Athletes of all abilities are increasingly using PEMF devices to improve their performance and accelerate their recovery after exercise and injuries.
Decades of research have shown PEMF to be a safe and effective practice that offers several benefits for athletes. For professional athletes, it can help to boost performance, energy and endurance. And for everyday exercise, it can help to reduce pain and inflammation, allowing adults of any age to get back on their feet faster and maintain their fitness routines.
In this post, we explore the role of PEMF in athletic performance and how it works.
How does a PEMF mat work?
A PEMF mat is a cushioned mat designed for full-body pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). You lie down on the mat and it emits varying frequencies of low-level magnetic waves in pulsating bursts. Since the frequencies and intensities are so low, most athletes do not feel anything at all during a PEMF session.
With high-quality PEMF mats like the Omnium1, the magnetic frequencies are controlled by a connected device, which allows the user to customize their PEMF session for their specific needs. For example, you can set the frequencies specifically for pain relief, for recovery, for increased energy and so on.
PEMF aids the body at the cellular level. The low-level energy stimulates and repairs cells in the body, which bolsters the body’s natural healing systems and delivers a wide range of health benefits, as we outline below.
In addition to PEMF mats, PEMF can also involve the use of specialized applicators to target specific areas of the body, such as knees, shoulders, back muscles, joints, tissue and more.
Healing & recovery after athletic injury
PEMF therapy received its first FDA approval in 1979 after studies found it was a safe and effective solution that accelerated the healing of fractured bones. In the decades since, research has continued to demonstrate the positive impact of PEMF on athletic injuries and performance.
In 2009, a double-blind randomized controlled clinical trial focused on treatment options that enable patients to resume athletic activity after ankle/talus injuries. Researchers concluded that “PEMF treatment may be particularly suitable for [osteochondral defects] of the talus since its bone-healing capacity has been proven.”
Relief for pain and inflammation
In addition to promoting faster healing, PEMF therapy is also very effective at reducing pain and inflammation. This is especially beneficial for athletes, as it allows them to recover faster after strenuous activity or injuries.
In one of the most recent studies, researchers found that PEMF helped with pain, stiffness and physical function. Even among older patients with osteoarthritis, the use of a PEMF machine relieved pain and improved quality of life.
Improved performance
Pain relief and healing both contribute to improved athletic performance. But another important way that PEMF therapy can improve performance is by increasing energy and vitality. The cellular stimulation provided by a PEMF machine can help give athletes the extra push they need.
PEMF can also improve sleep quality, circulation, heart health and bone strength – all of which play important roles in athletic performance, stamina and endurance.
Find the right PEMF mat at iMRS 2000
If you’re ready to increase your athletic performance and recovery with PEMF therapy, our experts here at iMRS 2000 are here to help. Contact us today to learn more about using an at-home PEMF mat like the iMRS Prime or Omnium1 to support your athletic routine.
