PEMF Education
Our PEMF Knowledge Base is compiled from public online resources. Importantly, some of these articles may have copywrite or other restrictions. We make these articles or other content accessible for your own knowledge and to learn more about PEMF. Source information and further citations may be included in the articles. In other words, don’t blame us if it blows your mind!
Peer-Reviewed PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Frequency) articles serve as proof that PEMF is effective treatment for many fields in medicine. Also, this page is our sanity corner; safe from the rash of misinformation and misinterpreted data you may find on the web.
There are hundreds upon hundreds of documented studies and reviews available. If something is missing, please contact us and we will find it for you.
Cell Biology
Coupling of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy to molecular grounds of the cell
…it is conceivable that cells can get some “orientation” again not only with regard of space but also with regard of timing . Those space and time orientation cues give cells of inflamed zones a re-linking to the healthy tissue… Otherwise, older and stressed cells with no physiological orientation react with enhanced ROS production, pre-apoptotic signaling and signs of mitochondrial stress as well as other signs of energy… VIEW PDF
Wound Healing
Evidence-Based Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Clinical Plastic Surgery
A review of 63 different medical studies authored by 3 MD’s and 2 PhD’s. The article is somewhat biased with the authors involved in the study device development. However, images and clinical results indicate PEMF works effectively to augment traditional treatment in repairing some really ugly surgical wounds. VIEW PDF
Immune-Modulating Perspectives for Low Frequency Electromagnetic Fields in Innate Immunity
Review – 120 PEMF and other studies cited – By discussing the EMF modulating effects on cell functions, we envisage the use of [PEMF] as a therapeutic agent to regulate immune responses associated with wound healing. VIEW PDF
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Electromagnetic Therapy in the Primary Care Management of Venous Leg Ulceration
Sixty-eight per cent of patients attending this dedicated clinic achieved improvements in the size of their ulcer (4, 2 1 % , healed fully) and in reduced pain levels (P < 0.05) during the trial, despite the chronicity of ulcer histories. Despite the small numbers in this pilot study, electromagnetic therapy provided significant gains in the healing of venous leg ulcers and reduction in pain. VIEW PDF
Brain Functions
Electromagnetic fields, the modulation of brain tissue functions - A possible paradigm shift in biology
W. Ross Adey, Distinguished Professor of Physiology at Loma Linda is often cited by PEMF Marketers. Some of the language is informal but it is based on mountains of studies. Example: “Emergent concepts of tissue thresholds to EMF sensitivities address ensemble or domain functions of populations of cells, cooperatively ‘whispering together’ in intercellular communication, and organized hierarchically at atomic and molecular levels.” VIEW PDF
Increases in microvascular perfusion and tissue oxygenation via pulsed electromagnetic fields in the healthy rat brain
This is the first demonstration of the acute effects of PEMF on cerebral cortical microvascular perfusion and metabolism. Thirty minutes of PEMF treatment induced cerebral arteriolar dilation leading to an increase in micro-vascular blood flow and tissue oxygenation that persisted for at least 3 hours…These results suggest that PEMF may be an effective treatment for patients after traumatic or ischemic brain injury. VIEW PDF
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee
A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials in 1978 – Nine studies, including 483 patients – Pulsed electromagnetic fields improve clinical scores and function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee and should be considered as adjuvant therapies in their management. There is still equipoise of evidence for an effect on pain in the current literature. VIEW PDF
Low-frequency Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy in Fibromyalgia
A Randomized, Double-blind, Sham-controlled Clinical Study (2009) – The PEMF group showed significant improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, BDI score, and SF-36 scale in all domains at the end of therapy. These improvements in FIQ, VAS pain, and SF-36 pain score during follow-up. The sham group also showed improvement were maintained on all outcome measures except total FIQ scores after treatment. At 12 weeks follow-up, only improvements in the BDI and SF-36 scores were present in the sham group. VIEW PDF
Evaluation of the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field in the management of patients with diabetic polyneuropathy
Low-frequency PEMF can be used as an adjunct in reducing neuropathic pain as well as for retarding the progression of neuropathy in a short span of time. VIEW PDF
Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy in Refractory Neuropathic Pain Secondary to Peripheral Neuropathy
