PEMF: What It Is and What the Science Says

Over the past five years, Google Trends has shown consistent growth in the number of people searching for PEMF. And yet, most search results will take you to promotional content — content that aims to sell yet another wellness device.

If you are on the fence about PEMF and want to hear the science behind this seemingly excellent treatment option, I have prepared this article to help clarify what PEMF is and what the current scientific evidence says about it.

What is PEMF therapy?

Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) is a noninvasive therapy method proposed to evoke a cellular response.

During a PEMF therapy session, the PEMF device creates low-frequency electromagnetic fields. Although these fields are unseen by the naked eye, they penetrate the human body. PEMF therapy advocates argue that these fields may support natural healing and recovery.

The science behind PEMF

Many studies, including placebo-controlled clinical trials, were conducted on PEMF. However, the research on it is still considered to be emerging, meaning that the effects of PEMF are not well understood. Moreover, due to some conflicting evidence, skepticism surrounding PEMF is present among researchers and medical professionals.

The first recognized application of PEMF was its potential to aid in healing non-union and delayed fractures, which received FDA approval in 1979. The approval was granted due to substantial evidence demonstrating that a specific PEMF device is more effective than a placebo and is generally safe.

Since then, additional studies have been conducted investigating several potential benefits of PEMF.

Potential benefits of PEMF therapy

Although the broader impact of PEMF on humans remains theoretical, some claimed health benefits stem from the scientific literature. However, research is still limited, meaning that PEMF therapy is typically used only as an adjunct therapy.

The list of potential benefits of PEMF therapy includes these major areas:

Pain reduction

As PEMF is supposed to help with natural healing processes, research studies are determining whether it may reduce musculoskeletal pain.

For instance, one systematic review concluded that PEMF therapy was more effective than placebo for lower back pain. Various studies on neck and knee pain also suggest broader applicability. PEMF therapy has also been studied for chronic pain caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis and interstitial cystitis.

Tissue healing

It is proposed that PEMF therapy may support wound healing. Studies explain that adequate blood flow is crucial for tissue repair, and PEMF may help enhance it. Some studies explore the effects of PEMF on healing, but most are on a small scale or based on animal models. For instance, one pilot trial on chronic diabetic foot ulcers concluded a significant improvement in wound size in those treated with PEMF.

Drawbacks in PEMF studies

Although there seem to be quite a lot of studies, medical professionals are reluctant to incorporate PEMF into their patient routines. To understand their approach better, we asked Dr. Helen Messier, MD, PhD in Molecular Immunology, who is board-certified in family medicine, to share her insights:

The strongest evidence for a given condition does not mean that there is uniform agreement among all available studies, especially if the research results are limited due to the inconsistency in the device’s settings, frequency, protocols, and treatment methods used.

Dr. Helen Messier, MD, PhD

“Undoubtedly, PEMF offers a promising domain of investigation within bioelectromagnetic medicine, but it requires careful consideration. The rationale is sound, and the preliminary findings are intriguing, but it is best to reserve conclusions until more comprehensive and rigorously designed clinical research is conducted. For those considering using PEMF therapy, I recommend doing so with the aid of a trained professional and in conjunction with therapies guided by empirical evidence,” said Dr. Messier.

Safety and contraindications

PEMF offers non-invasive treatment that is generally considered safe. However, we do not have enough long-term safety data; thus, caution should be applied.

Moreover, certain groups of people are advised to avoid PEMF therapy, including:

If you are considering trying out PEMF for a specific health condition, it is best to consult a qualified medical professional for more personalized advice.

Types of PEMF devices

There is a wide range of PEMF devices, with some only available at clinics. Because they can be more powerful, at-clinic devices are used only with qualified personnel.

At-home devices are designed for convenience. However, they could be less powerful than in-clinic equipment. If you choose to purchase an at-home device, look for FDA-cleared devices.

Finding the right fit

As advised by Hadley Pearce, MSc, MSiMR, CGE, who has extensive experience with medical sciences, there are certain factors that you should consider when choosing at-home PEMF devices:

• Material and comfort. Look for durable, high-quality materials to ensure comfort and a long-lasting product.
• Size. Be clear on where you want to use your mat. There are portable mats if you are traveling or larger mats designed to stay in one place.
• Safety features. Seek out built-in features like an automatic timer to protect you from overusing it.
• Customer ratings. Looking for real-life experiences with the devices is the best way to learn about the best products.

PEMF frequency chart

If you have previously explored the PEMF topic, you have likely encountered PEMF frequency charts on manufacturers' websites or in promotional materials.

However, these charts are not medically validated guidelines as there is no clinical consensus on a standardized PEMF frequency chart. Most online charts are based on anecdotal use, marketing claims, or unproven theories.

In general, low-frequency (between 1–100 Hz) has been used in clinical studies for pain.

What to expect during a PEMF session

A PEMF session involves lying or sitting down while the device emits low-frequency electromagnetic fields through pads, mats, or localized applicators. These fields are painless, and most people do not feel anything at all. Some, however, report feeling a gentle pulse or warmth.

Regarding guidelines on PEMF usage, I asked Rugilė Kančaitė, MD, for her insights. “There are no official guidelines yet for optimal PEMF routines. Consult your healthcare provider about what mode and for how long you should use the mat,” she explained.

Final thoughts

While the effectiveness of PEMF therapy is still being studied, and no conclusive answer has yet been found, it is nonetheless gaining popularity in wellness communities.

Due to being non-invasive and relatively safe, it may be worth considering as an adjunct therapy. However, it should never be used in lieu of traditional medical treatments — PEMF does not treat any condition; it may only offer symptomatic relief.