For those who suffer from the chronic pain and inflammation of tendonitis, finding a treatment that works and improves their ability to move their joints is invaluable.
PEMF therapy is known to be effective at eliminating the underlying cause of tendonitis, which is inflammation.
In this article, we discuss the benefits of PEMF therapy for treating your tendonitis.
We have reviewed two of the most effective PEMF devices available for at-home use today.
We will share information on one device known for its effectiveness and quality and a second product that works equally as well, uses four types of therapies and is perfect for those on a budget.
What is PEMF?
Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is a form of electrotherapy treatment administered through a device that emits pulses of electromagnetic energy.
The pulses used in PEMF are delivered at low frequencies and low intensities.
They have many benefits for the cells of your body.
PEMF is effective because it naturally replenishes the energy of your body’s cells.
It gives them the power they need to perform all their daily functions.
Your body’s cells naturally emit electromagnetic energy, and PEMF devices use those same wavelengths.
When your cells are exposed to these pulsed waves of energy, they become recharged.
They are then able to function more effectively and improve your overall health.
Exposure to electromagnetic energy, like that emitted during PEMF therapy, helps your cells to boost their metabolism and overall function.
When your organs, bones, blood vessels, and other tissues are exposed to the electromagnetic waves, they can repair and rejuvenate more easily.
This can mean a quicker recovery from illness or injury.
It also addresses chronic symptoms, like pain and inflammation.
What is Tendonitis?
Thick, fibrous cords called tendons attach your muscles to your bones.
When these tendons become irritated or inflamed, you have tendonitis.
Tendonitis results in tenderness and pain around the affected joint.
While tendonitis can occur in any tendon, some areas are more prone to developing this condition.
This disorder is common in those tendons that are used most, including your wrists, elbows, knees, shoulders, and heels.
These joints move frequently and are subject to repetitive stress through your daily activities.
The usual cause of tendonitis is repetitive movement since it results in prolonged stress and gradual wear on the joint.
Sudden trauma from an accident or injury can also cause tendonitis.
Tennis elbow, for example, was given its name because it affected those who regularly play tennis.
However, it can harm anyone who engages in work or play that regularly uses the elbow joint.
Symptoms of tendonitis, which are localized to a specific joint or joints, include pain, which is usually a dull ache, especially while the joint is moving or in use, tenderness to the touch and swelling, which is generally mild.
Some people have symptoms only while the joint is moving, and others may feel them all the time.
This disorder is common and usually mild.
However, for some people, it can become debilitating, if left untreated.
In cases of severe tendonitis, loss of range of motion is common.
This is why proper treatment is essential.
Most doctors will suggest a regimen of rest, physical therapy and medications reduce the pain and inflammation of tendonitis.
If you have severe inflammation, you may need to try alternative therapies to help give you relief.
Tendonitis occurs because of inflammation, where the tendon meets the bone.
Inflammation happens in response to your body’s natural processes to repair damaged tissues and restore normal function.
Inflammation means that the area is getting more blood flow to increase cellular regeneration.
The cells that make up your body’s tissues all have tiny electrical charges.
Cells that are traumatized, such as those chronically inflamed by tendonitis, have a less electrical charge, which means they are not operating with full functionality.
PEMF therapy has been shown to successfully reduce inflammation, by recharging the electrical current in cells using a mild electromagnetic current (1).
The electrical stimulation reduces pain and the flow of inflammatory fluids.
Tendonitis and PEMF Therapy
A recent study, published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, used animal models to explore the effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields, like those used in PEMF therapy, on tendonitis in Achilles’ tendons (2).
The randomized trial tested various frequencies of PEMF therapy that were provided in 15-minute sessions.
These results were then compared to a control group that received no treatment.
At the end of the study, measurements were taken to evaluate the tendon water content, weight, and overall appearance.
While all participants eventually experienced full healing of the damaged tendon, the subjects receiving the PEMF therapy had reduced water content after seven days, which showed a reduction in swelling.
After 28 days, the PEMF group showed more improvement in the physiological alignment of the collagen fibers in their soft tissue, than the group without treatment.
In this study, the use of PEMF stimulation reduced the healing time and the overall health of the repaired damaged tissue.
PEMF therapy could, therefore, improve the rehabilitation of injured joints and tissues.
Types of PEMF Devices
There are several types of PEMF devices available today, which can make it hard for the average consumer to know which to buy.
Not all electrotherapy devices are alike.
Electrotherapy is a general name for treatments that involve running an electrical current through the body.
Electrotherapy includes PEMF, as well as treatments like percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), and electrical muscle stimulation (EMS).
Each of these electrotherapies uses different frequencies and delivers stimulation for different durations.
Your cells contain mitochondria, which are the parts of the cell that create energy.
PEMF targets the mitochondria, by using low frequencies similar to those found in your body.
When you expose your cells to this type of energy, you can improve your health by restoring cellular function.
While all PEMF devices work in similar ways, not all deliver energy in the same frequency or use the same type of waveform.
Most of our cells respond best to low-frequency treatments between 1 and 32 Hz.
In addition to frequency, the other key factor in PEMF treatment is the waveform used.
If you were to visualize what the energy of each pulse looks like and draw a picture of it, you would have an image of how the energy is delivered over time.
