As Managing Director of a company that specializes in the distribution of PEMF devices, from a range of manufacturers and many years of experience in the field, I thought it would be good to share and write my own independent review of PEMF therapy systems. This review is based on listening to our customer’s experiences and feedback and hopefully, it will help others when making their decisions on investing in their own PEMF device.
I am fed up with seeing PEMF reviews online written by manufacturers, as they always benefit from their own products and often use their key selling features as a ‘must have’ when they are not always necessary or compulsory to have in a PEMF system.
Localised PEMF devices are always great and they definitely have their benefits, especially when travelling, however in our opinion, if you are new to PEMFs and want to start out, we would say a full-body PEMF device is usually the first place you want to start due to the huge range of benefit for the entire body and not just one area. You are likely to see the benefits of using a localised PEMF device in the event of recent and acute injuries to one area and neurological issues. There are other exceptions, however, we find full-body PEMF devices are the best starting point. Having a full body and localised device is the gold standard and where you will get the most benefits, but if you can only afford one, then we suggest looking at full body devices first. You can find my review of ‘full body PEMFs’ here.
NO1 – FlexPulse
The FlexPulse comes top of our tree when looking at localised PEMF devices due to a number of reasons, but mainly its multi-functionality and uses. I originally started using a FlexPulse after a sprained ankle injury. I found that it bought the inflammation down quickly and it was really easy to apply and use with the small applicators. Usually, a sprained ankle would take me months to recover from, but this time it was a matter of weeks before I was back in the sport. After this experience, I started to experiment with what else it could be used for.
I researched through the manual, explanations and the different programs that can be found. There are 10 loaded onto the device and they are all unique. Due to the number of studies around 10Hz and the benefits that it has, programs 3&9 are based around the 10Hz frequency. Most of the programs use a background frequency too so that our bodies are constantly simulated. Programs 3 & 9 are the ‘go-to’ programs to start on for most things, including injuries, I myself find them so beneficial! Another program which became a quick favourite of mine is program 1, this program is based on the ‘delta’ brain wave frequencies and when placing an applicator under your pillow it can assist you to get a deep and restful sleep! Don’t forget to reduce the intensity to 1 & 2 when using it for sleep though, this is when our body recovers and prepares us for the day ahead. I rarely sleep without this little gadget close by now. A top favourite among our customers that are looking for those natural remedies is Program 2, which is the most natural frequency based on that of the earth’s frequencies. Program 5 is for alertness and a perfect companion when travelling and resetting the body clock when suffering from jet lag. By placing the coil at the back of your neck, it will be like taking a coffee without the caffeine crash and the bad breath after! Program 10 was designed with migraines in mind, but these frequencies have also been linked to many positive neurological responses. And lastly, the remaining programs are based on previous studies when using PEMF, and customers find access to these specific frequencies useful.
The device itself is pocket-sized and the applicators are easy to put anywhere on the body. I often apply it and go shopping without anyone knowing it’s there. It’s battery operated and comes with 2 applicators to use on both sides of the area if required, but to get the maximum intensity of 200-300 Gauss, one applicator is recommended at a time.
All in all the FlexPulse has so many benefits and uses. With the nature of my business, I am often oversees visiting manufacturers of PEMF devices and when I don’t have access to a full-body unit, this device is an essential travel partner! I never travel without this little guy! Other than when I travel, this sits on my bedside table at night dragging me into a deep sleep so that I am ready to hit the next day. It’s easy to see why this device is our number one once you have used it for a while.
NO2 – Oska Pulse
The Oska Pulse is not far behind the FlexPulse, if not on par for different reasons. Cutting to the chase the Oska Pulse has only 1 program available, running at around 9 Gauss strength. Both of these feels like a disadvantage on the face of it when comparing it to the FlexPulse, however simplicity, battery life, ease of application and the science behind the programmed frequencies are right up there making this device easily in the top part of the recommended localised PEMF devices, if not the best.
To operate the device, you only press one button and you will see some nice blue illuminations coming from inside the device. It will the run a full program changing frequencies at inputted time periods. There are two versions of the Oska Pulse available, the 90-minute and the 180 minute. But the real unique part of this device and the reason it is a trade secret by the manufacturers, is their programmed frequencies. They call it the 4 stages of healing and we find that it does exactly what it says on the tin! Most PEMF devices will use one specific frequency or a few but they tend to focus on one ailment. For example, reducing pain or trying to reduce inflammation or specifically for bone fusion. The Oska is unique in the fact that it runs certain frequencies throughout its program that hits all angles. It will use frequencies proved to be good for inflammation first off, then it will change to a frequency perfect for blood flow and oxygenation, then it changes frequencies to target the pain in the area, and lastly it then changes to target the cells and assist the process of healing the trauma in the body as well as bone regeneration! These four stages are inputted into the program as it runs though its 90/180 minute session and as a healing journey these work very well together.
