In 40 seconds
PEMF intensity is measured in gauss (G), millitesla (mT), or microtesla (μT). 1 millitesla = 10 gauss = 1,000 microtesla. Therapeutic clinical PEMF typically delivers 0.5–2 gauss (50–200 μT, or 0.05–0.2 mT) at the surface of the body. Some specialist applications use higher intensities. Cheap home devices often advertise impressive-sounding gauss numbers measured at the coil surface — but field strength drops rapidly with distance. The number to demand is field strength at typical body distance, not at the coil.
Quick facts
- 1 millitesla: = 10 gauss = 1,000 microtesla
- Therapeutic range: 0.5–2 gauss / 50–200 μT
- Clinic-grade systems: Maintain dose at body distance
- Cheap home devices: Often spec at coil — drops rapidly
- What to ask: Field strength at body distance, not coil
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
What's a good intensity for clinical effect?
0.5–2 gauss at the body surface is the typical therapeutic range for low-intensity PEMF. Higher for specific bone-targeting or specialist protocols.
Is more gauss always better?
No. Dose matters but the relationship isn't linear. The Pilla mechanism actually requires precise low-intensity micro-currents — too much can be ineffective or counterproductive.
Why do home device specs look so high?
They typically quote field strength at the coil itself. By the time the field reaches your body, it has dropped substantially. Always ask for spec at body distance.
What's the unit on the spec sheet?
Gauss is the most common in marketing. Tesla / millitesla / microtesla are SI units. 1 mT = 10 gauss = 1000 μT.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.