Research & Scientific Evidence
Information below is sourced from Pulse Centers
The use of electromagnetic fields for wellness dates back to the 19th century, and the scientific studies regarding the benefits and applications of PEMF are extensive. While this page is by no means a comprehensive list of research articles, it does contain the studies most often referenced in Pulse Centers & Pulse Equine and Superior Wellness Solutions print and digital resources.
As you explore and reference these items, please keep in mind that Pulse Centers’ & Pulse Equine’s and Superior Wellness Solutions PEMF products should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure any physical or medical conditions.
Our PEMF systems are meant for general wellness and have not been evaluated by the FDA.
[1]
"Energy medicine through PEMF therapy is a key new modality for wellness chiropractors as it promotes natural and measurable wellness and healing down to the cellular level in every tissue, bone and organ of the body."
Pierce M. Incorporating Energy Medicine in Your Chiropractic Practice Through Pulsed Electromagnetic (PEMF) Therapy. American Chiropractor, Jun2012; 34(6): 52-54. (3p)
[2]
"When the energy fields pass seamlessly into the cells of the area, the cells absorb that energy. In this way, the electromagnetic fields exercise and energize those cells. PEMF practitioners can direct electromagnetic fields towards 'spot' areas of a patient's body that have injuries or other damage, or they can provide 'broad' area treatment to improve self-reported psychometric measures of sleep, mood, and quality of life (life satisfaction) without adverse effects. That's why PEMF sessions are often called 'cellular exercise' and are popular among biohackers."
Tucker J. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: Biohacking Part III. American Chiropractor, (2019, November 11), 41, 44-45.
https://archive.theamericanchiropractor.com/issue/20191101#!&pid=44
[3]
"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, MDF, and EMD during isometric contraction."
Jeon HS, Kang SY, Park JH, Lee HS. Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on delayed-onset muscle soreness in biceps brachii. Phys Ther Sport. 2015;16(1):34-39. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2014.02.006
[4]
"In conclusion, we found that manual acupuncture and electromagnetic field stimulation at BL15 using manual acupuncture and a PEMF (2 Hz and 460 gauss) caused identical patterns for the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.*"
Lee NR, Kim SB, Heo H, Lee YH. Comparison of the Effects of Manual Acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture, and Electromagnetic Field Stimulation at Acupuncture Point BL15 on Heart Rate Variability. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2016;9(5):257-263. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2016.06.002
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27776764/
*For more information on the parasympathetic nervous system, see Reference [5].
[5]
"The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's rest and digestion response when the body is relaxed, resting, or feeding. It basically undoes the work of sympathetic division after a stressful situation. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases respiration and heart rate and increases digestion."
Noyes FR, Barber-Westin SD. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Noyes' Knee Disorders: Surgery, Rehabilitation, Clinical Outcomes, 1122-1160. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-32903-3.00040-8
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323329033000408
[6]
"Specifically, subjects experienced significantly less fatigue during the four weeks they wore the active [PEMF] device than they did while wearing the placebo device."
Lappin MS, Lawrie FW, Richards TL, Kramer ED. Effects of a pulsed electromagnetic therapy on multiple sclerosis fatigue and quality of life: a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med. 2003;9(4):38-48.
[7]
“The periodic increase in blood flow during the PEMF treatment regimen provides more nutrients and better oxygen - carbon dioxide exchange in skeletal muscle and a potential for greater energy production.” "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."
Beebe SJ, Lai, N, Hani, M, Lassiter, BP, & Kolterman, T. (2019, February 12). PEMF - Its Correlation to Enhanced Energy, Endurance, and Performance.
https://info.pulsecenters.com/hubfs/Beebe%20Studies/plscntrs_beebe_correlations_2020-06-18.pdf
[8]
"Trigger points are like inflammation in that they are the body’s natural response to injury and illnesses. By combining the benefits of stretch poses and PEMF, patients are able to signal their brains that they can move further, and possibly regulate some inflammation or cell metabolism to diminish trigger points."
Tucker J. Treating Chronic Pain with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treatment (PEMF). 11 Apr. 2019, www.chiroeco.com/pemf-chronic-pain/.
Research & Scientific Evidence
Information below is sourced from Pulse Centers
The use of electromagnetic fields for wellness dates back to the 19th century, and the scientific studies regarding the benefits and applications of PEMF are extensive. While this page is by no means a comprehensive list of research articles, it does contain the studies most often referenced in Pulse Centers & Pulse Equine and Superior Wellness Solutions print and digital resources.
As you explore and reference these items, please keep in mind that Pulse Centers’ & Pulse Equine’s and Superior Wellness Solutions PEMF products should not be used to diagnose, treat, or cure any physical or medical conditions.
Our PEMF systems are meant for general wellness and have not been evaluated by the FDA.
[1]
"Energy medicine through PEMF therapy is a key new modality for wellness chiropractors as it promotes natural and measurable wellness and healing down to the cellular level in every tissue, bone and organ of the body."
Pierce M. Incorporating Energy Medicine in Your Chiropractic Practice Through Pulsed Electromagnetic (PEMF) Therapy. American Chiropractor, Jun2012; 34(6): 52-54. (3p)
[2]
"When the energy fields pass seamlessly into the cells of the area, the cells absorb that energy. In this way, the electromagnetic fields exercise and energize those cells. PEMF practitioners can direct electromagnetic fields towards 'spot' areas of a patient's body that have injuries or other damage, or they can provide 'broad' area treatment to improve self-reported psychometric measures of sleep, mood, and quality of life (life satisfaction) without adverse effects. That's why PEMF sessions are often called 'cellular exercise' and are popular among biohackers."