Of the 19 feet with moderate or severe pain that completed treatment, 11 completed treatment but did not complete follow-up. An intent-to-treat analysis (baseline, end of treatment, end of follow-up) based on all 19 feet demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain scores VIEW PDF
Oncology
Mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in oncology
Review – 30+ PEMF studies cited – only two clinical studies have used PEMF therapy for cancer treatment (2016). These studies show that PEMF therapy is safe and promising compared to other available cancer therapies. In the future, PEMFs could be used not only as primary therapy but also in combination with other common antineoplastic therapies. PEMF therapy presents several potential advantages including non-invasiveness, safety, lack of toxicity for non-cancerous cells, and the possibility of being combined with other available therapies. Indeed, PEMF stimulation has already been used in the context of various cancer types including skin, breast, prostate, hepatocellular, lung, ovar-ian, pancreatic, bladder, thyroid, and colon cancer in vitro and in vivo. VIEW PDF
Heart Disease and Circulation
Pulsed electromagnetic field improves cardiac function in response to myocardial infarction
Extracorporeal pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) has been shown the ability to improve regeneration in various ischemic episodes. Here, we examined whether PEMF therapy facilitate cardiac recovery in rat myocardial infarction (MI), and the cellular/molecular mechanisms underlying PEMF-related therapy was further investigated. VIEW PDF
Impact of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on vascular function and blood pressure in hypertensive individuals
The present study investigated the impact of 12 weeks of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on peripheral vascular function, blood pressure (BP), and nitric oxide. After therapy, the PEMF group demonstrated significant improvements in FMD and FMD NOR (normalized to hyperemia), but the control group did not (P = .05 and P = .04, respectively). Moreover, SBP, DBP, and MAP were reduced, but the control group did not (P = .04, .04, and .03, respectively). VIEW PDF
Bone Growth
Pulsed electromagnetic fields for the treatment of tibial delayed unions and non-unions. A prospective clinical study and review of the literature
We present the results of PEMF stimulation in treating non-infected tibial delayed unions and non-unions. Factors that might affect the success of the method were investigated and a thorough literature review was also conducted to assess the overall efficacy of the method in tibial non-united fractures. VIEW PDF
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation of Bone Healing and Joint Preservation: Cellular Mechanisms of Skeletal Response
The US FDA has approved pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) as a safe and effective treatment for non-unions of bone. Despite its clinical use, the mechanisms of action of electromagnetic stimulation of the skeleton have been elusive. Recently, cell membrane receptors have been identified as the site of action of PEMF. Understanding of PEMF membrane targets, and of the specific intracellular pathways involved, culminating in the synthesis of ECM proteins and reduction in inflammatory cytokines, should enhance confidence in the clinical use of PEMF VIEW PDF
Stimulation of Bone Formation and Fracture Healing with Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields: Biological Responses and Clinical Implications
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) have been used for the management of fracture delayed unions and non-unions for more than half a century already. Despite numerous studies and clinical trials, the mode of action of this non-invasive method is still debated and quantification of its effect on fracture healing is widely varied in the literature. This article mainly focuses on the cellular and molecular effect of PEMF and the overall efficacy of the method in enhancing fracture healing and promoting new bone formation. VIEW PDF
5G and Microwaves
The therapeutic effect of a pulsed electromagnetic field on the reproductive patterns of male Wistar rats exposed to a 2.45-GHz microwave field
Electromagnetic fields are recognized as hazards that affect testicular function by generating reactive oxygen species and reduce the bioavailability of androgen to maturing spermatozoa. Thus, microwave exposure adversely affects male fertility, whereas pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is a non-invasive, simple technique that can be used as a scavenger agent to combat oxidative stress. VIEW PDF
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Pulsed Magnetic Field Versus Surgery in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized, Placebo Controlled Double Blind Study
The most common complications in the surgery group were skin irritation and haematoma; in the splinting group it was swelling of the wrist, hand and finger. In their discussion of the results, the authors concluded that given the treatment differential and potential for adverse effects and that conservative
