Chronic health conditions can cause a wide range of symptoms, including pain, fatigue, and more. Pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy has been used as a treatment option to help alleviate the symptoms of some of these conditions.
Bio-electromagnetic energy regulation (BEMER) therapy is a newer type of PEMF therapy that may also be effective for these conditions. The therapy is delivered through medical devices created by the BEMER group.
In this article, we’ll explore what BEMER therapy is, what the research says about this type of PEMF therapy, and other useful information you may want to know about this therapeutic device.
BEMER therapy uses pulsed electromagnetic waves to stimulate the muscles and increase blood circulation. It was first introduced by the BEMER Group as a type of physical vascular therapy in 1998.
BEMER therapy is administered through a device, such as a handheld applicator or full-sized pad. During a therapy session, the device delivers a low frequency pulsed magnetic field to your muscles and tissues.
The intensity of the magnetic field can be adjusted depending on the treatment protocol.
About BEMER medical devices
PEMF devices created by the BEMER group have received
The manufacturer’s website includes a disclaimer that states their device “is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. It should not be used for any purpose other than as described in the user manual. Please consult your own healthcare provider if you have any medical issues.”
BEMER therapy has been used to treat the following conditions:
| Condition | BEMER therapy |
| chronic pain | may help reduce levels of pain and fatigue associated with chronic pain conditions |
| cancer | may help improve treatment outcomes by increasing cancer cell sensitivity to radiation |
| osteoarthritis (OA) | may help reduce pain and improve functionality of joints affected by OA |
| fibromyalgia | may reduce pain, fatigue, and other symptoms of fibromyalgia |
| multiple sclerosis (MS) | may help improve the pain and fatigue associated with MS |
While more research is needed to determine the effectiveness of BEMER therapy, there are some promising results from studies that have been performed so far.
Chronic low back pain
In a recent placebo-controlled
Research participants were randomized to receive either exercise with a BEMER device, or exercise with a placebo device.
After 3 months of treatment, the researchers found that BEMER therapy, when combined with exercise, significantly decreased lower back pain scores. However, the group treated with BEMER therapy didn’t experience a decrease in depression scores.
Previous
For chronic low back pain participants, BEMER therapy reduced pain scores and overall fatigue levels short-term. However, the researchers mention that there was no evidence to indicate the effectiveness of long-term BEMER therapy for chronic low back pain.
Myofascial pain dysfunction syndrome (MPDS)
Recent
Researchers divided 40 patients into two 8-week treatment groups. One group received pain medications, while the other group received pain medications combined with BEMER therapy.
Results indicated that the BEMER therapy group experienced both a significant increase in mean mouth opening scores, as well as a decrease in subjective pain scores.
Although BEMER therapy wasn’t used alone, this research suggests that it may be an effective adjunct treatment for this condition.
Complex regional pain syndrome type I (CRPS-I)
At the end of a 10-day period, participants in the BEMER therapy group experienced better short-term pain reduction and functional improvement.
Like the research on MPDS, this supports the idea that BEMER therapy may add value to treatment options for chronic pain conditions.
Cancer
Cancer cells exposed to BEMER therapy were shown to have a decrease in metabolic markers, potentially indicating decreased growth. In addition, lung, head and neck, and pancreas cancer cells demonstrated increased radiosensitivity upon BEMER exposure.
Other
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Researchers found that, in the short term, low-level BEMER therapy didn’t seem to be effective for knee OA. However, a reduction in both pain and fatigue scores was observed during later weeks. This may indicate the long-term benefits of BEMER therapy for OA.
Fibromyalgia
Initially, the results indicated a decrease in both pain and stiffness scores with the BEMER device. However, a similar decrease in fibromyalgia symptoms was also found with the placebo device, with no significant difference between the two.
Although
Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Early research from 2009 investigated the long-term effects of BEMER therapy on fatigue levels in participants with MS. In all, 37 participants were given either BEMER therapy or placebo therapy twice daily over a 3-month period.
Researchers found that both the BEMER therapy and placebo resulted in a decrease in fatigue. However, participants given BEMER therapy experienced a more significant reduction in overall fatigue over the placebo.
While this research does show potential for the use of BEMER therapy with MS, more research is likely needed to demonstrate additional results.
In almost all research mentioned above, BEMER therapy produced no adverse effects in participants. This suggests that BEMER therapy is a safe treatment option with virtually no side effects.
Still, additional research could be useful for determining if there are any short-term or long-term side effects associated with BEMER therapy.
Unfortunately, because the research on BEMER therapy is scarce, it’s not likely to be covered by insurance. However, the decision to cover BEMER therapy — and any other PEMF therapy — is ultimately determined by your insurance plan.
Generally, if you’re administered BEMER therapy in a doctor’s office, you’ll be responsible for whatever costs are associated with your services. This may include any copayments, coinsurance, or deductibles you owe for your visit, as well as any treatment costs.
If you decide to administer BEMER therapy at home, you’ll have to pay the full price for a BEMER device. At this time, BEMER devices can only be purchased through certified BEMER distributors.
The BEMER Pro-Set GO, which includes a portable version of the BEMER device and multiple accessories, starts at $4,490.
PEMF therapy is the broad term for any type of therapy that uses pulsed electromagnetic fields. PEMF therapy includes both low and high frequency electromagnetic therapy, with varying intensities.
BEMER therapy is a type of PEMF therapy that’s both low frequency and low intensity. Generally, BEMER therapy is gentler than other forms of PEMF therapy. However, some PEMF therapy can actually be administered at BEMER therapy levels.
If you’re interested in giving BEMER therapy a try, reach out to a doctor for more information.
Depending on your medical history and current health conditions, your doctor may want to add BEMER therapy to other treatment options. Your doctor can help you find any health professionals in your area that may specialize in BEMER therapy.
BEMER therapy is a relatively new type of PEMF therapy that’s been shown to be potentially effective for the treatment of health conditions such as low back pain, arthritis, and fibromyalgia.
Although there are many treatment options for these types of conditions, BEMER therapy is a safe treatment option with virtually no side effects.
Reach out to your doctor for more information on how to get started with BEMER therapy for your condition.