Medical science is a constantly developing field with new evidence in favor of various treatment options generated daily. The goal is not only to treat a condition that causes discomfort but also to find ways to make the healing process as safe and harmless as possible. Therefore, medical practitioners must regularly update their knowledge of advised practices and equipment. One of the rapidly developing fields of medical research they should look into is the possible benefits of bioelectromagnetic therapy.
First, it is essential to understand the main concepts behind this type of treatment. Bioelectromagnetics refers to a field of study that explores how electronic and magnetic fields interact with the human body (Furse et al., 2019). These fields are forces exerted by electric charges, and they can be natural (sun’s radiation, charges in the clouds) and artificial (broadcasting signals, power lines fields). The human body also has natural electric and magnetic fields. Every cell has a negative charge, and to maintain it, vitamins, minerals, and hormones should be maintained in a particular order. For instance, potassium and magnesium should be inside, while calcium and sodium – outside (Shealy & Sorin, 2019). Electromagnetic frequencies are believed to help restore the right order (Shealy & Sorin, 2019). This is why the opportunities for applying electromagnetic fields in medical practices are currently widely researched.
However, the idea that energy fields can influence the body is not entirely new. For instance, many spiritual traditions worldwide refer to the role of energy within and outside the body. Though scientific research on the application of magnetic fields started in the 20th century, there are earlier accounts of its use. For instance, in 1812, passing “electric fluids” through the body was found to assist in bone healing (Furse et al., 2019). In the 1960s, the concept of stimulating body parts to control pain was introduced (Shealy & Sorin, 2019). It was based on Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) that used frequencies of 1 to 100 Hz. Similar frequencies are employed in pulsed electromagnetic field therapy PEMF (Shealy & Sorin, 2019). Both types of therapy are still utilized these days.
Electromagnetic fields used in medicine may vary in frequency, duration, and field direction. Therefore, there can be low-frequency treatment options, such as PEMF, medium frequency, such as hyperthermia for cancer treatment or MRI, and high-frequency, such as X-rays (Furse et al., 2019). Electric fields can receive signals produced by the body, thus collecting necessary medical information and transmitting power assisting in healing (Furse et al., 2019). Among other spheres, they can be used for pain management, wound healing, tissue restoration, and cancer treatment (Furse et al., 2019). PEMF devices are widely recommended to be used in these spheres.
There are several benefits to their use. First of all, electromagnetic fields provide opportunities for non-invasive or semi-invasive treatment (Furse et al., 2019). They also may reduce the dependency on pain-killers. Another benefit is that they can receive signals from or transmit power to remote areas of the body (Furse et al., 2019). On the other hand, there are several notable limitations to the use of this type of treatment. Contraindications include implanted electrical devices since electric fields can interfere with their work (PEMF therapy and contraindications, n.d.). They are also safety concerns related to their use for treating pregnant women (PEMF therapy and contraindications, n.d.). Moreover, there are some restrictions on utilizing devices that employ medium- and high-frequency fields such as MRI and X-rays. Therefore, while beneficial, electromagnetic fields should be employed with caution.
There are several studies that indicate that electrical stimulation (ES) therapy can be successfully used in medical practice. For instance, one research finds that applying ES to neural crest stem cells after peripheral nerve injury can boost regeneration (Du et al. 2018). Another study provides guidelines for the successful use of neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) theriny to patients after knee surgery (Spector, 2016). Other studies explore the use of electromagnetic fields. For instance, High-Intensity Focused Electromagnetic technology used in abdominal body shaping was found to stimulate muscle growth and reduce fat tissue (Kinney & Lozanova, 2019). There is also evidence of PEMF’s ability to reduce postoperative pain, low back pain, and refractory migraine (Sorrell et al., 2018; Andrade et al., 2016; Hatef et al., 2016). Another major area of research is cancer treatment, where it can mean non-invasive and non-toxic therapy. Research suggests that PEMF can inhibit cancer and tumor growth (Vadalà et al., 2016). Other paper claims that electromagnetic therapy can reduce cancer cells radioresistance (Storch et al., 2016). Hence, there is a variety of fields where electromagnetic treatment can be employed.
