PULSED ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELD

What is PEMF?

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field or PEMF therapy is a non-invasive treatment that applies intermittent low-intensity magnetic fields to body tissue, typically at an injury site. Different cells in our body have various sensitivities to these magnetic fields. Cells in our bones can be susceptible to PEMF, which allows for its use in unhealed fractures, wound healing, and pain. External mechanical stresses on the bone can internally generate electric currents that can help stimulate bone formation. PEMF therapy can penetrate the body and directly induce these electrical currents in a targeted area to promote healing.¹

How can PEMF help alleviate certain long COVID symptoms?

An acute COVID infection can cause an overreactive immune response called systemic inflammatory response syndrome or SIRS. Inflammatory mediators are excessively released at this time, which can cause fatigue. The body tries to create a compensatory response, which can lead to more dysregulation and persistent inflammation. Exposure to external electromagnetic fields has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. PEMF exposure reduced pro-inflammatory markers that can be activated with chronic inflammation from long COVID. PEMF has also demonstrated effectiveness in various clinical trials investigating its use in pro-inflammatory states such as arthritis, chronic pain, and lupus.² 

What evidence supports the use of PEMF for long COVID?

In vitro studies have demonstrated that PEMF exposure for 10-minute intervals every 12 hours over 48 hours significantly reduced inflammatory response by 20% compared to the control condition.² Studies on the use of PEMF therapy in long COVID patients are needed, as well as more research to determine its effectiveness for long COVID symptoms.

Most of the evidence surrounding the use of PEMF for long COVID is restricted to case reports. One patient with post-COVID fatigue was treated with ten sessions of PEMF with a high magnetic flux density for five weeks. The patient reported improved fatigue, work ability, quality of life, and psychological well-being that persisted six weeks later.³ Another case report assessed the impacts of one session of PEMF therapy on a young female patient who reported resolution of headache, nausea, and fatigue.⁴ 

What are some things to watch out for with PEMF?

PEMF is a relatively safe treatment; no serious adverse events have been reported. However, certain patients should not consider PEMF, such as those with a pacemaker, active infection, or who are pregnant. Children who are still actively growing are also not recommended to undergo PEMF therapy.⁵ Patients may experience side effects, such as mild headaches and fatigue, during treatment. It is recommended that patients are adequately hydrated before beginning PEMP therapy.⁶

References:

1)      Flatscher J, Pavez Loriè E, Mittermayr R, Meznik P, Slezak P, Redl H, Slezak C. Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)-Physiological Response and Its Potential in Trauma Treatment. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Jul 8;24(14):11239. doi: 10.3390/ijms241411239

2)      Pooam M, Aguida B, Drahy S, Jourdan N, Ahmad M. Therapeutic application of light and electromagnetic fields to reduce hyper-inflammation triggered by COVID-19. Commun Integr Biol. 2021 Apr 29;14(1):66-77. doi: 10.1080/19420889.2021.1911413

3)      Wagner B, Steiner M, Markovic L, Crevenna R. Successful application of pulsed electromagnetic fields in a patient with post-COVID-19 fatigue: a case report. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2022 Jun;172(9-10):227-232. doi: 10.1007/s10354-021-00901-2

4)     Schaefer LV, Bittmann FN. Case report: Individualized pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in a Long COVID patient using the Adaptive Force as biomarker. Front Med (Lausanne). 2023 Jan 11;9:879971. doi: 10.3389/fmed.2022.879971

5)     PEMF therapy: what are the contraindications? I-Tech Medical Division. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://itechmedicaldivision.com/en/contraindications-pemf-therapy/

6)      Wendel L. Are there any PEMF therapy side effects? HealthyLine. October 3, 2021. Accessed November 7, 2023. https://healthyline.com/are-there-any-pemf-therapy-side-effects/