+ 1. I feel like I am being treated with an electrostimulator or “TENS” device. Why do my muscles contract?

If you have ever used an electrostimulator or TENS device, your first application on a multi-powered Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Device may feel very similar. An electrostimulator device actually conducts electrical current through the selected area of the body. This electrical current is what causes your muscles to contract. Because an electrical current seeks the fastest route to ground itself however, the electrical current may not adequately penetrate the specific area which requires the most amount of stimulation. A multi-powered PEMF Device radiates a very strong pulsed electromagnetic field through the entire area over which the magnetic loop is placed. Thus, the nerves of all the muscle tissue lying deep beneath the magnetic loops are stimulated.

+2. How are multi-powered PEMF Devices different than other PEMF Devices on the market?

Most PEMF Devices are low-powered and operate anywhere from 3-40 volts, creating a very low gauss output. A gauss is the measurement of magnetic strength. Applications with such devices can span hundreds of hours. In most cases, the user does not even feel a pulse due to a lack of penetration and gauss output. A multi-powered PEMF Device uses between 10,000 to 15,000 volts of low current electricity and produces a much higher gauss output. A higher gauss output reduces application cycles to a fraction of the time normally required with a low-powered PEMF Device. Most low-powered devices remain an effective application method and should not be overlooked as an alternative to our more costly, multi-powered PEMF Devices.

+ 3. What is penetration depth, and is it important?

It is very important. Penetration depth is a measurement of the distance that the magnetic field can effectively penetrate. Unfortunately, this number can be very misleading because most companies do not know what is truly effective. Some companies simply make up a number so that their product looks stronger than their competitors. This can quickly lead to very exaggerated claims as companies try to outdo each other. The best way to find exactly how far a given magnet will penetrate requires keeping in mind some basic principles:

1. Magnetic fields decrease rapidly with distance - the further the distance, the weaker the magnetic field.
2. Can the application of a PEMF Device's delivery loop create a percussive muscular contraction?
3. The earth's magnetic field measures about ½ gauss (0.50 gauss). A basic law of physics and magnetism states that a stronger magnetic field will overpower and cancel out a weaker magnetic field. What this means is that any magnetic field that is ½ gauss (0.50 gauss) or less will be canceled out by the earth's magnetic field and have no therapeutic effect. Technically, any magnetic field stronger than ½ gauss will have a therapeutic effect.

+ 4. What determines the efficacy of a PEMF Device?

To be effective, a device must create a PEMF strong enough to completely penetrate the injured area at a therapeutic level and create a percussive muscular contraction. The problem is that the strength of a PEMF dissipates rapidly with increased distance from a PEMF loop. Many times an injured area can be several inches below the skin. If a product is not properly designed, the PEMF will drop below therapeutic levels before reaching the site of injury, rendering the PEMF Device less effective.

+ 5. Other people with similar injuries to mine seemed to be less sensitive to the the multi-powered pulse than I was. Why was I more sensitive?

Every person has a different level of sensitivity to a pulsing PEMF field. Some people are very sensitive on certain parts of their body, yet have no injury to that specific body part. Others have had severe injuries, yet are very receptive to higher intensity settings. Each person’s own sensitivity and level of acceptable discomfort is what is most important when receiving multi-powered PEMF Applications.

+ 6. Is more intensity better?

Greater intensity (increased gauss levels) generally yields greater benefits. Deep blockages, scarring, and trauma of connective tissue, ligaments, etc. may be present in the area receiving applications. The magnetic field radiates only so far, as the body’s skin, muscles, sinew, fat, bone and muscle tissues hinder the penetration of the magnetic field. When using a multi-powered PEMF Device, maximum penetration can be achieved along with a percussive muscular contraction as the intensity setting and resulting gauss level is increased.

+ 7. When should higher intensity settings ever be avoided?

If the head or face are to be targeted, a much lower intensity should be employed. A lower intensity should be used when targeting fresh injuries or recently operated on areas to avoid additional tearing or aggravation of any already traumatized tissue.

+ 8. While receiving an application from a multi-powered PEMF Device, I noticed an irregular pulse pattern. Why?

