In 40 seconds
PEMF therapy has roots going back to the 1820s. Hans Christian Ørsted discovered electromagnetic induction. Faraday and Maxwell formalised the physics. Tesla experimented with therapeutic electromagnetic coils in the 1890s. Bassett at Columbia proved PEMF healed non-union fractures in the 1970s. The FDA cleared PEMF for non-union fractures in 1979 and post-surgical use in 1987. NASA's Goodwin study confirmed cellular effects in 2003. rTMS was FDA-cleared for depression in 2008. Today PEMF is mainstream clinical therapy in orthopaedics, sports medicine, neurology, and wellness.
Quick facts
- 1820s: Ørsted discovers electromagnetic induction
- 1890s: Tesla therapeutic coil experiments
- 1970s: Bassett — non-union fracture healing
- 1979: FDA clearance — non-union fractures
- 1987: FDA clearance — post-surgical pain
- 2003: NASA Goodwin study
- 2008: rTMS FDA-cleared for depression
- 2024+: Mainstream clinical and consumer use
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
Is PEMF a new technology?
No — the science is over 200 years old. Modern clinical PEMF is the result of cumulative research from the 1820s onwards, with FDA clearance dating to 1979.
Why isn't it more mainstream?
It is in orthopaedics and increasingly in sports medicine. NHS uptake is patchy because the technology doesn't fit pharma reimbursement models. Private and consumer use is growing fast.
Did Tesla really invent it?
Tesla didn't invent therapeutic PEMF as we know it today, but his electromagnetic experiments laid groundwork. Bassett's 1970s work is more directly the origin of modern clinical PEMF.
What's the next phase?
Better dosing precision, AI-tuned protocols, more condition-specific clearances, broader UK clinical adoption.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.