PEMF Therapy

What is PEMF?

Every cell in our body has an electromagnetic charge to it. This charge is created by the movement of (mainly) positively charged ions moving across the cell membrane of the cell. This allows for the effective transport of oxygen and nutrition into the cell, and the passage of waste products and toxins out of the cell. When a cell is injured, either through trauma, infection, or inflammation, the movement of these ions is impaired. Thus, like a battery that has lost its charge, the electromagnetic “power” of the cell is depleted, and the cell functions in a sluggish manner. Toxins accumulate within the cell, and the uptake of oxygen and nutrition is impaired.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to transmit energy into and through the skin, reaching muscles, bones, connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, and internal organs, activating individual cells to repair themselves. Like recharging a battery, the electromagnetic balance of the cell is restored. Since oxygen and nutrition are now able to efficiently enter the cell (and toxins can exit), the cell is able to heal and more effectively perform its intended function. Thus, PEMF can accelerate healing without medication or surgical intervention by:

Increasing circulation
Decreasing inflammation
Improving transmission of nerve signals
Speeding bone healing after fracture
Enhancing muscle, joint, and connective tissue function
Decreasing healing time of skin wounds
Relieving biological stress

PEMF has been around for about 50 years. Initially used in veterinary medicine, its use in humans has gained popularity in the past two decades as research studies have been able to confirm the safety and effectiveness of this modality. It should be noted that PEMF is FDA-approved for bone healing, wound care, post-operation knee pain and swelling, migraine headaches with aura, and clinical depression, and has been used by NASA to improve the cell viability of astronauts in space. PEMF is also popular with professional athletes as a means of relieving soreness and improving performance.

PEMF therapy is extremely safe. These devices are listed by the FDA as a Class 2 Medical Device. This classification means it poses low risk to the user – other devices in this class include wheelchairs, hearing aids, home blood pressure monitoring devices, and contact lenses.

At Hoke DPC, we are certified by the Association of PEMF Professionals (AOPP) to provide this healing therapy. This certification means we understand the science, safety, and effectiveness of using PEMF appropriately to help our patients. PEMF is most used for treating musculoskeletal injuries and chronic pain conditions. Over 90% of people will notice improvement after their first session, with additional sessions providing further healing benefits.

A 20-minute treatment session is $30 for Hoke DPC members, $45 for non-members. Call the office for more information or to schedule a consultation