Some devices are designed to deliver pulses in a slightly irregular pattern. This prevents the body’s ability to anticipate the next pulse, the resulting muscular contractions, and the body’s resistance to them. This causes the body to stop resisting these muscular contractions and allows relaxation.

+ 9. With a relatively high increase in blood flow taking place in such a short amount of time, what physiological changes ensue during use of a multi-powered PEMF Device?

Multi-powered PEMF Therapy accelerates vasodilation and a percussive muscular contraction. In other words, the PEMF causes the body’s venous system to dilate, instantly expanding the diameter of veins and capillaries with percussive muscular contractions acting as a "pump." These actions cause two physiological events:

1. More blood can flow to the area being treated, which is critical to accelerating the healing process.
2. Around inflamed areas, vasodilation will help dissipate excessive build up of blood and body fluid, thus reducing swelling and inflammation.

Vasodilation quickly enables many of the body’s other healing mechanisms. Additionally, the scarring and trauma to muscles, connective tissues, sinew and cartilage start to break up. This provides the relief most users experience after one or two applications on an affected area.

+10. I feel very loose and relaxed after a 10-15 minute application. What causes that experience?

Aside from the physical relief reviewed above, endorphins are released. Endorphins resemble opiates in their ability to produce analgesia and a sense of well-being.

+11. Are there any contraindications to be aware of when using a PEMF Device?

Yes, if you are pregnant, have any implanted electronic devices, such as a pacemaker, are on chemotherapy, or are going into surgery within 36 hours of a PEMF application, you should not subject yourself to PEMF. People receiving PEMF applications on recent surgeries should avoid higher levels of pulse intensity.

+ 12. Is there any scientific research on these multi-powered PEMF Devices?

To date, there is little scientific research because multi-powered PEMF Devices are a relatively new category of PEMF Device. However, there are thousands of university level case studies for the use of PEMF on hundreds of indications, from arthritis to edema to neuropathy. A search online at www.PubMed.gov for “PEMF and Arthritis” will yield medical abstracts indicating many case studies and treatments using low-powered devices for hundreds of hours (i.e., 8 hours a day, 5 days a week, for 6 weeks). Multi-powered devices perform the same physiological function but in a fraction of the time because of higher gauss levels and deeper penetration. As more multi-powered PEMF Devices emerge in the medical community, expect more scientific research to appear.

+ 13. Can a person be overtreated with a multi-powered PEMF Device?

Generally, the first application should be limited to no longer than about 6 minutes for a deconditioned person. After that, the answer is generally “no.” When targeting a particular area for more than about 10-12 minutes, a multi-powered PEMF is no longer delivering any benefits. The body’s cells become more permeable, as a result of a PEMF application, and toxins which are locked away in the fat cells are released. This is why it is very important to drink plenty of water in the hours which follow an application. Water helps to flush the system of these toxins. In some cases, a person receiving an extended, first-time application may become nauseous, dizzy, etc. due to the volume of toxins being released into their system.

Note: Lowered blood pressure, resulting from vasodilation, may also cause dizziness.

+ 14. How often should a body part be targeted to achieve long-term results?

Each person’s pain or extent of injury is unique. Therefore, there is no set application protocol for any person or any one issue. Long-term, chronic pain may require a dozen or more applications spread over an extended time period. PEMF will almost always accelerate healing; however, the rate of acceleration is generally related to the severity and extent of the injury. In many cases, pain relief and/or increased range of motion is immediate; however, these issues may return in 24 hours, in 2 days, or in 2 weeks. For example, pain relief from tendonitis may occur after one application, but returning to the activity which aggravated the condition in the first place will likely cause the condition or pain to quickly return.

+ 15. How can a multi-powered PEMF Device be used to help a dislocated joint or a herniated disc?

Use of a multi-powered PEMF Device on such injuries can be very helpful for the reduction of pain, inflammation, and swelling and can improve range of motion. However, a PEMF application does not address underlying biomechanical malfunctions due to musculoskeletal disorders. These types of injuries require the attention of an appropriate medical professional.

+ 16. What about PEMF and Joint Replacements and Implanted Prosthetics?

Find the answer here. Scroll past FAQ #6 to the "Information and Research on PEMF and Joint Replacements and Implanted Prosthetics" section.