One of the specific ailments that has seen a dramatic upswing in PEMF research studies is arthritis (both rheumatoid and osteoarthritis). Because arthritis is a complex series of issues compounded into a single condition, treatment for arthritis can be nuanced and difficult. PEMF therapy targets several of the potential issues known to contribute to arthritic pain, including bone and cartilage loss, inflammation, and decreased cellular communication. With regular use, studies have shown that PEMF therapy can combat the pain associated with arthritis, in addition to improving mobility and reducing swelling and inflammation. In this respect, PEMF therapy does help arthritis, though it is not currently offered in all healthcare settings and clinics.

 

The following is an ABSTRACT from "Low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field--a viable alternative therapy for arthritis" published in 

Indian J Exp Biol in December of 2009.

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Arthritis refers to more than 100 disorders of the musculoskeletal system. The existing pharmacological interventions for arthritis offer only symptomatic relief and they are not definitive and curative. Magnetic healing has been known from antiquity and it is evolved to the present times with the advent of electromagnetism. The original basis for the trial of this form of therapy is the interaction between the biological systems with the natural magnetic fields. Optimization of the physical window comprising the electromagnetic field generator and signal properties (frequency, intensity, duration, waveform) with the biological window, inclusive of the experimental model, age and stimulus has helped in achieving consistent beneficial results.

 

"Low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) can provide noninvasive, safe and easy to apply method to treat pain, inflammation and dysfunctions associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) and PEMF has a long term record of safety."

 

This review focuses on the therapeutic application of PEMF in the treatment of these forms of arthritis. The analysis of various studies (animal models of arthritis, cell culture systems and clinical trials) reporting the use of PEMF for arthritis cure has conclusively shown that PEMF not only alleviates the pain in the arthritis condition but it also affords chondroprotection, exerts anti-inflammatory action and helps in bone remodeling and this could be developed as a viable alternative for arthritis therapy.

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• PMID: 20329696