In 40 seconds
Raynaud's syndrome causes painful colour changes and numbness in fingers/toes due to vascular spasm — usually triggered by cold or stress. PEMF therapy improves microcirculation and supports vascular function — a direct mechanism match. Patient reports are consistently positive. Best as preventative / maintenance use rather than acute attack management. Always check for underlying secondary causes (autoimmune disease) — primary Raynaud's is benign; secondary can signal more serious conditions.
Quick facts
- Affects: 5–10% of UK adults
- Mechanism match: Strong — PEMF improves microcirculation
- Best as: Preventative / maintenance
- Sessions: 2× per week for 6–8 weeks
- Check for: Secondary causes (autoimmune)
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
How quickly will I notice change?
Often within 2–3 weeks of regular use — fewer attacks, milder severity.
Use during an attack?
PEMF is preventative more than acute. Standard rewarming during attacks.
Will it stop attacks completely?
Reduces frequency and severity in most patients. Some still get triggered attacks.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.