FAQ

PEMF therapy is an abbreviation for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. It is a non-invasive, painless, healing modality in which an electromagnetic coil is energized in specific ways to generate and send pulsed magnetic fields through the body. The magnetic fields pass through the tissues of the body and interact with the cells to elicit various therapeutic responses that are dependent on the waveform of the specific PEMF signal being applied.

PEMFs have been studied by the medical community as a healing therapy since the 1970’s, with thousands of published research papers
demonstrating its effectiveness and FDA-approval for various health-related applications.

The biological methods of action are quite complex, but here’s a simplified explanation:

The pulsed magnetic fields are emitted from the electromagnetic coil and through the tissues of your body. As they pass through the cells of these tissues, they affect them primarily in 2 beneficial ways: 

1. They help to restore the electrical potential of cell membranes, which can be disrupted by non-native EMFs and disease. Healthy cell function is dependent on an appropriate membrane potential for energy production and nutrient utilization.
2. They modulate cell signaling pathways. The PEMFs can instruct the cells which functions to perform by up or downregulating the expression of certain genes.

An application of PEMF with a completely different mechanism is transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The magnetic fields transmitted through the head induce micro-currents within the neural tissue and can influence brain activity.

PEMF is among the safest therapies that one could use. PEMF therapy has been carefully examined in thousands of peer-reviewed medical studies of various types, including clinical trials on all parts of the body. In all these experiments, no serious adverse events were recorded, and the only negative side-effects observed were mild and temporary.

The reported side effects included headaches, nausea, muscle aches, and fatigue. These reactions are typically attributed to the detoxification effects that accompany the healing process. In all cases, these symptoms resolved on their own without requiring medical intervention.

While the magnetic field strength of PEMF machines is relatively low, it is recommended not to use them in close proximity to magnetic objects and sensitive electronic devices such as pacemakers.

The benefits of PEMF therapy are wide ranging and depend on the strength and waveform of the PEMF signal being applied.

In the broadest perspective, PEMF therapy can improve the function of all tissues within the body because it acts on the cellular level to optimize energy production, nutrient transport and utilization, and intracellular communication.

Specific signals can modify different cell types to function in more beneficial ways.

To list just a few examples of this, PEMF can instruct cells to:

• Decrease production of cytokines, which cause inflammation – swelling, redness, and pain
• Increase production of collagen, which is an integral component in ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and skin
• Increase bone mineral production to accelerate healing of bone fractures and improve bone density
• Produce more Nitric Oxide, a systemic signaling molecule that improves cardiovascular function, mental and athletic performance, and muscular recovery among other things
• Mental states can be altered (e.g. increasing focus, creativity, etc.) by synchronizing brain electrical activity to certain brainwave frequencies.

A PEMF therapy session will typically involve either lying on a PEMF mat or placing an electromagnetic coil over a particular area of concern. The strength of the magnetic field emitted from the PEMF coil is strongest at the center of the coil and decays exponentially with distance. As such, the effective therapeutic range of the coil is limited and must be placed directly over the treatment area for optimal results.

Very few people can actually feel the magnetic fields from the PEMF machine passing through their body. For those that do, it may feel like slight tingling or buzzing sensation. People with pain or inflammation may notice a decrease in symptoms throughout the course of the treatment session.

For transcranial magnetic stimulation treatments, recipients typically notice a change in their mental state during the session.

PEMF therapy can be used for improving the symptoms of practically all conditions since it stimulates healing at the cellular level. However, there are several primary applications where PEMF stands out:

• Strained/sore muscles – accelerates muscle repair and recovery
• Tendonitis/tendinosis – stimulates regeneration of tendon tissue
• Sprained ligaments – stimulates regeneration of ligament tissue
• Other soft tissue injuries (rotator cuff, disc degeneration, etc.)
• Osteoarthritis – helps regenerate damaged cartilage
• Bones fractures – accelerates repair
• Osteoporosis/osteopenia – increases bone density
• Fatigue – improves cellular energy (ATP) production
• Mental conditions such as depression and anxiety
• Neurodegenerative diseases (MS, Parkinson’s, etc.)

