The Science of Pain Management and Why This Works
PEMF therapy involves using a special device that generates electromagnetic frequencies to heal the affected area. The human cells have electrical properties because the cell membranes are made up of charged elements, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and 
magnesium[i].
The pulsed electromagnetic field enhances overall health and well-being while boosting the body's natural ability to heal itself. According to a study in the Journal of Inflammation Research, although the effects of PEMF treatments to cell activity remains unclear, clinical tests show that the treatment reduces and quite possibly, resolves acute inflammation. Acute inflammation is one of the most common cause of chronic pain[ii].
In another study published in Pain Research Management, researchers concluded that exposure to pulsed electromagnetic field helps ease chronic generalized pain and chronic localized musculoskeletal pain among 
patients suffering from fibromyalgia[iii]. The scientists noted that though PEMF is a novel treatment, it is a “safe and effective therapeutic tool for use in at least certain subsets of patients with chronic, nonmalignant pain.”
A group of scientists that evaluated more than 186 clinical articles related to easing chronic pain via PEMF treatment found that there is “a strong statistical evidence that PRFE (Pulsed Radio Frequency Energy) therapy is effective in the treatment of postoperative and non-postoperative pain.”
Essentially the difference between standard PEMF treatments and PRFE is that in PEMF the frequencies used are much lower while the PRFE technique uses higher (radio) frequencies[iv].
How PEMF Treatments Heal Chronic Pain
Short Term and Long Term Effects
PEMF treatments provide long term and short-term relief from acute and chronic pain. The treatment works by improving physical function[v] and decreasing the inflammation of the affected area. PEMF therapy may also increase cellular flexibility to heal pain. The treatment also generates micro-currents that pass through the neutral pathways of the brain. This reduces the feeling or sensation of pain.
Boosts Circulation
A study published in the Journal of Orthopedic Research concluded that PEMF treatments do provide micro-circulatory effects on animal 
subjects[vi]. The study found that local PEMF stimulation could elicit "significant arteriolar vasodilation," which is critical to the natural healing process of the body.
Promotes Nerve Repair
Do you suffer from nerve pain? PEMF treatments may reduce acute and chronic nerve pain. A 1993 study published in Bioelectromagnetics Journal found that PEMF treatments enhanced sciatic nerve regeneration in rats[vii]. Results suggest that PEMF treatments "conditioned the rat sciatic nerve in a manner similar to that which occurs after a crush lesion," indicating that the treatment affects the neuronal cell body.
Increases the Range of Motion
A 1996 study published in Rheumatology International journal found that
PEFM treatment restored the range of motion while soothing pain among patients suffering from cervical osteoarthritis[viii]. The study involved 34 patients that went through 30-minute PEMF treatments twice a day for 3 weeks. The researchers concluded, "that PEMF treatment may offer a potential therapeutic adjunct to current COA therapies in the future."
Summary
When it comes to treating chronic pain, it’s critical to determine the root cause of the problem. By knowing the root cause of the pain, you can take appropriate steps to help the body heal itself. Dozens of studies suggest that PEMF therapy is an excellent treatment for chronic pain especially when used in conjunction with other natural remedies.
Our current favorite PEMF device is the Earth Pulse because of it's versatility, ease of use and reasonable price point.
Learn all about the Earth Pulse in our "Stress Management & Biohacking Cheatsheet" by subscribing here on this page.
References
[i] https://www.graduate.umaryland.edu/gsa/gazette/February-2016/How-the-human-body-uses-electricity/
[ii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4346366/
[iii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2670735/
[iv] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22301609/
[v] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23973142
[vi] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14656663
[vii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8216387
[viii] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15986086
Image 1 courtesy of: NikksGoerge
Image 2 courtesy of: icd10for
Image 3 courtesy of: NikksGoerge
Image 4 courtesy of: Chiropractors Gold Coast
