Can PEMF be Harmful?

Although PEMF is widely regarded as both safe and effective, there are instances in which people should exercise caution or avoid PEMF therapy altogether, in order to avoid harm.

Unlike many pharmaceutical and similar interventions, PEMF therapy is not linked to a large number of side effects.

However, its status as an electromagnetic intervention means that it can interfere with electrical implants in the body.

Which can be hazardous for people with pacemakers and internal defibrillators, and has not enjoyed any safety studies identifying the potential risks in pregnant populations and children.

PEMF therapy is an electromagnetic therapy option, that sends pulses of electromagnetic energy into the body, in order to improve cellular function and communication.

This particular type of energy therapy uses extremely low frequencies and usually uses low intensities, as well, which makes it among the safest of options for energy therapy.

In order to cause damage from electromagnetic energy, frequencies must be much higher and exposures longer and more frequent, as might be the case if someone lives directly beside a power plant, or is in constant contact with X-ray machines.

The technology itself is not hazardous, and has a positive safety rating in virtually all clinical studies.

PEMF therapy can be harmful for patients who are currently or are trying to become pregnant.

There are currently no safety studies identifying the safety or efficacy of PEMF therapy in pregnant populations, as conducting experiments with pregnant women is considered unethical and trials are therefore not approved.

For this reason, though there have been no adverse events reported, PEMF therapy is not considered a safe or effective therapy for women who are pregnant, and should also be avoided if you are actively trying to become pregnant.

People who have a history of fainting or have other circulatory issues should exercise caution when using PEMF therapy, as failure to carefully monitor vitals could result in a fall.

This particular issue is most common among the elderly, as older populations are generally more predisposed to circulatory, blood pressure, and blood sugar issues.

Being elderly does not prevent people from benefitting from PEMF therapy, but instead means that greater care should be exercised before and after sessions, including eating a snack and hydrating before and after a session, and moving slowly and carefully at the conclusion of a session.

Finally, PEMF therapy is not recommended for people who have an electrical implant, such as a pacemaker, or cochlear implant, as PEMF therapy can interfere with the machinations of these devices.

Some practitioners will still utilize PEMF, and simply avoid the area with the implant, while others will not recommend PEMF therapy at all, out of an abundance of caution.

Determining whether you are able to use PEMF therapy if you have an implant should involve speaking with your primary care physician, and weighing the benefits and risks.

People with implants may also prefer to use PEMF in a clinic, rather than using a home machine, should any issues arise with their implants.