PEMF therapy is an FDA-approved treatment for specific conditions:

1. Healing of non-union fractures in bones (approved in 1979)
2. Treatment of post-operative pain and edema in superficial soft tissue (approved in 1991)
3. Cervical fusion surgeries (approved in 2004)
4. Depression (approved in 2011)

The short answer: 30–60-minute sessions will be sufficient to produce results in many applications

However, the recommended PEMF session duration and frequency depend on the intended function. On one hand, soft tissue regeneration
(torn/damage tendons, ligaments, cartilage) and bone fracture healing require longer sessions of 4-12 hours per day consistently for several weeks to achieve optimal results.

On the other hand, boosting Nitric Oxide (NO) levels that result in improved circulation, decreased blood pressure, and improved cognitive and athletic performance can be achieved in a single 15-minute
session.

Generally speaking, longer duration and greater frequency of sessions will typically yield better and faster results regardless of the desired outcome.

The waveforms of the pulsed magnetic fields used in PEMF therapy typically have frequencies within the range of EMFs categorized as extremely low frequency (ELF-EMF). ELF-EMFs include frequencies between 0 and 300 Hz, but most PEMF frequencies are below 100 Hz.

It is a common misconception that frequency alone defines a PEMF signal, and that each therapeutic application of PEMF is associated with specific frequency. However, the truth is that PEMF signals emitted from the coils are intricate 3-dimensional electromagnetic fields, which are generated by the flow of complex waveforms of current through the coil. The shape of the waveform is infinitely variable, but certain waveform characteristics can be used to describe and fully define simplified waveform shapes that will encompass a wide range of options. These characteristics include wave shape (square, sine, etc.), wave polarity, pulse width/duration (also duty cycle), frequency, and amplitude.

There has been an effort to determine optimal PEMF characteristics (frequency, waveform, strength, etc.) for specific therapeutic applications, and numerous articles have been published that clearly demonstrate that certain PEMFs have greater therapeutic effects than others. However, it is impossible to evaluate all the different variables in any given application due to the empirical nature of current scientific evaluation methods. The best that we have at the moment is a vast body of medical research that provides a repository of evidence indicating that PEMFs with certain waveforms and magnitudes are effective at providing particular results in a given application. The PEMF signals we provide and their recommended uses are directly derived from this body of research to maximize the potential of achieving the claimed benefits.

Additional work is still required to determine the best ways to apply PEMF therapy and optimize the therapeutic potential of PEMFs, but the current state of understanding offers a very effective non-invasive treatment for numerous health-related issues. It is possible that there is a personalized aspect to their application as well, in which certain PEMF signals work better for certain individuals. While we are confident that the provided signals will yield great results, we also encourage some degree of experimentation to find out what works best for you.

PEMF therapy can improve circulation by increasing nitric oxide (NO) generation through the stimulation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Increased NO within the circulatory system produces vasodilation of the blood vessels, which allows for increased blood flow while
simultaneously decreasing blood pressure.

PEMF can improve the health of red blood cells (RBC) and reduce the incidence of rouleaux formation (RBC stacking/aggregation). This
facilitates a more uniform flow of oxygen carrying cells through the blood vessels, especially in capillaries where RBC aggregates are too large to pass through.

PEMF has also been shown to promote angiogenesis, improving the repair of damaged blood vessels and creation of new blood vessels.

The end result of these effects is vastly improved microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation. PEMF is commonly used to treat deficiencies in peripheral blood flow in people with diabetes.

PEMF is effective at relieving pain in a number of ways. Pain can be an indicator of many different disfunctions within the body, and the approach to pain relief would depend its source.

