Introduction
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) is a non-invasive, painless treatment for various soft tissue injuries, bone related conditions and chronic pain. The application of pulsed electromagnetic fields has, through research findings, been shown to help the body restore normal cellular function at an accelerated rate- thus aiding the healing of wounds, regenerating tissues and reducing swelling faster.
The Bioelectric Potential of the Human Body
The body is composed of trillions of cells. Each one of these cells has a designated purpose; whether it be cells in the eye for sight, or cells in the stomach that produce acid to digest food- all of these processes require power. In our bodies, that power is electrical in nature. In fact, every single cell of our body possesses, and requires, electrical voltage. Just like any battery, after long use, these cells need to be recharged in order to continue to provide power. In the very same way that we recharge our cell phones, we must also recharge our cells- in order to maintain optimal health and function.
How Does It Work?
The human body is permeable to electromagnetic fields- this means that these fields can penetrate, or pass through our bodies without resistance. Rapid construction and collapse of a frequency tuned, pulsed, electromagnetic field creates a property in the cell membrane known as “electroporation”. Electroporation is the rapid opening and closing of the gates or channels in the cell membrane that allows oxygen and nutrients to be taken in, and for waste products to be expelled. In creating this phenomenon of electroporation, cell health can be rapidly restored to a youthful level. This provides the patients with a shorter healing time and return of function, without the danger or side effects of drugs, or the scarring and downtime associated with surgery. Clinical studies have demonstrated time and time again that cartilage cells that have been degenerated, damaged, pitted or torn can be returned to health while avoiding surgery, keeping all your parts and vanquishing pain! This allows the patient to return to the sport that they love, quickly and painlessly. PEMF is truly the future of care as it relates to the restoration of healthy cellular function.
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Sources:
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Viganò, M. et al. Mesenchymal stem cells as therapeutic target of biophysical stimulation for the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 11, (2016).
Zhou, J. et al. Pulsed electromagnetic field ameliorates cartilage degeneration by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinases in a rat model of osteoarthritis. Physical Therapy in Sport 24, 32–38 (2017).
Arneja, A. S., Kotowich, A., Staley, D., Summers, R. & Tappia, P. S. Electromagnetic fields in the treatment of chronic lower back pain in patients with degenerative disc disease. Future Science OA 2, (2016).
Anbarasan, S. et al. Low dose short duration pulsed electromagnetic field effects on cultured human chondrocytes: An experimental study. Indian Journal of Orthopaedics 50, 87 (2016).
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