PEMF Sessions
PEMF and Knee Osteoarthritis: What the Research Says
Knee osteoarthritis is where most PEMF research has been done. The results are mixed and modest: some reviews find small gains in pain and function, others find little. Here's the honest picture.
The Basics
About knee osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the wear-related kind of arthritis. In the knee it often shows up as stiffness in the morning, aching after activity, and trouble with stairs. It's a medical condition, and your doctor or physical therapist should lead your care. Exercise and staying active are the core of most care plans. PEMF sessions are something some people add alongside that plan, not a replacement for it.
What a Session Is Like
What happens in a session?
You sit or lie comfortably, fully clothed, while Wendy places a MagnaWave PEMF coil around or over the knee. You'll feel a light pulsing. Sessions are drug-free and you can walk out and carry on with your day. If you're curious about red light too, many clients try both in one visit. We'll never tell you to change your medication. That's a conversation for you and your doctor.
The Evidence
What does the research show?
Several systematic reviews have pooled small trials of PEMF in knee osteoarthritis. Some find improvements in pain and function. A 2019 review found physical function improved but no significant effect on pain or stiffness. A 2026 review found statistically significant gains that may not reach the threshold people would notice, depending on timing and device settings. The studies are small, with high risk of bias, and they used a range of devices and settings, not necessarily ours.
Sources
- Tong J et al. Pulsed electromagnetic fields for pain, stiffness and function in osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Pain Res Manag, 2022.
- Chen L et al. PEMF therapy for knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Rehabil Med, 2019.
- Chang YS et al. PEMF therapy in people with knee osteoarthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicina (Kaunas), 2026.
At a Glance
What You Can Expect
Drug-free and non-invasive; you stay clothed
Most research on PEMF has been done in knee osteoarthritis, so you can read it for yourself below
No downtime, so it fits around exercise or physical therapy
Can be paired with red light in the same visit
First session is free
Safety
Who this isn't for
Please don't book, or talk to your doctor first, if any of these apply to you:
- A pacemaker, defibrillator or any other implanted electronic device
- Pregnancy
- Metal implants (plates, screws, joint replacements): ask us first so we can check with you before a session
- Recent surgery: if you've had surgery recently, get clearance from your surgeon first and bring it to your first session.
FAQ
Common Questions: Knee Osteoarthritis
Does PEMF work for knee osteoarthritis?
The evidence is mixed. Some reviews of small trials find improvements in pain and function. One found function improved but not pain or stiffness. Another found gains that may be too small to notice. The studies are small and at high risk of bias, so nobody can promise results. We'd rather you try a free session and judge for yourself.
Can PEMF reverse arthritis or rebuild cartilage?
No. There's no good evidence that PEMF rebuilds cartilage or changes the course of osteoarthritis. Anyone who tells you otherwise is overselling it.
How often do people come in?
That's up to you. Some clients come weekly, some less often. There's no evidence-based schedule for PEMF in knee osteoarthritis, so we won't sell you a package on the promise that more sessions means better results.
Can I keep taking my arthritis medication?
Yes. PEMF sessions don't replace anything your doctor has prescribed, and any change to your medication is a decision for you and your doctor.
I have a knee replacement. Can I do PEMF?
Ask us first. Metal implants are something we check on before a session. If your surgery was recent, get clearance from your surgeon first and bring it to your first session.
Related
Related Sessions
Want to see how it feels?
Your first session is free. Ask us for current session and package pricing: (973) 908-1524.
14 Ridgedale Ave, Suite 262, Cedar Knolls, NJ 07927