In 40 seconds
PEMF therapy is dose-dependent — different frequencies (Hz) produce different effects. The most-used range in clinical practice is 0.5 Hz to 30 Hz. Lower frequencies (delta range, 0.5–4 Hz) suit sleep, deep tissue repair, and bone healing. Mid-range (alpha, 8–14 Hz, including the famous 7.83 Hz Schumann resonance) suits relaxation, anxiety, and general wellness. Higher frequencies (beta, 14–30 Hz) target inflammation and acute pain. Most clinical protocols stack multiple frequencies in a single session.
Quick facts
- Delta (0.5–4 Hz): Sleep, bone healing, deep tissue repair
- Theta (4–8 Hz): Meditation, relaxation, sleep onset
- Alpha (8–14 Hz): Relaxation, anxiety, general wellness
- Schumann (7.83 Hz): Earth resonance, calming, circadian
- Beta (14–30 Hz): Inflammation, acute pain, alertness
- Higher (30+ Hz): Specialised protocols only
Frequency reference table
| Frequency | Wave band | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 0.5–3 Hz | Delta | Deep sleep, bone healing, fracture repair, severe chronic pain |
| 3–7 Hz | Theta | Sleep onset, meditation, anxiety, deep relaxation |
| 7.83 Hz | Schumann | Earth resonance — calming, circadian alignment, general wellness |
| 8–14 Hz | Alpha | Stress, mood, light relaxation, general health |
| 14–30 Hz | Beta | Acute inflammation, pain, alertness, focus |
| 30 Hz+ | Gamma+ | Specialised protocols — used carefully |
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
What's the best frequency for knee osteoarthritis?
Most clinical protocols use a mix — typically a foundation in the alpha range (8–14 Hz) plus targeted lower-frequency (delta, 0.5–4 Hz) for deeper joint and bone effects.
What about for sleep?
Delta (0.5–3 Hz) and theta (3–7 Hz) ranges. Many sleep protocols centre around 7.83 Hz (Schumann).
Is one frequency 'best'?
No — the right frequency depends on what you're treating. That's why clinical-grade PEMF systems offer multiple programmes, while simple home mats often run a single fixed frequency.
What's the Schumann resonance?
Earth's natural electromagnetic resonance — about 7.83 Hz. Some research suggests human biology has evolved alongside this frequency, which is why it's commonly used in calming and wellness PEMF protocols.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.