Finding the right PEMF device for you is often a matter of trial and error because it will be based on your body and its needs. This can take time and feel overwhelming, particularly if you’re new to the field of PEMF. However, if you want the best results possible from your purchase, then you need to do the research and understand the differences between the different types of PEMF devices. This will help you to make the best choice possible.
How a PEMF Device Works
A PEMF device sends bursts of low-level electromagnetic pulses into the organs, bones, tissues and cells of your body. These pulses stimulate cell activity and growth, which encourage fast and natural healing. This might sound as if it could be dangerous. After all, high frequency pulses can damage your cells, and pulses in the mid-range can change your DNA. However, the frequencies and wavelengths that PEMF devices put out are low level and the same as those found in nature. So basically, these devices put out waves that your body is familiar with and needs to function correctly.
This means that PEMF devices are safe, non-invasive and natural ways to encourage healing. They can help with:
- Improved healing including soft tissue and bone.
- Sleep disorders.
- Depression.
- Improved circulation.
- Increased immune function.
- Pain relief.
The Differences Between PEMF Devices
There are a few different PEMF devices, most of which are aimed at different uses and disorders. No matter what anyone says, there is no absolute best device, there is only the device that works best for your needs and condition. Obviously, the devices can look quite different. For example, you can get a PEMF coil, a PEMF mat, a big PEMF machine, or a portable device. However, these differences are less important than the differences in how they work.
To help you find a device that works for you, here are the differences between PEMF devices that you need to be aware of:
- The power level or the strength of the pulses.
Generally speaking, lower level pulses don’t penetrate as deeply and you may need multiple treatments over the long term to see results.
- The frequency or frequencies that the device emits.
Different frequencies affect different conditions and disorders, so your choice will depend on what you need from your PEMF device.
- The waveform or the shape of the device’s waves.
At the moment, there is no evidence that this changes the effects of the pulses.
- The treatment time, which is determined by the strength of the pulses.
How to Choose a PEMF Device
When you’re choosing a PEMF device, there are a few things you need to consider including the following:
- What conditions or problems you’re hoping to treat.
One of the most important differences between PEMF devices is how they’re used. So if you’re looking for a device to treat a specific injury, you will need a different device than if you’re looking for whole body effects.
- The frequencies the device uses.
Generally speaking, high frequencies work best for chronic problems and low frequencies for acute problems. But make sure you get expert advice about your individual condition and what will work for you before you buy.
- The wavelength.
When you start exploring different PEMF devices you’ll probably see a lot of talk about the different wavelengths. At this stage, there is no evidence that one type of wavelength works better than others. The frequencies and intensity are far more important in terms of benefits.
- The intensity of the pulses.
Again, this is just general advice, but the deeper in your body the injury or problem is, the more intense you want the pulses to be. This is all relative because the intensity of the pulses that PEMF devices put out are very low compared to other sources such as MRI machines.
- Polarity.
Some PEMF devices claim to switch polarity during treatments. This basically means that the device will change the direction of the magnetic pulses. There is absolutely no evidence that this changes or improves the effects of PEMF, so don’t buy a device based on this feature.
- Programs.
Many PEMF devices come with different programs so you can tailor your treatment to the time of day or to a particular treatment program. Again, this is a matter of personal preference, so don’t choose a device based solely on the available programs.Related: What are the most popular brands of PEMF today?
A Quick Guide to Using PEMF Devices
When you start out with PEMF devices, it’s important that you have a trial period. This will give you time to use your device and notice any effects. Apart from that, how you use your device will depend on your condition and what type of device you get. Here are some tips to help you get started:
- If you’re looking for relief from a chronic condition or pain, try a mat or a device that emits low-intensity pulses. These are safe to use long term and are often used to treat conditions while you sleep.
- If you’re using the device for an acute or localized injury, a portable device that delivers targeted pulses will probably be the most convenient.
- The devices shouldn’t be used on children or pregnant women as their effects on these groups are unknown.