One of the major areas of successful application is nursing practice, where it can be used for pain management and rehabilitation purposes. It is worth mentioning that, in 2017, the pain-reducing effect of PEMF was described in Nursing Outlook, the American Academy of Nursing official journal (Nayback-Beebe et al., 2017). One of the notable benefits is the possible reduction of reliance on pain-killers. Thus, nursing, senior care, and rehabilitation centers may benefit from using PEMF devices.
To conclude, electromagnetic therapy has been already employed in many medical spheres for various purposes – from collecting medical data (MRI) to pain management (PEMF). Moreover, there are suggestions that there can be even more application areas (Furse et al., 2019). Despite certain limitations and concerns associated with them, the possible benefits of electromagnetic fields, such as non-invasive treatment, indicate the need in further use and research.
References
Andrade, R., Duarte, H., Pereira, R., Lopes, I., Pereira, H., Rocha, R., & Espregueira-Mendes, J. (2016). Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effectiveness in low back pain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Porto Biomedical Journal, 1(5), 156-163.
Du, J., Zhen, G., Chen, H., Zhang, S., Qing, L., Yang, X., Lee, G., Mao X. & Jia, X. (2018). Optimal electrical stimulation boosts stem cell therapy in nerve regeneration. Biomaterials, 181, 347-359.
Furse, C., Christensen, D. A., Durney C. H., & Nagel, J. (2019). Basic introduction to bioelectromagnetics (3rd ed.). CRC Press.
Hatef, B., Hashemirad, F., Meftahi, G. H., Simorgh, L., Jahromi, S. R., Rahimi, F., & Togha, M. (2016). The efficiency of pulsed electromagnetic field in refractory migraine headaches: a randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group. International journal of clinical trial, 3(1), 24-31.
Kinney, B. M., & Lozanova, P. (2019). High intensity focused electromagnetic therapy evaluated by magnetic resonance imaging: Safety and efficacy study of a dual tissue effect based non‐invasive abdominal body shaping. Lasers in surgery and medicine, 51(1), 40-46.
Nayback-Beebe, A. M., Yoder, L. H., Goff, B. J., Arzola, S., & Weidlich, C. (2017). The effect of pulsed electromagnetic frequency therapy on health-related quality of life in military service members with chronic low back pain. Nursing Outlook, 65(5), S26-S33.
PEMF therapy and contraindications. (n.d.) TeslaFit. Web.
Shealy, C. N. & Sorin, S. (2019). Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy: Innovative treatment for diabetic neuropathy. Practical pain management. Web.
Sorrell, R. G., Muhlenfeld, J., Moffett, J., Stevens, G., & Kesten, S. (2018). Evaluation of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for the treatment of chronic postoperative pain following lumbar surgery: a pilot, double-blind, randomized, sham-controlled clinical trial. Journal of pain research, 11, 1209-1222.
Spector, P., Laufer, Y., Gabyzon, M. E., Kittelson, A., Lapsley, J. S., & Maffiuletti, N. A. (2016). Neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy to restore quadriceps muscle function in patients after orthopaedic surgery: a novel structured approach. JBJS, 98(23), 2017-2024.
Storch, K., Dickreuter, E., Artati, A., Adamski, J., & Cordes, N. (2016). BEMER electromagnetic field therapy reduces cancer cell radioresistance by enhanced ROS formation and induced DNA damage. PLoS One, 11(12).
Vadalà, M., Morales‐Medina, J. C., Vallelunga, A., Palmieri, B., Laurino, C., & Iannitti, T. (2016). Mechanisms and therapeutic effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in oncology. Cancer medicine, 5(11), 3128-3139.