interventions benefited a substantial proportion of patients, current practice of a trial of conservative management with surgical release for severe or persistent symptoms is supported by evidence. VIEW PDF
Pulsed magnetic field versus ultrasound in the treatment of postnatal carpal tunnel syndrome: A randomized controlled trial in the women of an Egyptian population
There was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in pain level, sensory and motor distal latencies of the median nerve, and significant increase (P < 0.05) in sensory and motor conduction velocities of the median nerve and hand grip strength in both groups, with a significant difference between the two groups in favour of pulsed electromagnetic field treatment. However, the functional status scale showed intergroup no significant difference (P > 0.05). In conclusion, while the symptoms were alleviated in both groups, pulsed electromagnetic field was more effective than pulsed ultrasound in treating postnatal carpal tunnel syndrome. VIEW PDF
Parkinson’s Disease
Mechanisms and therapeutic applications of electromagnetic therapy in Parkinson’s disease
In October 2008 the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of PEMF therapy for treatment of major depressive disorder in PD patients…resulted in a marked improvement in motor and non-motor symptoms such as mood swings, sleeplessness, pain and sexual and cognitive dysfunctions, suggesting that PEMF therapy should be tested in large cohorts of PD patients as monotherapy and should also be considered as a treatment modality for [newly] diagnosed PD patients VIEW PDF
Effect of transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields (T-PEMF) on functional rate of force development and movement speed in persons with Parkinson’s disease: A randomized clinical trial
Treatment with transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields was superior to placebo regarding functional rate of force development during chair rise among high-performers. Active treatment tended to increase functional rate of force development while placebo did not. Our results suggest that mildly affected persons with Parkinson’s disease have a larger potential for neural rehabilitation than more severely affected persons and indicate that early treatment initiation may be beneficial. VIEW PDF
Hi. I’m a NYC clinician, and BEMER user/dealer for about six years. I found your site reasonably balanced and not as strident as many. Glad to see some generic study links for folks who follow the science, and a variety of products as well.
Some updates on the BEMER info are requisite to maintain your credibility. I’ll list a few:
1. The 3000 Plus was replaced many years ago (I believe about twelve) with the ProSet.
2. Among the theoretical shortcomings you mention: most are just that, well-researched academic probings into various interesting characteristics, tho weak in a more phenomenological approach, by which I mean: does the theory hold up in actual in vivo human experimentation. The two dozen or more studies both specific to BEMER and comparing (in a placebo, double blind, published study) are really the proof of what any competing PEMF can accomplish, rather than simple reliance on demonstrated scientific observations that may or may not have the anticipated effect in vivo.
3. Any two devices can be used at once in any combination on the ProSet.
4. The Wolf Kafka original discovery and resulting four patents over 20 years show (phenomenologically) progress in what now is BEMER’s unique and targeted strength: A demonstrated thirty percent increase in microcirculation/vasomotion, unachievable via any known pharmaceutical, herb, PEMF or other device. Downplaying the BEMER signal based purely on academic considerations is, I believe, the most serious disservice on your site.
5. It would be kind and informative to reference the Berlin Microcirculation Institute, Dr. Rainer Klopp, and the one-of-a-kind Intravital Microscopy assemblage deploying computer aided secondary image processing, vital microscopic reflection spectrometry, combined white light spectroscopy, laser Doppler microflow measurement and high speed frame acquisition. Those beautiful before/after video sequences you’ve doubtless seen are not computer simulations but the real thing.
6. No other PEMF to my knowledge has subjected their finished product to such intricate and exhaustive studies. To repeat our claim: circulation is BEMER’s focus and strength and upon ongoing FDA investigation we’re confident the claims in the published studies specific to BEMER will be validated.
Thanx for listening!
Cheers,
Harvey
Hi Harvey,
Thanks for your generous comment and information. We strive for credibility and we crave facts. Recently, we had a couple Bemer ProSet systems here on consignment. They sold so quickly we didn’t have time to review them. We know they are a good machine simply because of that result. Our point is that Bemer isn’t unique for repeatable experimental results or institutional acceptance. For example, our StemPulse and MultiPulse have a NASA lineage and many studies that illustrate measurable efficacy. Those and the remarkable work of Dr. Klopp (see video) legitimize PEMF and drive its usage forward. We are grateful for everyone including yourself for promoting PEMF as a solution to many health issues. Best wishes!