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Side Effects Of PEMF Therapy And How To Minimize Them

Nutritional supplements and Antioxidants reduce the side effects of PEMF therapy. Water consumption is another way to reduce adverse effects. Learn more.

Author:Suleman Shah
Reviewer:Han Ju
Jan 01, 202159 Shares1.3K Views

Side effects of PEMF Therapy

Magnetic and electromagnetic fields started to be used as therapeutic modalities after the design and production of many kinds of electromagnetic signals during World War II. The existence of electric potentials in bones, including steady-state potential and stress-induced potential, was shown in the 1950s by Yasuda et al. Since then, researchers have stoked curiosity about how electricity affects bone formation and fracture healing, among other things.
In order to provide electromagnetic fields for osteogenesis stimulation, many devices have been designed. In 1977, Bassett et al. described the therapeutic use of pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) in human congenital and acquired pseudarthrosis and non-unions, following their 1964 demonstration of the effects of electric currents on new bone development in vivo.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) then authorized PEMF stimulation to treat nonunion fractures in 1979. Following this, papers describing the effects of PEMF therapy on bone fracture repair were widely available in the literature.
One type of electromagnetic field therapy known as PEMF uses low frequency fields with certain waveforms and amplitudes that have a frequency range of 6 to 500 Hz. The fast rate of change (Tesla/s) that it exhibits causes bioelectric currents in tissues, which have unique biological effects.
It is important to note that low frequency fields have been found to be non-thermal and non-ionizing. Typically, electromagnetic fields utilized in clinical settings have frequencies under 100 Hz and magnetic flux densities ranging from 0.1 to 30 mT, which is generally considered safe.
More recent studies suggest that this noninvasive, safe, and effective therapy may be a viable adjuvant for treating a variety of musculoskeletal problems. However, there is still disagreement on the precise mode of action of PEMF at the cellular and molecular level.
Additionally, there are no established treatment methods or criteria for choosing parameter settings. Therefore, before they may be extensively used in clinical settings, significant clinical trials and validation are still required.
Clinical research has demonstrated various beneficial impacts PEMF therapy has on people's health. Among other good results, some of these favorable impacts include a decrease in the effects of stress, an increase in blood oxygenation, a faster rate of bone healing, a decrease in inflammation, and an improvement in muscle performance.
PEMF therapy is also employed in the improvement of mental health such as conditions like depression and anxiety. PEMF therapy operates on the principle of the passage of low-frequency electromagnetic radiation and stimulates organs, thereby activates cellular energy, and supports natural repair mechanisms.

How Severe are PEMF Therapy Side Effects?

The majority of PEMF side effects are minor, transient, and manageable as long as medication is continued. These reactions are more frequent and uncomfortable in those with electrical and electromagnetic hypersensitivity. Rarely does this necessitate stopping magnetic therapy.
In addition to many other effects, a few side effects are,
  • Magnetic therapies can change blood circulation
  • Promotes cell and tissue repair
  • Stimulates nerve cells
  • Induces relaxation
  • Affects blood pressure and heart rate
  • Changes nutrient and medication absorption
  • Influences acupuncture energy movement
  • Stimulate changes in vision

What are the Possible Side Effects of PEMF and Why Do They Occur?

Some possible negative consequences PEMF therapy might include:

Increase in free radicals

PEMF therapy has the effect of increasing blood flow or blood circulation throughout the body as one of its effects. Therefore, it is a form of therapy that is strongly suggested for those with impaired blood flow. However, it's crucial to remember that the increase in blood flow continues long even after the therapy is stopped.
The body may experience some unanticipated unfavorable effects from this, such as increased oxidative stress. This happens when the body contains too many free radicals. The body will be unable to cleanse and whose detrimental effects cannot be offset.

