Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy Research Studies Pain in Osteoarthritis
Since its discovery in the 1980s, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) has been utilized as a non-invasive alternative treatment for various injuries and conditions. It’s an incredibly safe and successful technique that can promote wound healing, repair fractures and reduce soft tissue inflammation.
PEMF therapy can also significantly improve pain, physical function and quality of life for osteoarthritis (OA) patients. Studies have demonstrated that a short PEMF treatment duration (30 min) is highly effective at relieving OA symptoms while increasing mobility.
A randomized, double-blind and placebo-controlled study examined the effects of PEMF on pain reduction and disability reduction among those suffering from knee osteoarthritis.
This study revealed that patients in the PEMF group experienced significantly decreased pain and stiffness scores as well as improved mobility compared to control groups. These results offer preliminary evidence that PEMF could be an effective therapy for knee osteoarthritis, which should be explored further through clinical trials in future.
Pulsed magnetic fields: Effects on Sleep, the Sleep EEG and Cognitive Performance
Many researchers have documented the dose-dependent effects of PEMF exposure on sleep, the electroencephalogram (EEG), and cognitive performance in healthy subjects. However, this is the first study to report such an impact.
Furthermore, this study suggests that PEMF exposure might have a dose-dependent impact on autonomic tone as it caused an increase in heart rate variability during exercise. This could potentially explain some of the analgesic effects of PEMF.
In a recent randomized controlled trial, women with fibromyalgia were assigned to either a stimulation or sham group and treated with either the Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy Regulation (BEMER) device for 12 weeks. Participants were assessed for how PEMF affected symptom severity and functionality using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ).
A recent study has demonstrated the efficacy of pulsed magnetic field therapy (BEMER) for relieving symptoms of fibromyalgia and increasing blood flow to the affected area. These findings support using BEMER not only for fibromyalgia but may be applicable to other chronic pain conditions as well.
Although these results suggest that PEMF could be an effective therapy for fibromyalgia, further clinical trials are necessary to confirm these conclusions.
Many factors are believed to contribute to the development and progression of fibromyalgia, such as an impaired microcirculation in the affected area and stress. Furthermore, some studies have suggested that exposure to low-energy pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) can boost neurotransmitters such as serotonin in the brain.