Low frequency pulse therapy uses magnetic fields to restore the natural energy flow within cells and support healing at a cellular level. This treatment method has proven beneficial in alleviating chronic pain as well as improving bone health conditions.
Magnetotherapy using low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic fields has gained wide acclaim, and numerous studies support its therapeutic effectiveness. Yet more research must be conducted into their mechanisms and effects on musculoskeletal system function.
Benefits
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) provide the energy-based support that the human body requires for optimal health. PEMF therapy uses electromagnetic waves that penetrate deep into tissues of the body to restore energy flow that’s essential for cell health and regeneration – supporting immune system functioning while increasing energy production for tissue regeneration as well as decreasing inflammation, pain, and fatigue.
PEMF devices are widely utilized by orthopedics for treating chronic pain conditions like knee osteoarthritis. These devices use electrodes to create an electrical field which stimulates nerves and muscle contraction in the affected area. A pulsed magnetic field penetrates muscles, bones, and joints stimulating cells at a cellular level to initiate healing processes and begin the healing process. They’re also utilized in sports medicine to aid recovery after injury while increasing muscle strength and performance.
Higher frequency PEMFs such as X-rays, gamma rays and ultraviolet radiation may damage DNA; for this reason it’s crucial that physical therapists understand how different PEMF devices operate as well as any safe usage limits for usage.
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most prevalent malignant brain tumors and, despite treatment options like surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, long-term survival is low [1, 2]. Therefore, researchers have explored alternative approaches such as ultra-low intensity magnetic fields (ULIF-EMF).
Studies have demonstrated that ULIF-EMFs significantly inhibit glioma cell proliferation through various molecular mechanisms. They may also have synergistic or sensitizing effects when used alongside chemotherapy agents.
Studies conducted with ULIF-EMFs demonstrated an increase in GBM cell lines’ expression of neuronal differentiation markers by opening L-type voltage-gated calcium channels and increasing Ca2+ influx into cells [3]. Furthermore, UF-EMFs reduced free radical levels by modulating ROS signaling pathways and thus modulated free radical production levels cytoplasmically [4-6].
PEMF therapy can be combined with traditional modalities like massage, physical therapy and exercise for added benefit. PEMF can also help facilitate detoxification processes by increasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation throughout your body.
Side Effects
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most prevalent and deadly brain tumors. Although numerous treatments exist for GBM, mortality rates and resistance remain high despite therapies available [1, 2]. Low-frequency electromagnetic fields (LF-EMFs) have shown some promise in treating GBM; specifically inducing apoptosis through increased ROS levels and modified mitochondrial permeability while simultaneously decreasing proapoptotic proteins expression while simultaneously increasing anti-apoptotic protein expression [1-3].
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) is an innovative rehabilitation method that utilizes pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) to stimulate an injured area of your body with electromagnetic energy fields. Do not confuse this therapy with magnetotherapy which is more traditional type of electrotherapy treatment.
PEMF therapy can be utilized for treating various conditions, from muscle injuries and joint issues to neuropathies and relieving pain. Furthermore, it has the power to alleviate discomfort while increasing range of motion; even helping those suffering from rheumatic diseases like fibromyalgia or osteoarthritis. PEMF can stimulate healing response in the body which results in quicker recovery times with reduced pain symptoms.
PEMF devices emit magnetic fields designed to stimulate the body’s natural healing process and speed recovery time. Their pulsed magnetic energy causes chemical reactions in your body, increasing blood flow to injured areas while reducing inflammation and swelling, as well as helping wounds and injuries heal faster by encouraging cell growth and differentiation.
PEMF treatment devices use electromagnetic fields to stimulate your body’s production of nitric oxide, an important second messenger that activates biochemical pathways leading to cell repair and regeneration. This can increase collagen and elastin synthesis – crucial components that support bone and joint health – further.
Studies have revealed that PEMF therapy can significantly enhance rehabilitation programs for patients suffering humeral condyle fracture and radial nerve injury. When combined with target-oriented rehabilitation therapy, this combination can speed up recovery of nerve function as well as recovery of finger and wrist extensor strength faster; furthermore it can prevent postoperative complications while aiding functional independence for these individuals.
Dosage
A personalized therapy approach can be customized to meet a patient’s specific needs. Pulse frequency, duration and burst pattern can all be adjusted. Modulating impulse intensity by increasing or decreasing their amplitude also may help as can altering pulse width for muscle contraction control.
Pulse duration refers to the length of time each pulse group will last and can either be set as a preset value or adjusted by the user. A typical range for duration is 200-300us; longer durations may benefit patients having difficulty recruiting motor neurones for muscle contraction. Pulse width can also be changed either from its predetermined value or changed by its user; shorter pulse widths may be more comfortable for certain patients while wider ones stimulate nerves to increase recruitment of more muscle fibres.
Pulsed magnetic fields offer more than just relief for musculoskeletal conditions; they can also be utilized to address many other health and beauty needs. Therapy with pulsed magnetic fields has been found effective against cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, chronic pain syndromes and depression/anxiety symptoms.
Studies have demonstrated the ability of microfibrils (MFs) to reduce tumour size and alleviate peritumoral edema in glioblastoma patients. While the exact molecular mechanisms responsible remain unknown, several studies have shown LF-MFs to inhibit GBM cell proliferation as well as have synergistic or sensitizing effects when combined with chemotherapy therapy.
To maximize the effectiveness of electrotherapy treatment, it is crucial that patients choose an ideal electrode placement and position on their bodies. Electrodes should be placed near to muscles being stimulated while skin should remain clean and dry – applying lubricants or oils may prevent proper adhesion of electrodes; and patients should assume a posture or position which mimics movements being stimulated.
Safety
Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) therapy is a noninvasive form of magnetotherapy that employs short radio waves to reactivate communication between inside and outside cells, speeding healing. PEMF treatments have proven successful against various pathologies affecting both muscles and bones. PEMF devices should emit low intensity pulses to avoid overexposure or adverse side effects.
As well as its anti-inflammatory benefits, magnetic fields also stimulate cell DNA repair mechanisms that aid healing from injuries like Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). According to studies, magnetic fields (MFs) have been proven to speed recovery times for those suffering TBI; furthermore a PEMF treatment regime reduced incidences of post-TBI depression significantly.
Even with advances in multimodal GBM therapy combining surgery, radiation, and systemic therapies (chemotherapy and targeted therapy), long-term survival remains low for GBM patients. Blood-brain barrier and tumor heterogeneity remain major obstacles to optimal care; LF-EMFs can overcome these barriers by increasing systemic drug delivery to cancerous cells while simultaneously inhibiting cell death via inhibiting cellular apoptosis.
Recent studies have demonstrated the ability of LF-EMFs to alter GBM cell’s signaling pathway and enhance their sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs, leading to significantly enhanced cytotoxicity of GBM cells treated with carboplatin chemotherapy drugs. Furthermore, PRFE promoted wound closure and rapid reepithelialization rates when applied directly on full thickness wounds in rats.
Given the potential advantages of low frequency electromagnetic fields (LF-EMFs) for treating GBM, creating a device capable of producing these frequencies is a vital step toward successful clinical application. Furthermore, employing devices capable of detecting electromagnetic field signals produced by effective anti-GBM drugs will further maximize treatment effects.