PEMF can temporarily worsen pain (before the pain improves)

Excessive usage of opioids can cause internal bleeding, stomach issues, resistance, and even addiction in patients who are experiencing severe or chronic pain. Therefore, PEMF therapy is employed as a good substitute.
However, there are a few adverse effects connected with PEMF therapy. For instance, the pain may transiently worsen, which could be fatal for some people. Improved blood flow to the nerves or increased traffic to the nerve cells are the causes of this transient rise in pain.
It is recommended that PEMF therapy be started at the lowest possible intensity for patients who are experiencing extreme pain. Due to the fact that this therapy causes the body cells to use a lot of nutrients, nutritional insufficiency is another negative effect. In such a case, nutritional supplements can help.

A Reduction in Blood Pressure

Blood pressure and heart rate reduction are two additional negative effects of PEMF therapy. Some people may experience disastrous consequences from this side effect, particularly if they are elderly or have heart problems. This can result in dizziness and fainting.

Fall in Blood Sugar Levels

After beginning PEMF therapy, blood sugar levels frequently drop significantly. For patients who struggle to control their blood sugar levels, this should be done as a precaution.

Changes in the Body’s Ability to Use Nutrients and Drugs:

For individuals receiving chemotherapy, PEMF therapy is not recommended. This is due to the fact that PEMF therapy encourages cell development and repair, which may encourage the growth of cancer cells. As a result, PEMF therapy has effects that counteract those of chemotherapy medications.
By beginning PEMF therapy after chemotherapy is finished, these negative effects can be avoided. More study is needed in this area, though, as some evidence indicates that PEMF therapy may actually assist chemotherapy medications in achieving their goal.
PEMF therapy also encourages blood clotting or coagulation. Hence, it shouldn't be taken with Aspirin or other anticoagulant medications.

PEMF therapy during pregnancy

Pregnant women are recommended to avoid PEMF because it is thought to be a teratogen (affects the fetus), despite the fact that there is still a lot of study to be done in this area. PEMF raises the chance of miscarriage, birth deformities, and has other potential adverse effects. Therefore, pregnant women should not be exposed to it.

Additional PEMF Side Effects

The body's cells are exercised during the initial exposure to PEMF. Toxins exit the cells while the oxygen concentration in the cells rises. This involves some minor stretching and relaxing.
PEMF therapy side effects might include:
  • Fatigue/exhaustion
  • disturbed sleep
  • Fainting
  • Lack of energy or interest in daily activities
  • Giddiness
  • Increased urination
  • Nausea and/ or vomiting
  • Brain fog
  • Headaches
  • Muscle aches,
  • Twitching of muscles
  • Muscle stiffness,
  • Tooth sensitivity - feeling of pain or discomfort in the teeth
  • Tingling or abnormal sensation in the body
  • Patients may have a general feeling of discomfort
  • Feelings of warmth or cold.
  • Sensitivity of skin
Patients with dermatological disorders should refrain from receiving this kind of treatment. Additionally, pre-existing or underlying diseases like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome might make the negative effects of PEMF therapy worse before they get better.

How to Minimize Side Effects of PEMF Therapy?

When nutritional supplements are given before PEMF therapy begins, the majority of patients experience less side effects or negative effects.
Antioxidants can be given both before and during therapy to reduce free radicals and Oxidative stress. Patients are also encouraged to consume meals high in antioxidants. These consist of strawberries, apples, spinach, kale, and other fruits and vegetables.
Water consumption is another way to reduce adverse effects before, during, and after therapy.
Implement the usage device of trusted manufacturers.

When can PEMF be Potentially Harmful?

The use of PEMF therapy is safe. There are no reported serious concerns related to excessive exposure to the electromagnetic fields produced by the device, and there are no known major negative effects linked with the therapy. In fact, it is even possible to treat some illnesses, like Osteoporosis (bone problems), for as much as eight hours each day.
However, before beginning PEMF therapy, a few safety measures should be considered.
Because there is little scientific data to support the side effects and contraindications of PEMF therapy, certain precautions are advised for safe therapy. For this reason, if there are any of the following conditions, please refrain from getting PEMF therapy:
  • Pregnancy
  • Tuberculosis
  • Type 1 diabetes
  • Acute viral illnesses
  • Heart disease
  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Cancer
  • Patients using pacemakers
  • Children
  • Those who use magnetic prosthesis
  • Epilepsy
  • Any acute illness

Patients Having a Pacemaker:

PEMF therapy could be harmful since the electromagnetic fields could prevent the pacemaker from operating as it should. There are new pacemakers available on the market with no warnings. To prevent negative consequences from PEMF therapy, make sure your equipment fits into this category by speaking to a doctor.