This a waveform.
There are several types of waveforms.
One is the sine or sinusoidal waveform, which resembles rolling hills.
Another is the sawtooth waveform, which looks like jagged mountain peaks.
There are also square, triangular, trapezoidal, and even custom waveforms, which are used less often.
Best PEMF Devices
Many devices claim to work for all types of conditions.
However, you need a tool that will emit the right frequency, using the proper waveform.
Knowing which is best for your situation is crucial.
If you are paying out of pocket for your device, you also want to consider the cost.
Because PEMF has been proven to work as a tendonitis treatment, you can’t go wrong when choosing this therapy.
PEMF treatments are effective at reducing inflammation, healing damaged tissues and encouraging the body’s natural healing process, which can help you end your tendonitis pain and suffering.
In this review, we offer two options for use in managing your tendonitis with PEMF therapy.
If you have had chronic tendonitis that does not respond to conventional treatment, two standouts in the PEMF device market could work well for you.
We discuss the iMRS 2000 and the HealthyLine’s TAJ-MAT-7632-PP (PEMF) InfraMat Pro® below.
iMRS 2000
The iMRS 2000 is considered to be one of the best PEMF devices available.
It has a full-body mat that can be used to treat inflammation and pain in several areas in your body.
This allows you to address your tendonitis symptoms at home.
The iMRS 2000 is made by Swiss Bionic Solutions.
It uses variable frequencies and two different waveforms to reduce inflammation and help with other health problems.
To treat your pain, the iMRS 2000 can be programmed, using a range of frequencies.
The system includes a mat which uses sawtooth waveforms, while the pillow and probe that you also receive use square waveform delivery.
While sawtooth waveforms work well in many applications, the sine waveform is the preferred type of delivery for PEMF treatments.
It has been studied more extensively over the past 30 years.
The iMRS 2000 includes a biorhythm clock to help you synchronize your therapy and adjust your natural sleeping patterns.
Those with tendonitis often have trouble sleeping, due to pain and discomfort.
You also receive a programmable computer which allows you to customize your frequencies, intensity and other settings for each of your treatment sessions.
PEMF therapy can be a very relaxing treatment.
The light and sound system, included with the iMRS 2000, intensifies that peaceful feeling.
This system even comes with a biofeedback feature that prevents habituation from long-term use.
If you are looking for a quality system that has been extensively studied, the iMRS 2000 is an excellent choice for managing your tendonitis.
While it has many significant advantages, the high price of over $3500 makes this device too expensive for many consumers.
However, there are other, equally effective options for treating your tendonitis that does not come with such a high price tag.
Our next review shares the best, most affordable alternative that is available.
HealthyLine’s TAJ Mat Large 7632
In addition to the effective PEMF therapy delivered by the iMRS 2000, the HealthyLine InfraMat Pro® also uses three other forms of treatment to help with your tendonitis.
This device, which is one of many that are offered by HealthyLine, uses PEMF as well as negative ion treatment, photon therapy, and far infrared rays, also known as FIR.
Far infrared rays mimic the natural warmth and heat of the sun.
This treatment can enhance your circulation and supply your body with many of the same benefits that PEMF delivers.
When you combine this form of treatment with HealthyLine’s sine waveform delivery of PEMF therapy, you get the best healing frequencies available to help end your tendonitis and heal your body.
Sine waveforms are the most trusted available in PEMF devices.
For over three decades, researchers have confirmed their effectiveness at treating inflammation, pain and many other disorders.
These waveforms supply the most efficient exposure to the electromagnetic energy of all the waveforms.
This means that your body can heal faster.
Negative ions counteract the positive ions found in damaged tissues, to allow your cells to balance and heal.
Negative ion therapy removes impurities from the air and repairs your body at the same time.
The HealthyLine mat has tourmaline, amethyst, and jade (TAJ) gemstones embedded inside.
Once heated, they emit negative ions to your body.
If you are looking for a PEMF device that can help treat your tendonitis, you should look no further than the HealthyLine mat.
Not only will you get the benefits of electromagnetic therapy, but you will also receive the benefits of three added therapies.
This maximizes your benefit for a much smaller price tag.
For less than $1500, the HealthyLine mat comes with an LED display which allows you to control your treatment.
It is made from non-toxic materials and also includes an EMF filter.
The HealthyLine mat is the clear winner for treating tendonitis and other forms of inflammation since you get many more treatment options at a considerably lower cost.
Conclusion
PEMF therapy is effective in treating all kinds of inflammation.
It is also excellent for treating other chronic and acute disorders, relieving pain, improving your sleep and enhancing your overall health and wellness.
An at-home PEMF device is an investment in your health and your future.
The two tools we reviewed here are both excellent choices for any of your health needs.
While the iMRS 2000 is impressive, with its many functions and features, it also has a hefty price.
For less money, you can get four ways to heal your body when you buy the HealthyLine TAJ Mat Large 7632 Firm – Photon PEMF InfraMat Pro®.
The HealthyLine mat is the better choice, in our opinion.
Richard Hoover is a PEMF expert and content contributor to PEMF Advisor. With a bachelor’s degree in physics and multiple certifications in natural health programs, he is one of the best PEMF experts around.