---
title: "A Systematic Review of Low Frequency Magnetic Therapy"
url: https://alsuprun.com/blog/frequency-therapy/a-systematic-review-of-low-frequency-magnetic-therapy/
author: "Editorial"
date: 2026-09-25T08:20:45+00:00
categories: ["frequency therapy"]
tags: []
---

# A Systematic Review of Low Frequency Magnetic Therapy

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (also known as PEMF) is a non-invasive method using alternating magnetic fields to stimulate cells and tissues. It has a broad therapeutic potential including alleviating inflammation and accelerating wound healing.

 It also has some early evidence of benefit for people with loss of bladder control (urinary incontinence). However more research is needed.

 

## Benefits

 There is some evidence that alternating magnetic fields (EMF) improves pain and function in people with various musculoskeletal diseases. EMF therapy seems to help improve bone density and muscle strength, reduce swelling and inflammation, increase blood circulation, and stimulate cell growth and repair. There is also some research that it might be helpful in treating depression, anxiety and a type of anxiety that develops after a frightening event (post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD).

 [![Rejuvenate your whole body & balance your health without medications - now remotely!](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/BioresonanceTopAd.png)](https://www.bioresonance.rent) Magnets used in magnetic field therapy can be programmed to stay on all the time, or to alternate between being on and off (“pulsing”) – or they can be stationary magnets placed on the skin. The treatment is non-invasive, meaning that there are no needles or other medical devices involved.

 Research shows that the pulsing magnetic fields open up cell channels so that nutrients can enter cells, and waste can leave them more easily. This helps restore cellular function and balance, so that the cells work better together to form tissues and organs. When the tissues and organs work well, the whole body works better as a whole.

 Several studies show that putting magnets on the knee and hip improves pain from osteoarthritis. There is also evidence that a pulsing magnetic field improves pelvic pain in women with long-term discomfort. Some studies show that alternating magnetic fields might be effective in speeding up wound healing and decreasing pain, swelling and discoloration.

 [![](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/ForeverYoungYouWannaBe.png)](https://alsuprun.com/services.html#Contact) Other research suggests that magnetic therapy might be helpful in reducing symptoms of fibromyalgia. It might also be useful in treating a condition that causes pain in the muscles and joints around the eyes (scleroderma femoralea), as well as a disorder that causes painful, swollen feet (fibromyalgia rheumatica).

 There is no significant scientific evidence that LF exposure is associated with Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, developmental and reproductive effects, cardiovascular disease or with the development of Alzheimer’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, some scientists are concerned that LF exposure might make certain types of brain tumors grow more quickly. In addition, some research has shown that LF exposure might affect sperm and egg cells.

 

## Safety

 There is little scientific evidence that long-term exposure to low frequency magnetic fields (LF) has any adverse health effects. However, a few epidemiological studies have suggested that LF exposure might increase the risk of childhood leukemia, and cellular laboratory experiments have also raised some concern. Therefore, it is important to be cautious about the duration and intensity of LF exposure.

 PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy delivers low-frequency electromagnetic pulses through tissue using a mat or applicator. These pulses interact with the body’s natural electrical activity and are being studied for their potential to support healing, circulation and normal cellular function. Unlike injections, medication or surgery, the treatment does not damage the tissue.

 The pulses can be on all the time, turned off and on (pulsed), or they can be switched between inhibitory (low-frequency) and excitatory (high-frequency) to stimulate different types of neurons in the brain. Although the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, there is a strong belief that both the inhibitory and excitatory impulses stimulate cellular repair and regeneration.

 Some clinical research indicates that magnets applied to the neck or head can reduce headaches and migraines. Other studies show that magnets can relieve arthritic pain by placing them on the knee, ankle, or foot. There is even some early evidence that placing a magnet over cosmetic surgical wounds might reduce pain, swelling and discoloration.

