Technology
How PEMF technology works.
What PEMF and terahertz technology are, how OlyLife uses them in its devices, and what we can and cannot say about them.
The basics
What is PEMF?
PEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field. A coil inside the device creates a weak magnetic field that switches on and off in short pulses, usually at a low frequency. The field passes through clothing and is used on the outside of the body, without needles or medication.
Low-frequency electromagnetic fields are part of everyday life. They are created, for example, by household appliances and the earth's own magnetic field. PEMF devices produce a controlled field for a set period of time.
Pulsed
The field switches on and off in a repeating rhythm instead of staying constant.
Low frequency
The pulses repeat at a low frequency, set by the device and the selected mode.
Non-invasive
Used on the outside of the body. Nothing is injected, swallowed or applied to the skin.
Timed sessions
Sessions run for a set time, with modes and intensity chosen on the device.
Research
What PEMF has been studied for
Research on PEMF has shown promising results for pain relief and wound healing, and a few specific PEMF medical devices are approved or cleared by the US FDA for bone fractures that do not heal and for pain and swelling after surgery. Effects on the immune system, nerves and inflammation are still being studied.
Approved medical uses
For specific medical devices, used under medical supervision:
- Bone fractures that have not healed on their own (non-union fractures)
- Pain and swelling after surgery
What this means for OlyLife products
These are research topics, not promised effects. FDA approvals apply only to the specific device and use they were granted for. OlyLife products are wellness devices and are not approved for any medical use. If you have pain, an injury or a medical condition, talk to your doctor.
Areas being researched
PEMF is being studied in these areas:
- Cell stimulation – researchers are studying how PEMF affects cell function and regeneration.
- Pain relief without medication – studies look at whether PEMF can ease discomfort without medicines.
- Blood circulation – researchers are studying effects on blood flow and the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
- Bone health – specific medical PEMF devices are approved for fractures that do not heal; other effects on bone are being studied.
- Wound healing – researchers are studying whether PEMF can help wounds heal faster.
- Sleep quality – studies look at whether PEMF can improve sleep and rest.
- Cell performance – laboratory studies look at energy production and repair in cells.
- Healing response – researchers are studying how PEMF interacts with the body's own repair processes.
- Inflammation – studies look at effects on inflammatory responses.
- Stress reduction – researchers are studying effects on relaxation and stress.
- Muscle relaxation – studies look at effects on muscle tension and flexibility.
- Immune system – researchers are studying possible effects on immune function.
- Nerve health – studies look at nerve repair and resilience.
- Emotional well-being – researchers are studying effects on mood.
- Athletic recovery and performance – studies look at fatigue and endurance after exercise.
PEMF is used as part of a holistic approach to physical recovery and emotional well-being.
Research summary
PEMF research in 2024
A Norwegian review of the medical database PubMed found about 60 scientific publications on PEMF from 2024. Here is a short summary of what the research looked at, and how to read it.
Bones and fracture healing
The largest group. It includes reviews of bone healing and spinal fusion, a small randomised pilot study after wrist fractures, and laboratory studies of bone cells.
Joints and cartilage
A randomised study of people with severe knee osteoarthritis who also did home exercises, a systematic review of osteoarthritis, and cell and animal studies of cartilage.
Muscles, tendons and nerves
Randomised studies of shoulder impingement and Achilles tendon problems, where PEMF was used together with exercise, and laboratory studies of tendon and nerve cells.
After dental and jaw surgery
Two smaller clinical studies looked at pain and swelling after jaw surgery and after wisdom tooth removal.
Laboratory research
Many studies were done on cells or animals, for example on energy in cells, inflammation signals and the growth of new blood vessels. Such results cannot be transferred directly to people.
How to read the results
- Most studies are small, early or done in the laboratory.
- They use specific medical devices, settings and treatment plans, often together with other treatment.
- Almost all conclude that more research is needed.
- The results do not apply to OlyLife products, which are wellness devices and not medical devices.
Source: our summary of a review of the PubMed database for 2024. We have not assessed each study ourselves. Search PubMed yourself ↗
See all scientific articles →The physics
How a pulsed magnetic field affects the body
PEMF builds on a basic principle of electromagnetism: a magnetic field that changes over time creates a small electric current in any material that conducts electricity. Body tissue contains water and charged particles, so it conducts electricity too.
Changing magnetic field
The coil in the device switches the magnetic field on and off in short pulses, so the field keeps changing.
Small induced currents
The changing field creates weak electric currents in the tissue it passes through. This is the same principle that makes wireless phone chargers work.
Charged particles
Body fluids contain ions, such as sodium and potassium, that carry an electric charge. The induced currents act on these charged particles.
What is still unknown
Laboratory studies have looked at whether these currents affect processes in cells, such as energy production. Whether this leads to health effects in people has not been established.
In OlyLife devices
Where you find the technology
OlyLife combines PEMF with other technologies in different devices. See the products page for each device.
Terahertz
Terahertz radiation lies between microwaves and infrared light. The manufacturer states a band of 3–3000 μm for the Tera-P90.
Honest information
What we can and cannot say
- OlyLife products are wellness devices. They are not medical devices and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
- We do not promise health effects. Experiences differ from person to person.
- If you have a pacemaker or another implanted electronic device, are pregnant, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor before using an electromagnetic device.
- Always follow the user manual and the safety information for your device.