In 40 seconds
Every healthy cell in the body holds an electrical charge of around –70 millivolts across its membrane. This voltage powers every cellular function — protein synthesis, ion transport, signalling, repair. When cells are stressed, inflamed, or injured, the voltage drops below –50 mV and they can't function or repair efficiently. PEMF therapy delivers pulsed magnetic fields that induce micro-currents at the cell membrane, restoring voltage to functional levels. This is why PEMF is sometimes called 'cellular exercise' or 'recharging the body's batteries' — the metaphor is rough but biologically grounded.
Quick facts
- Healthy cell voltage: ~–70 millivolts
- Stressed / injured: Drops to –50 mV or lower
- Cancer cells: Often –20 mV or less
- PEMF restores: Back toward –70 mV
- Mechanism: Voltage-gated calcium channels
Practical guidance
See FAQ below for specific scenarios.
Contraindications
Hard exclusions — do not have PEMF if any apply:
- Pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or any cardiac electronic device
- Cochlear implant or other implanted electronic hearing device
- Spinal cord stimulator, deep-brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator
- Intrathecal pump or implanted drug pump
- Insulin pump (continuous glucose monitors are usually fine — confirm with the clinic)
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Pregnancy — when treatment would be over the abdomen, lumbar spine, or pelvis
Discuss with your GP or specialist before booking if any apply:
- Active malignancy or recent cancer history (oncologist clearance required)
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition under specialist care
- Anticoagulant therapy (PEMF itself does not thin blood, but bruising risk if local circulation is already compromised)
- Children under 14 (most UK clinics will not treat under-18s without paediatric specialist input)
- Recent surgery within the last 14 days at the treatment site (confirm with surgeon)
NOT contraindications — these are commonly misunderstood:
- Plates, rods, screws and other passive metal orthopaedic hardware
- Dental implants and dental crowns
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- IUDs (copper or hormonal)
- Tattoos and piercings (jewellery should be removed for the session)
Specific to this condition: pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, electronic implants; active malignancy without specialist clearance; pregnancy (over the abdomen); active infection; epilepsy without GP clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Where does cellular voltage come from?
Mitochondria generate ATP, which powers the sodium-potassium pump in the cell membrane. The pump moves ions, producing the voltage difference.
Why does voltage matter?
Voltage drives every active cellular process — repair, signalling, division, protein synthesis. Low voltage = poor function.
How does PEMF restore voltage?
Pulsed magnetic fields induce micro-currents in tissue. These currents stimulate voltage-gated calcium channels in cell membranes, triggering a cascade that ramps up ATP production and restores membrane voltage.
Is the 'body battery' analogy accurate?
Roughly. Cells aren't single batteries but each holds a charge. The metaphor captures the idea that depleted cells repair poorly and PEMF helps restore them.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.