Tucker J. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: Biohacking Part III. American Chiropractor, (2019, November 11), 41, 44-45.
https://archive.theamericanchiropractor.com/issue/20191101#!&pid=44
[3]
"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, MDF, and EMD during isometric contraction."
Jeon HS, Kang SY, Park JH, Lee HS. Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on delayed-onset muscle soreness in biceps brachii. Phys Ther Sport. 2015;16(1):34-39. doi:10.1016/j.ptsp.2014.02.006
[4]
"In conclusion, we found that manual acupuncture and electromagnetic field stimulation at BL15 using manual acupuncture and a PEMF (2 Hz and 460 gauss) caused identical patterns for the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system.*"
Lee NR, Kim SB, Heo H, Lee YH. Comparison of the Effects of Manual Acupuncture, Laser Acupuncture, and Electromagnetic Field Stimulation at Acupuncture Point BL15 on Heart Rate Variability. J Acupunct Meridian Stud. 2016;9(5):257-263. doi:10.1016/j.jams.2016.06.002
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27776764/
*For more information on the parasympathetic nervous system, see Reference [5].
[5]
"The parasympathetic nervous system is responsible for the body's rest and digestion response when the body is relaxed, resting, or feeding. It basically undoes the work of sympathetic division after a stressful situation. The parasympathetic nervous system decreases respiration and heart rate and increases digestion."
Noyes FR, Barber-Westin SD. (2017). Diagnosis and Treatment of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome. Noyes' Knee Disorders: Surgery, Rehabilitation, Clinical Outcomes, 1122-1160. doi:10.1016/b978-0-323-32903-3.00040-8
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780323329033000408
[6]
"Specifically, subjects experienced significantly less fatigue during the four weeks they wore the active [PEMF] device than they did while wearing the placebo device."
Lappin MS, Lawrie FW, Richards TL, Kramer ED. Effects of a pulsed electromagnetic therapy on multiple sclerosis fatigue and quality of life: a double-blind, placebo controlled trial. Altern Ther Health Med. 2003;9(4):38-48.
[7]
“The periodic increase in blood flow during the PEMF treatment regimen provides more nutrients and better oxygen - carbon dioxide exchange in skeletal muscle and a potential for greater energy production.” "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."
Beebe SJ, Lai, N, Hani, M, Lassiter, BP, & Kolterman, T. (2019, February 12). PEMF - Its Correlation to Enhanced Energy, Endurance, and Performance.
https://info.pulsecenters.com/hubfs/Beebe%20Studies/plscntrs_beebe_correlations_2020-06-18.pdf
[8]
"Trigger points are like inflammation in that they are the body’s natural response to injury and illnesses. By combining the benefits of stretch poses and PEMF, patients are able to signal their brains that they can move further, and possibly regulate some inflammation or cell metabolism to diminish trigger points."
Tucker J. Treating Chronic Pain with Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Treatment (PEMF). 11 Apr. 2019, www.chiroeco.com/pemf-chronic-pain/.
[9]
"Positive effects of PEMF on chondrocytes and cartilage were also demonstrated in in vivo studies."
Iwasa K, Reddi AH. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields and Tissue Engineering of the Joints. Tissue Eng Part B Rev. 2018;24(2):144-154. doi:10.1089/ten.TEB.2017.0294
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5905856/#:~:text=2).,and%20functions%20of%20OA%20knees
[10]
"Furthermore, PEMF can lead to chondroprotective effects on joint cartilage in animal models"
Funk RH. (2018, May 15). Coupling of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy to molecular grounds of the cell.
[11]
[12]
[13]
[14]
[15]
"The data reviewed underscore the usefulness of PEMF treatment as a safe, non-invasive treatment modality that has the potential to become an important stand-alone or adjunctive treatment modality in veterinary care."
Gaynor JS, Hagberg S, Gurfein BT. Veterinary applications of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Res Vet Sci. 2018;119:1-8. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2018.05.005
“PEMF effects on macrophages* can enhance the body’s curative mechanisms to possibly clear infections and tissue damage, dissipate inflammation, and promote healing.”
Beebe SJ, Lai N, Hani M, Lassiter BP, & Kolterman T, Kummitha CM, Tanaz R, (2019, March 26). Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) on Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages.
https://info.pulsecenters.com/hubfs/Beebe%20Studies/plscntrs_beebe_macrophages_2020-03-26.pdf
*This study was conducted on mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages.
“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.”
Huegel J, Choi DS, Nuss CA, Minnig MCC, Tucker JJ, Kuntz AF, Waldorff EI, Zhang N, Ryaby JT, Soslowsky LJ. Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy at different frequencies and durations on rotator cuff tendon-to-bone healing in a rat model. J Shoulder Elbow Surg. 2018 Mar;27(3):553-560. doi: 10.1016/j.jse.2017.09.024. Epub 2017 Nov 22. PMID: 29174271; PMCID: PMC5835831.
Pawluk, William. Power Tools for Health: How Pulsed Magnetic Fields (PEMFs) Help You. Friesen Press, 2017.
“One of the early observed and remarkable features of the high frequency currents, and one which was chiefly of interest to the physician, was their apparent harmlessness which made it possible to pass relatively great amounts of electrical energy through the body of a person without causing pain or serious discomfort.”
“This mode of applying high frequency currents in medical treatment appears to me to offer the greatest possibilities at the hands of the physician.”
Tesla N (1999) High frequency oscillators for electro-therapeutic and other purposes. Proceedings of the IEEE 87:1282. doi: 10.1109/jproc.1999.771079