Inflammation is a natural response of the body’s immune system to injury, infection, etc., and it causes sensitivity and pain by releasing chemicals that stimulate nerve endings. Although inflammation is a crucial component of the healing process, the body may experience an excessive amount of inflammation to an acute injury or chronic inflammation that impede the healing process and causes unnecessary pain. PEMF is very effective at reducing inflammation and the pain caused by it. In addition, by reducing inflammation, it allows the body to proceed with the healing process to deal with the issue that caused the inflammation in the first place.

PEMF has been shown stimulate healing and regeneration in many different types of tissues (ligaments, tendons, muscles, nerves, skin, etc.). If an injury to a particular tissue is the underlying cause of pain, accelerating the recovery of this tissue will help to eliminate the pain more rapidly.

PEMF has also been shown to be effective at addressing other types of pain, including: headaches (including migraines), neuropathic pain (from damage to nervous system), and nociplastic pain (pain of neurologic nature with no physical explanation).

PEMF has been found to stimulate skin cells to produce more collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in skin (approximately 70% of
its dry weight), and it is a crucial component that provides structure, strength, and elasticity to the skin.

Increasing collagen production in skin has useful applications in healing as well as cosmetics. PEMF therapy has been shown to significantly increase healing and closure rate for skin wounds, while decreasing the appearance of scars. PEMF has rejuvenation effects when applied
to healthy skin, as it counteracts the declining collagen production that occurs naturally with aging. Restored collagen content will reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, skin sagging, and pores and result in a more youthful complexion with improved texture and tone.

PEMF can also aid in the treatment of inflammatory skin conditions (acne, psoriasis, eczema, rashes, etc.). Decreasing the inflammation in the affected skin areas can reduce redness, swelling, pain, and itchiness, and improving circulation and cellular energy can help combat the condition.

Results vary, but many people experience improvements after a single session. Treatment of chronic conditions and more serious injuries will typically requiring ongoing treatment for several weeks.

PEMF therapy is non-invasive and typically painless. Most people will either feel nothing or a mild tingling sensation. Some may experience slight discomfort, but this is typically a good sign indicating stimulation of the healing process.

Side effects are rare but may include temporary fatigue, mild discomfort, or headaches. If you have any concerns, we recommend consulting
with a medical professional or other qualified person.

Most of our PEMF devices are intended personal use at home or on the go. Our product manuals and application instructions will tell you everything you need to know to use our devices safely and effectively from the comfort of your own home.

PEMF therapy can improve sleep quality by helping to regulate the body's natural rhythms and reduce stress. Additionally, using our
“sleep” PEMF signal to synchronize your brainwave activity with the slow delta waves characteristic of deep sleep can help you to fall asleep faster and remain in a state of deep rest for longer.

Studies suggest that PEMF may positively impact mental health by balancing brainwave activity and reducing stress. PEMF therapy is FDA approved for the treatment of depression.

PEMF is not recommended for people with pacemakers, insulin pumps, or other implanted electronic devices. It is also generally avoided during pregnancy.

PEMF therapy is safe for animals and is used in veterinary medicine to treat conditions like arthritis and inflammation. As with humans, it can help to reduce stress and promote a state of relaxation for your pets.

PEMFs have been studied by the medical community as a healing therapy since the 1970’s, with thousands of published research papers demonstrating its effectiveness and FDA-approval for various health-related applications.

We have an entire page on this website dedicated to the science behind PEMF. We have read and analyzed numerous studies on PEMF in our process to develop effective PEMF signals and treatment protocols. A summary of our findings is documented for your convenience.

PEMF therapy has been FDA approved since 1991 for the treatment of post-operative pain and edema in superficial soft tissue. It is commonly used after surgery to accelerate the healing process and improve patient outcomes.

PEMF therapy is particularly effective for reducing inflammation. It can modulate the inflammation process directly by downregulating the production of certain inflammatory cytokines. It can also impact it indirectly by improving blood circulation and supporting cellular repair processes.

