidence of a magnetic mitohormetic mechanism (The FASEB Journal, 2019)

In 2019, ODU’s Center for Bioelectrics studied the effects of Pulse PEMF technology on rat subjects and subsequently measured the subjects’ blood flow. The average increase in blood flow after each PEMF session was about 20% greater than the blood flow of the control subjects which were not given PEMF sessions. Additionally, blood flow after 60 minutes of PEMF treatment was significantly higher than blood flow after only 15 minutes of treatment. The researchers concluded that the results provide evidence that PEMFs improve blood flow enhance oxygen consumption, and boost ATP production by facilitating electron transport. By doing so, they may also increase skeletal muscle cellular energy potential. 

“PEMFs increase heat-independent blood flow to skeletal muscle after treatment. Increased blood flow, like that during exercise, enhances nutrient delivery and facilitates gas exchange in active or injured tissues.”

*This study was performed on Pulse PEMF technology.

PEMF-- its correlation to enhanced energy, endurance, and performance (Old Dominion University, Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, 2019)

Some of the most profound research with PEMF has been done in the field of bone healing and health. Its benefits on bone health come from a variety of mechanisms:

• Stimulation of osteoblasts. These are the cells that give rise to bone tissue. PEMF stimulates the cell signaling pathways that stimulate osteoblasts. 

• Inhibition of osteoclasts: These are the cells responsible for bone breakdown. PEMF therapy has been shown to inhibit the activity of these cells and slow down the bone resorption that leads to decreased bone mass. 

• Enhanced bone formation: PEMF therapy increases both the quantity and quality of bone-building cells, leading to stronger, more dense bone. 

• Pizoelectric effect: PEMF therapy can help influence the deposition of calcium and minerals into the bones.

• Promotion of tissue regeneration: PEMF can stimulate the formation of nerves and vessels that support bone growth and repair. 

• Regulation of gene expression: PEMF can help regulate the expression of bone-related genes that help with the formation of dense bone structure.

PEMF therapy can improve joint and cartilage function in several ways:

• Reduced inflammation: not only does chronic joint inflammation lead to chronic pain, but it also leads to damage and degradation of the joints. PEMF therapy can help reduce infiltration of damaging inflammatory chemicals. This can help alleviate pain and improve joint function. 

• Cartilage repair and regeneration: PEMF has been shown to stimulate the activity of chondrocytes (cells that give rise to cartilage) through impact on proliferation, differentiation, and synthesis of the extracellular matrix proteins. Furthermore, improved circulation can enhance the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the cells can also promote healing and formation of new tissue. 

• Management of osteoarthritis: Some studies show that PEMF therapy can reduce the progression and symptoms of osteoarthritis. 
  

In this study, 210 rat subjects underwent acute bilateral supraspinatus injury and repair followed by pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation for 1,3, or 6 hours daily. Astoundingly, regardless of frequency or duration, improvements were seen in different mechanical properties on virtually all subjects that were given PEMF therapy.

“Based on the results of this study, we speculate that PEMF treatment may increase tendon cell metabolism, which in turn increases both collagen production and matrix remodeling.” 

Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy At Different Frequencies and Durations on Rotator Cuff Tendon-to-Bone healing in a Rat Model (Journal of Shoulder and Elbow Surgery, 2018)

As PEMF stimulates and exercises the cell, it is as if the cell “wakes up” and starts doing what it needs to do. It gets moving. It gets exercise. This is why PEMF is often referred to as “cellular exercise,” and this process has several implications for human wellness. PEMF capitalizes on the body’s intelligence and incredible self-healing capabilities, encouraging the cells with natural energy to better perform their many functions. 

PEMF Therapy For Athletes: https://pulsepemf.com/blog/pemf-therapy-for-athletes/

The Ultimate Game Changer: How PEMF Therapy Transforms Athletes:

https://pulsepemf.com/blog/the-ultimate-game-changer-how-pemf-therapy-transforms-athletes/

How I Used Cold Therapy and PEMF to adjust to Crossfit:

https://pulsepemf.com/blog/cold-therapy-and-pemf/

The official journal of the Association of Chartered Physiotherapists in Sports and Exercise Medicine published a study on PEMF’s impact on delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) in biceps brachii on 30 healthy human subjects. Their objective was to compare the effects of PEMF with placebo treatment on variables in elbow flexors following an exercise regimen that would induce muscle soreness.

“Overall the application of the PEMF was found to be effective in reducing the physiological deficits associated with DOMS [delayed onset muscle soreness], including improved recovery of perceived muscle soreness, increased median frequency (MDF), and enhanced electromechanical delay (EMD) during isometric contraction.”

Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on delayed-onset muscle soreness in biceps brachii (Physical Therapy in Sport, 2015)

How PEMF Complements Conventional Medicine: 

https://pulsepemf.com/blog/how-pemf-complements-conventional-medicine/

Tapping Into Nature's Frequencies For Better Well Being:

https://pulsepemf.com/blog/tapping-into-natures-frequencies-for-better-well-being/

Grounding with PEMF Machines: A New Way To Relax:  https://pulsepemf.com/blog/grounding-with-pemf-machines-a-new-way-to-relax/

Boost Mood And Energy During Daylight Savings Shift:  https://pulsepemf.com/blog/boost-mood-energy-during-daylight-savings-shift/

Comparison of the effects of manual acupuncture, laser acupuncture, and electromagnetic field stimulation at acupuncture point BL15 on heat rate variability (Journal of Acupuncture adn meridian Studies, 2016)

In this study, researchers focused on measuring heart rate variability (HRV), a key physiological metric for well-being. “An optimal level of HRV within an organism reflects healthy function and an inherent self-regulatory capacity, adaptability, an resilience.” They found that PEMF stimulation was identical to that of manual acupuncture in increasing HRV and activated the parasympathetic nervous system, typically responsible for rest and digestion.

“In conclusion, we found that manual acupuncture and electromagnetic field stimulation (2 Hz and 460 gauss) at BL15 caused identical patterns for the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system."

Effects of a Pulsed Electromagnetic Therapy on Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue and Quality of Life: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial (Alternative Therapie in Health and Medicine, 2003)

In this study, scientists from Washington, Virginia, and New Jersey conducted experiments on the effects of PEMF on subjects with multiple sclerosis. In this multi-site, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, researchers noticed improvements in fatigue and overall quality of life in subjects who were placed on the active PEMF device. While the researchers were adamant that their study should be replicated and expanded upon, they noted the human body as being highly responsive to PEMF therapy.

“Specifically, subjects experienced significantly less fatigue during the four weeks they wore the active [PEMF] device than they did while wearing the placebo device.”

Although PEMF is generally non-invasive and very safe, there are a few instances in which it is not recommended. Do not use PEMF if you:

• Are pregnant

• Are actively bleeding (including heavy menstruation)

• Have implanted electronic devices (such as pacemakers and cochlear implants)

• Are the recipient of an organ transplant

Note: metal screws, plates, and non-electrical implants are okay to be used with PEMF, although we do recommend waiting at least two weeks after surgery/insertion. At higher settings on the machine you may feel the pulse interact with the implanted object, but it is not harmful. If this is the case, we recommend decreasing the settings to a level of comfort.