What is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy?
The use of
magnets to aid a patient’s recovery was used by the Chinese as far
back as 2000 B.C., and noted by the Greek physician Galen around 200
B.C. Over the years its popularity has waxed and waned, and was for a
time only used by vets, usually treating broken bones in racehorses.
Horses showed a remarkable increase in strength and endurance
following electromagnetic therapy, and scientists began to
investigate its use for humans. In 1971, the successful healing of a
nonunion fracture was achieved through the use of 10 microamps of
direct current delivered via electrodes.
Pulsed
electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT), also known as pulsed magnetic
therapy, pulse magnetotherapy or PEMF, is a non-invasive treatment
used in many applications, particularly orthopedics, pain relief, and
swelling. It has the benefits of being drug-free and without side
effects, and does not interact with prescribed medicines.
Each
magnetic pulse produces a tiny electrical charge, which, it is
claimed, affects the cell membrane, allowing channels to open so that
nutrients may enter and waste leave with greater efficiency. PEMFT is
believed to shut down the inflammatory response in the body.
According to many, it also increases ATP production. ATP is a
chemical used by the body for energy, hence the demonstrated
increased power of the racehorses. However, increased production of
ATP depends upon the magnetic current staying below 500 microamps.
Any higher than that, and ATP production drops.
Cells of the
same type join to form tissue, and similar tissues form organs.
Restoring or improving cell function increases overall function of
the body, so optimizing cell function increases the possibility of
healing.
Bones, in
common with other body tissues, contain electrical properties. A
pulsing magnetic field applied to a bone causes very small movements
that result in tiny electrical charges within the bone cells, which
is believed to stimulate the cells into regenerating. PEMFT is being
used as a supplemental therapy in cases where broken bones have
failed to fuse, or are taking longer than normal to mend.
As well as
orthopedic applications, PEMFT is being used to treat injured or
swollen tissues such as backs or shoulders, joints, scars, and even
cancer, where it has effectively reduced pain and, in some cases,
reduced tumor size. Used for post-operative pain relief in cosmetic
surgery, patients have reported half as much pain as other patients
who did not use the technology.
Successful
treatment can depend on the intensity (measured in Tesla) and
frequency (pulses per second, measured in Hertz) of the magnetic
pulses. The most beneficial range for people is between 1 and 50
Hertz. Efficiency rapidly decreases when Hertz levels reach 100-200.
Although studies are not complete on the optimum intensity and
frequency for particular applications, it is known that the pulse
will not be able to penetrate to deeper areas of the body if the
magnetic field is too weak.
There are
several patches, mats, and other devices available for the home use
of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy, which may be an effective
adjunct to the treatment of your painful joints and muscles.
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