Insurance coverage varies, but some plans may cover PEMF therapy, especially if used for conditions like bone fractures or post-surgical recovery.

PEMF therapy can significantly increase the amount of nitric oxide (NO) circulating through the body. NO is an important signalling molecule that vasodilates blood vessels, improving circulation, and enhances energy production within muscles. PEMF therapy helps to decrease pain and inflammation, while accelerating recovery of muscles and soft tissues (ligaments, tendons, and cartilage).

There are currently no long-term longitudinal studies of prolonged PEMF therapy use in children. As such, we cannot say with certainty what its effects on growth and development may be. However, PEMF therapy has a very robust safety profile and there are no indications of potentially harmful effects in children, especially for short-term use. However, we recommend that use of PEMF therapy on children be supervised by a healthcare provider, particularly for specific medical conditions.

PEMF uses electromagnetic coils to produce pulsed electromagnetic fields, whereas magnetic therapy relies on static magnets. The changing magnetic fields produced by PEMF devices will create electrical potentials within cells by induction. The waveform and frequency of the magnetic fields in PEMF devices can be varied for different applications. Static magnets produce a constant magnetic field, and these unchanging magnetic fields do not induce electrical potentials in cells. Evidence for the effectiveness of PEMF therapy is vast and undeniable, whereas effectiveness of magnetic therapy is still up for debate.

PEMF is a therapy that works on the cellular level and can modify certain processes within the cell and improve overall cell function. Using PEMF in combination with other therapies that work on the tissue level or on different aspects of cellular function can improve the effectiveness of these treatments through synergistic action. PEMF is often used alongside other treatments, such as physical therapy, chiropractic care, or medication, to enhance overall outcomes.

Long-term benefits of PEMF therapy can include improved cellular health, more mobility, greater bone density, reduced risk of injury/illness, better sleep, and enhanced overall well-being.

Studies of PEMF therapy suggest that it would be an effective therapy for the treatment of osteoporosis as well as its prevention. NASA specifically researched the use of PEMF for preventing bone density loss in astronauts with prolonged exposure to low-gravity environments. This research led to the conclusion that it would be effective in this particular application, while also discovering a number of other potential uses.

Many studies demonstrate the effectiveness of PEMF in stimulating osteoblast (bone cell) activity for accelerating bone growth/repair and increasing bone density. PEMF stimulates cellular activity, which enhances the body’s ability to repair and regenerate bone tissue after a fracture.

The best way to check it is by holding the provided magnet near the coil and feel if it’s vibrating.

If you have the device set up properly according the instructions, and the magnet doesn’t vibrate when you turn it on, there are a few things we suggest you try before contacting customer support.

1. Make sure the volume on your device (and amp if applicable) is turned all the way up.
2. Check all of the cable connectors. Make sure that each one is firmly connected. If any are loose, plug them in fully. Test again after the connection is fixed. If everything looks fine, it can still occasionally help to unplug and reconnect them all just to be sure.
3. Try shutting everything off, turning the volume down, power everything back on, then turning up the volume.
4. If you have any spare cables or connectors, swap them in and test it. Testing the components for conductivity with a multimeter also works.

If none of these suggestions helps, contact customer support and we will help troubleshoot the issue.

All SE Therapies Ltd. products are carefully hand constructed and thoroughly tested before shipment. Products purchased are warranted to be free of defects in material and workmanship for 1 year from the date of purchase. This warranty is limited to the original retail purchaser.

See the warranty details on the "Shipping & Return Policy" page for more information.

Our devices come with a 30-day satisfaction guarantee. We stand behind the effectiveness of this technology and the quality of our products. If you don’t notice any results after using one of our devices correctly and consistently for appropriate duration, you can request a return within 30 days of receiving it. Returns for reasons other than this are not accepted. See our return policy on spectrumpemf.com for additional details regarding terms and conditions for returns.