Lastly the Oska Pulse manufacturers have put a lot of investment in getting this device fully medically registered, which a lot of manufacturers do not have as wellness devices. Therefore, they can make medical claims as well as use these products within the healthcare setting. A statement on their website reads: Oska Pulse is a Class IIA Medical device to be used alone of as an adjunctive therapy for improved healing of existing conditions, reduce inflammation and as an additional therapy in treating osteoarticular conditions (ie arthritis)
All round, with the ease of use and application, battery life, robustness, customer feedback as well as it’s medical accreditations; the Oska Pulse is not a device to live without. If you already have a full body device with medium to high intensities and you are looking for something to accompany that and take with you during the day, then this is the device for you.
N03 – NeoRhythm
The NeoRhythm is a relatively new released device, but I really feel it needs a mention in this list. It is also different from the other localised devices as its main application is not pain or injury, this device has a particular focus on neurological concerns, sleep and general alertness. The device is worn on the back of the head and connected to a smartphone and app via Bluetooth. Usually, this overcomplicates PEMF devices and makes them a pain to use quickly, but this device works well with its app, and it is getting some really good feedback in the market already and I personally find it so intuitive to use. You can even replay the last program used without the need for the app by double tapping the side of the device, so once you have found your go to program, it is easy to use without connecting to the phone each time.
A few companies have tried to make head worn PEMF devices before but none of them (in my opinion) have done a great job like these guys have. We actually sold two other variants of head worn devices in the past by other manufacturers but both were blighted with design issues as well as connectivity problems. Safe to say, neither were in the market for too long. We often see the younger folk using these devices due to the compatibility with their phones, but also for the concentration during exams or in the workplace office setting. As well as the useful concentration settings, these devices are often used for meditation and relaxing. However, as the popularity of PEMF increases we see all ages buying these now. The NeoRhythm also has a sleep setting, but we find customers don’t find them comfortable to sleep in and would prefer products like the FlexPulse for sleep in particular, however recently some customers are taking these off and just placing under their pillows.
Due to the success of this device, the manufacturers have also launched a small and soft pad to use, which has been found the best option for sleep but also for affixing to areas like the lower back while driving or sitting on the device on an office chair. This manufacturer has done a great job with their head worn device as well as the pad and if the rumours are true, they will be releasing more devices all compatible with the same app in the future.
N04 – Medicur Pro
The reason why the low-intensity Medicur Pro makes our top 5 is simple, and that’s how I am going to keep this entry… short and sweet!
The Medicur is a well rounded and proven PEMF device that’s been on the market for a long time and it is even used in the NHS, the UK healthcare system. It is simple and easy to use, and comes with a strap to keep the device in place. It has 3 buttons only and that’s all you need for this simple device. We generally recommend using each button depending on the time of day you are using it, to keep it even simpler, 20Hz in the morning, 7.8Hz throughout the day, and 3Hz in the late evening and if needed during the night.
It’s main applications are for anything related to that four-letter word… pain! We see a lot of these devices going to the older generation, due to its ease of use and simple application.
Not one to be ignored, but it does lack intensity for more chronic issues in my opinion.
N05 – Actipatch
The Actipatch just has to be in our top 5, even though it’s one of the most cost-effective PEMF devices on the market. The reason for this is that it’s a great introduction and entry-level to PEMFs and a way of trying the power of PEMF if you are a skeptic. Saying this, it obviously has it’s limitations… but as a quick fix to a sore muscle or pain relief device, these can be effective in most cases.
It is VERY LOW in intensity, however, it runs continuously, which is uncommon for a PEMF device. You literally strap it on and forget it’s there. The battery lasts 30 days in worst cases, but I have a drawer full of these at home and they never seem to die! I use them when I have done something whilst training for example and I want to treat in-between my main treatment on a full-body PEMF mat.
Due to their cost and portability of wearing under clothes, these devices are great and they work so well. We have many customers who buy these and end up purchasing bigger systems once they realise the healing powers of PEMFs.
Why can’t you find a PEMF device on our list of top 5, which you expected to see there?
This could be for a number of reasons but most of these are quite simple. We don’t endorse ‘multi-level selling techniques’, which unfortunately some of the PEMF manufacturers adopt. The common result of multi-level selling is that price of the device is commonly very high for it’s technical abilities. That’s not to say that the device is not good, but it could mean that you are paying more for your buck. These are very often the same manufacturers that use key selling features as a ‘must-have’ or statements like ‘unique patented waveform’ for example.
It could also be that the device is not available in Europe and don’t have the certifications needed to sell in the UK and Europe. Therefore, we don’t have experience with them and we cannot comment.
Lastly it could also just be that the device simply didn’t make our top 5, recommended by our customers.
The devices mentioned in this review and their comments are the opinion of our own and our customers, they are not to replace any medical advice obtained by a doctor and we do not claim to be medial professionals.
Andy Smith, Managing Director – NewMed Ltd
Marketing Coordinator