PEMF for Children:

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs), which support specific biophysical processes, stimulate the cell membrane. Bone calcification and enhanced blood flow in the treated area are among the numerous outcomes. For this reason, PEMF therapy is not recommended for youngsters whose growth period has not yet been fully completed.

Those who use Magnetic Prosthesis:

PEMF therapy is generally not advised for individuals who have magnetisable prosthetics.
Please get in touch with an orthopaedist if there is a prosthesis and are unsure of its composition.
This caution makes sure that the therapy doesn't become dangerous when electromagnetic fields are generated since they might interact with the prosthesis and have undesirable effects.
It is advised for you to speak with your doctor first to determine whether PEMF therapy before undergoing it.

Takeaway

Due to its noninvasiveness, safety, and efficacy, PEMFs have a significant potential to become a stand-alone or adjuvant treatment method for treating musculoskeletal problems, according to the present good findings of the rising published studies.
Numerous investigations into the underlying cellular and subcellular mechanisms of PEMF stimulation on diverse musculoskeletal illnesses have provided a molecular foundation for expanding its clinical application. The best parameter selection and unknown underlying mechanisms are two problems that have not yet been solved.
Therefore, more research from well-designed studies are still needed before they can be extensively used in clinical settings. More research will help to understand the underlying mechanisms, standardize the treatment parameters, and provide the best methodology for medical decision-making. In conclusion, with proper patient selection, appropriate indications, and uniform therapeutic techniques, PEMFs may one day play a significant role in the treatment of specific musculoskeletal illnesses.
For more information, visit the website https://www.sentientlight.com
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Suleman Shah

Suleman Shah

Author
Suleman Shah is a researcher and freelance writer. As a researcher, he has worked with MNS University of Agriculture, Multan (Pakistan) and Texas A & M University (USA). He regularly writes science articles and blogs for science news website immersse.com and open access publishers OA Publishing London and Scientific Times. He loves to keep himself updated on scientific developments and convert these developments into everyday language to update the readers about the developments in the scientific era. His primary research focus is Plant sciences, and he contributed to this field by publishing his research in scientific journals and presenting his work at many Conferences. Shah graduated from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (Pakistan) and started his professional carrier with Jaffer Agro Services and later with the Agriculture Department of the Government of Pakistan. His research interest compelled and attracted him to proceed with his carrier in Plant sciences research. So, he started his Ph.D. in Soil Science at MNS University of Agriculture Multan (Pakistan). Later, he started working as a visiting scholar with Texas A&M University (USA). Shah’s experience with big Open Excess publishers like Springers, Frontiers, MDPI, etc., testified to his belief in Open Access as a barrier-removing mechanism between researchers and the readers of their research. Shah believes that Open Access is revolutionizing the publication process and benefitting research in all fields.
Han Ju

Han Ju

Reviewer
Hello! I'm Han Ju, the heart behind World Wide Journals. My life is a unique tapestry woven from the threads of news, spirituality, and science, enriched by melodies from my guitar. Raised amidst tales of the ancient and the arcane, I developed a keen eye for the stories that truly matter. Through my work, I seek to bridge the seen with the unseen, marrying the rigor of science with the depth of spirituality. Each article at World Wide Journals is a piece of this ongoing quest, blending analysis with personal reflection. Whether exploring quantum frontiers or strumming chords under the stars, my aim is to inspire and provoke thought, inviting you into a world where every discovery is a note in the grand symphony of existence. Welcome aboard this journey of insight and exploration, where curiosity leads and music guides.
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