Here at Asheville Non-Surgical Orthopedics, Dr. Pinkston and our team are committed to providing treatment that is both effective and as minimally invasive as possible. We believe in the body’s ability to heal itself, and we are eager to support its natural recovery processes! To that end, we offer a range of regenerative treatments that work with your body, including Pulse Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy. What exactly is PEMF, and what can you expect from it? This page explains. You are also welcome to call us if you have any questions.

Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy introduces low-level, targeted electromagnetic waves into your body through a specialized device. This innovative approach interacts directly with your cells and tissues, thereby supporting your body's natural recovery and optimizing its function. It encourages cellular repair, supports healthy circulation (which helps deliver important healing factors to damaged tissues), and works to restore the electrical balance in your cells. It can reduce pain and inflammation, improve energy levels, reduce stress, and offer a range of other benefits.
A PEMF session usually lasts 15 – 30 minutes, and you may need several sessions to derive the greatest possible benefits from your treatment plan. PEMF is often used as a great complement to other non-invasive orthopedic treatments.

PEMF therapy can contribute to your overall well-being in multiple ways. It can:
There is even evidence to suggest that the benefits of PEMF go beyond the physical; many patients experience a reduction in anxiety and depression after a series of PEMF sessions.

PEMF therapy is suitable for a broad range of patients. You may find it helpful if you wish to support your body's recovery from injury or manage ongoing discomfort. After a thorough evaluation, Dr. Pinkston and our team can determine if it could play an important role in helping you reach your health and mobility goals.
PEMF is very safe for most people, though it is not recommended for pregnant individuals, those with pacemakers, anyone who is actively bleeding, or people with certain other health conditions. Our team will screen you for such contraindications so you can be confident in the safety and efficacy of our recommended treatment plan.
The science behind PEMF therapy is pretty fascinating, and it actually has quite a few effects on the human body. Here are three of the most outstanding:
All you have to do is relax while the PEMF device does its job! Most patients notice a mild tingling or pulsing sensation. It is a comfortable experience, so there is no need to worry about it being unpleasant. PEMF activates your parasympathetic nervous system, allowing your body to fully relax during the treatment. If the sensation is a bit too strong for you to tolerate, our team can adjust the settings on the PEMF device to make things easier on you.
In all likelihood, PEMF should be fine for you if you have any standard joint implants, such as a hip or knee replacement. Your implant is likely made of non-ferromagnetic metal, which essentially means that it will not react to the PEMF device’s field.
However, if you have any electronic implants, like a pacemaker, insulin pump, or Cochlear implant, the PEMF field could prove harmful to your device, and this therapy is not a good fit for you.
We recommend that you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, which can help PEMF stimulate important currents in your body. You should also take care of other aspects of your health, such as by eating a nutritious diet that supports overall wellness. Additionally, the results of your PEMF treatment may be most noticeable when you combine it with other therapies recommended by Dr. Pinkston and our team.
The cost of PEMF depends on the number of sessions you need and the duration of those sessions. Our team will be sure to discuss the financial aspect of your treatment when the time is right; we do not want you to run into any unpleasant surprises when you are paying for your care. Because PEMF is relatively simple and non-invasive, many patients find that it fits comfortably within their budget.
Keep in mind, though, that medical insurance does not usually cover PEMF. However, there might be some rare exceptions. Our Asheville team can give you a receipt that you can submit to your insurance company, and they might reimburse you if they deem the treatment to be medically necessary.