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Submitted by Dr Jennifer Penrose for Penrose Physical Therapy

With over two decades of experience, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the evolution of our field firsthand. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy via BEMER — a tool that could be a game-changer for many people.

When I first started practicing, physical therapy was all about hands-on skills and teaching people how to move better. We still do that — using our hands to manipulate tissues and joints and guiding patients in using the correct muscles in the proper sequences. Our fast-paced society demands quicker results, and thankfully, technology has stepped in to meet those expectations. I’m always trying to find ways to help people heal faster and feel at their best.

One of the most exciting advancements is PEMF therapy and specifically the one made by BEMER, a form of regenerative medicine that stimulates the body’s natural healing processes. By increasing microcirculation, PEMF helps restore energy, improve overall health, and feel better. When you can increase blood flow think about the implications for recovery from injuries or surgeries. Tendons typically have a poor blood supply and can take months to heal. PEMF therapy helps increase blood flow and is a great adjunct to use alongside traditional physical therapy. If you can increase micro circulation than you can help the body clear out waste faster like inflammation. If you have had surgery or an injury then you know how inflammation can slow down your recovery and limit the ability to get your range of motion back.

PEMF by BEMER increases micro circulation.  If you go to Pub Med and search “BEMER Therapy” you will see the research on how increasing micro circulation can effect tendons and joints. Here is one article for low back pain and knee pain: Gyulai F, Rába K, Baranyai I, Berkes E, Bender T. “BEMER Therapy Combined with Physiotherapy in Patients with Musculoskeletal Diseases: A Randomised, Controlled Double Blind Follow-Up Pilot Study.” Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015;2015:245742. doi: 10.1155/2015/245742. Epub 2015 May 20. PMID: 26078768; PMCID: PMC4452849.

PEMF by BEMER also has research showing the effects of improving micro circulation and the positive effects with sleep, pain, and quality of life: Bohn W, Hess L, Burger R. The effects of the “physical BEMER® vascular therapy”, a method for the physical stimulation of the vasomotion of precapillary microvessels in case of impaired microcirculation, on sleep, pain and quality of life of patients with different clinical pictures on the basis of three scientifically validated scales. J Complement Integr Med. 2013;10(Suppl):S5-12, S5-13. English, German. doi: 10.1515/jcim-2013-0037. PMID: 23940071.

The BEMER device, a U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a class 2 medical PEMF device developed with astronauts in mind, is an excellent example of how this technology can be used. A class 2 medical device requires that the device has research to substantiate it’s claims. BEMER is the only PEMF device that has this class 2 title and largely due to it’s unique wave form. NASA was interested in the BEMER as a way to counteract the adverse effects of space travel, such as muscle loss and decreased bone density. Today, it’s available for patients and even world-class athletes who want to recover faster and feel better naturally. BEMER is in hospitals, universities, and professional athletes and teams use it as their secret weapon.

A therapist in the pulmonary unit had a patient rent a BEMER unit for a month and he was able to go from low 80% oxygen saturation and 4 Liters of oxygen to 2 Liters of Oxygen and saturation in the 90s after 1 month. He decided to purchase it for home and is able to live a much better quality of life using it daily. The BEMER device increases micro circulation and over consistent use it has had profound impacts on people and their ability to function better. The main claim is “Better Circulation. Better Life.” (Disclaimer: individual results may vary).

One of the things I love about PEMF by BEMER is its versatility. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or an aging client looking to recover more quickly after exercise or a younger athlete wanting to push your limits, PEMF can make a noticeable difference. The technology is safe, even for those with metal implants, thanks to its very low frequency. It’s also an excellent option for conditions with slow or impaired blood flow as you can see the video linked below of how much it increased micro circulation.

PEMF increases microcirculation flushing the body of the waste, lactic acid, CO2, and inflammation out and brings in new blood flow with new nutrients and oxygen.

As we age our blood flow becomes sluggish and our tiny micro blood vessels may pump 1 time a minute to even as slow as 1 every 10 minutes. With BEMER this increases to 3 pumps per minute in the microvessels.

When we do get this surge in circulation by BEMER we feel it! Anyone looking for the best results, I recommend pairing multiple sessions alongside your usual physical therapy treatments. Most of the research shows using the device daily for 4-6 weeks. The increase in circulation lasts 18 hours so that is why the research showing results had subjects using the device daily. There are articles supporting the use of BEMER affecting the quality of life, less stress, and more relaxation using the BEMER. You can learn more here.

When you use the BEMER you simply lay on a mat and the additional strap can be applied to a local area to increase the amount of PEMF to that area. The entire body does have exposure by laying on the mat. You don’t feel anything at the time – there is no actual electrical impulse or electrodes attached to you. Here is a YouTube video that helps show the effects on blood flow.

As we celebrate National Physical Therapy Month this fall, I’m excited to share these advancements with you. It’s a privilege to be part of a field that continues to evolve and offer new ways to enhance our patients’ lives. If you’d like to learn more about PEMF therapy, don’t hesitate to contact us — we’re always here to support your journey to better health. We have options to use the BEMER daily for a week or a monthly membership basis. Unfortunately, like many regenerative treatments insurance does not cover PEMF (similar to PRP and Stem cell category but not nearly as costly).

Penrose Physical Therapy will continue to work at providing the community with effective health and wellness options. We were thrilled to place again in the Best of South Sound Physical Therapy Clinics in 2024 and continue our commitment to excellence to our clients in the South Sound.

For more great information tune into Dr. Penrose on the Stay Healthy South Sound Podcast or visit our website. Penrose Physical Therapy is located in Lacey at 1445 Galaxy Dr. NE Suite 301 Lacey WA 98516. 360.456.1444. 

Disclaimer: BEMER does not provide any medical advice or service. Nothing provided by BEMER in connection with the BEMER shall be construed to provide professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or cure. Before starting a health protocol or using a medical device such as BEMER or if you have any medical concerns, preexisting injuries or illness, please consult a licensed health care provider. For more information call BEMER at 1-800-554-9117. During a BEMER product presentation, you may have heard or read testimonials by users or our ambassadors. Note that individual results may vary, and testimonials may not reflect the typical person’s experience and are not intended to represent that anyone will achieve the same results.

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