Sports enthusiasts, whether amateur or professional, tend to push themselves to their limits, committed to excellence in competition and in reaching their personal goals. In this environment, injuries are to be expected. For the sports medicine professionals at Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, the challenge lies in ensuring speedy and efficient recovery for patients who come to us seeking help. One of the groundbreaking treatment methods we use with great success is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy.
Understanding PEMF
PEMF has altered the landscape of sports medicine by introducing the use of electromagnetic fields to improve cellular function and overall health. When cells are injured or under stress, their electrical and chemical functions can be disrupted. PEMF therapy works by sending pulses of electromagnetic energy to these cells, helping to restore their natural balance and boost their function.
Because our bodies are complex electrical systems, our cells operate based on electrical activities that dictate their function, health, and communication. PEMF therapy is a treatment based on the premise that when an injury occurs, re-energizing electrical impulses is key to improving cell function and accelerating healing.
PEMF devices emit pulsating electromagnetic fields at low frequencies. These fields penetrate the skin and recharge the underlying cells, restoring electrical balance and optimizing function.
The Positive Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy
PEMF therapy works particularly well on the soft tissue injuries common to sports, including:
- Tendonitis
- Muscle strains
- Sprains
- Torn ligaments
It is also an effective treatment for bone breaks and stress fractures since it accelerates bone healing as well. In addition, following operations to repair sports injuries, PEMF has been shown to reduce pain and swelling and speed healing. The healing effects of PEMF include:
- Stimulating cellular repair — Once cells receive the electromagnetic charge, they are stimulated to increase their production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate) which fuels cells to function more efficiently, hastening tissue repair and muscle recovery.
- Improving circulation — PEMF also prompts blood vessels to dilate, improving blood flow. As always, improved circulation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to the injury site, accelerating healing.
PEMF Is an FDA-Approved Treatment That Has Been in Use for Years
FDA-approved in 1979 for healing after bone fracture, it is now used for this purpose in the majority of US hospitals. It is now also FDA-approved for wound care, post-operative knee pain and swelling, migraine headaches with aura, and clinical depression. In addition, NASA has used PEMF to improve tissue function in outer space by increasing cell viability and professional athletes have been using PEMF for years to successfully treat injuries, relieve sore muscles, and improve performance.
How PEMF Can Enhance Athletic Performance
Because of its above-mentioned capabilities, PEMF therapy is a powerful tool for improving strength, flexibility, and coordination not only in those who suffer sports injuries but in those who simply impose wear and tear on their bodies by vigorous exercise.
More and more evidence is accumulating that PEMF’s ability to optimize cell function presents more than just a reduction in recovery time after sports injuries. The rapidity with which athletes can get back to the field, court, or track means they experience shorter interruptions in their training regimen so their bodies are kept in better shape. For this reason, athletes are becoming increasingly aware of PEMF’s positive effect on their stamina, strength, and agility.
PEMF Is Safe
Since PEMF operates on a cellular level and doesn’t involve drugs or invasive procedures, the risk of side effects is practically nil. Since PEMF is a natural, non-invasive treatment method that complements the body’s healing processes, it is safe and unaccompanied by complications.
Contact Our Experienced PEMF Sports Medicine Doctors Today
At Long Island Spine Rehabilitation Medicine, we know that as a sports enthusiast, you are relieved to hear about a quicker path to healing from the inevitable sports injuries that are part of your active lifestyle. Realizing that PEMF therapy is also a means towards enhancing your athletic performance is an exciting plus. Contact us now to discuss how PEMF may improve your quality of life.