 [![](https://alsuprun.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/RadionicMerch.png)](https://alsuprun.com/merch.html) Several studies indicate that magnets can help with anxiety, but there is not enough evidence to rate its effectiveness for the most common symptoms, including generalized anxiety disorder and a type of anxiety that develops after a terrifying event (post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD). In addition, some individuals may be very sensitive to electromagnetic fields (EMFs), and they might experience a variety of side effects, such as painful menstrual periods, diarrhea, abnormal sensations in their arms, or a feeling of being “fuzzy headed.” Therefore, it is important to consult a physician before beginning treatment with any form of magnet therapy.

 

## Precautions

 Some epidemiological studies have suggested that long-term low-level exposure to 50-60 Hz magnetic fields might be associated with an increased risk of childhood leukemia. However, these results must be interpreted with caution given the complex nature of the problem and the fact that other environmental factors are at play in such cases. More importantly, results from animal and cellular laboratory studies as well as human biophysics research do not support the notion that prolonged exposure to LF magnetic fields poses a health hazard.

 In the field of rehabilitation therapy, magnetotherapy has been shown to be effective in reducing pain in patients with musculoskeletal disorders. However, most of the available evidence is from clinical trials in a small number of patients. In addition, the quality of these trials is generally poor and only few authors have followed PRISMA guidelines (Position Statement of the International Society for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Research Management Committee).

 Magnetic fields are capable of interacting with the electric fields and current flows inside cells, including the surface charges on cell membranes. At the same time, they are also capable of producing chemical reactions that rebalance and repair these systems. The cellular effects of LF magnetic fields are well documented in the literature and they do not cause adverse side effects at the levels that we use in our PEMF devices.

 It is important to note that PEMF devices that are used for the treatment of musculoskeletal problems produce frequencies in the ELF, VLF and VLF-range, which do not induce heating actions inside the body. In contrast, devices used for household and office exposure are usually operating at frequencies in the radio frequency, microwave and ultraviolet ranges, which can cause harmful effects.

 A significant proportion of the patients who visit our clinic are referred by medical professionals because of chronic and often intractable pain. These patients have often waited until their pain reached a critical level before seeking treatment. Unfortunately, this often means that the underlying causes of their problems have become established and that only minimal improvement in symptoms is possible. It is our opinion that a preventive approach to health with the use of PEMFs might significantly improve their quality of life and even allow them to avoid expensive medical procedures and medications.

 

## Dosage

 The therapeutic application of magnetic fi elds has experienced signifi cant growth in recent years. Especially the application of permanent magnets and alternating magnetic fi elds has gained broad acceptance in physical therapy practice because they have a low number of contraindications. In a large number of clinical studies the effi cacy of these therapies has been confi rmed. This systematic review was conducted to evaluate the evidence regarding the efficacy of electromagnetic field therapies in patients with orthopedic and musculoskeletal pain conditions in adults, and is being reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

 Magnetic fields can be used in many different devices that deliver pulsed or steady magnetic fields. These devices consist of copper or aluminium wire coils called solenoids that are encircled by radiant circuitry. The electric current in the coils controls the frequency and intensity of the magnetic field generated. In most PEMF devices the magnetic field is emitted at a frequency of 1 Hz or higher, with an intensity of 20 mT and a duration of 10-30 min for each session.

 These magnetic fields can also be applied to the body using a pad, pillow, or other external applicator. Some of these devices are programmed to be on all the time, while others can alternate between being on and off (pulsing). A lot of research has been done on the effects of electromagnetic fields above the threshold limit values. These have shown that they can have positive impacts on health and promote cell regeneration.

 Whether these effects are valid for the lower threshold value of magnetic fields is still being investigated. It is therefore important to perform not only epidemiological studies in the population but also animal or cell experiments.

 Although a large number of randomized clinical trials have been performed on the use of permanent magnets, the effi cacy of these in reducing musculoskeletal pain is not well documented. However, a few randomized double-blind studies on the use of alternating magnetic fi elds have shown the efficacy of this therapy in cases such as knee and cervical spine osteoarthritis, fracture healing, and diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

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