PEMF vs. TENS: What's the difference?

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF) and electrical stimulation are two non-invasive therapies used to stimulate biological processes and support healing. While they both utilize electricity, their approach, effectiveness, and potential uses are very different. 

Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields vs. Electrical Stimulation

Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) and electrical stimulation are used therapeutically within the field of bioelectronic medicine. Both of these technologies are also popular within regenerative medicine as they can be used to enhance cellular function and promote healing. However, the methods these techniques use to stimulate these healing processes vary significantly. PEMF uses gentle magnetic fields that require no contact, while electrical stimulation sends electrical currents through skin via electrodes. In a nutshell:

1. PEMF uses short electromagnetic pulses and doesn’t require direct contact. It works by enhancing cellular function and promotes healing without the discomfort associated with direct electrical contact. This allows PEMF devices to be used on sensitive areas and after surgery.

2. Electrical stimulation relies on currents applied directly to the skin. This can lead to more immediate but sometimes unpredictable effects, and has the potential to cause discomfort or pain when used on sensitive areas.

What is PEMF Therapy?

PEMF is a non-invasive treatment that utilizes currents to generate specific magnetic pulses, directing them to specific areas of the body. These pulses can be adjusted in strength, timing, and duration to target different health benefits. Direct contact is not needed to obtain the therapeutic benefits of the electromagnetic field. 

PEMF can be used safely, painlessly, and non-invasively to support the body's natural healing processes as an alternative to additional surgeries or medications. PEMF works by influencing processes like electrolyte exchange, enzyme activity, and gene regulation in cells. This helps cells function more efficiently, decreasing inflammation and reducing stress in the body. [1]

PEMF therapy is always administered via a device – and your PEMF machine will look different and have different protocols installed based on what it was made to do. As you’d imagine, a medical-grade PEMF device designed to support bone healing will be pretty different from an over the counter PEMF mat that’s meant to promote relaxation. 

What is Electrical Stimulation Therapy?

Electrical stimulation is a form of bioelectronic medicine that involves the direct application of electrical currents to tissues. Electrical stimulation devices use electrodes placed on the skin or in the ear canal to deliver low-voltage electrical currents. These devices have many applications, with their effects dependent on where the electrodes are applied. They can stimulate nerves through the skin, helping block pain signals, regulate inflammation, and improve mood. 

There are many different types of electrical stimulation devices. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) devices and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) devices are two of the most popular types of electrical stimulation devices as they are available as both over-the-counter products and medical-grade devices. There are even some VNS devices which are implanted into the body. 

TENS and VNS devices have been used to support the treatment of a number of different conditions, including arthritis, neuropathy, epilepsy, and depression. In fact, scientists began exploring bioelectronic hair loss treatments after an anecdotal report from the 1980s suggested that TENS had helped four men regrow hair, reduce shedding, and improve hair texture. Interestingly, though, no studies have tried to use TENS to replicate these results. [2-5]

In general, any electrical stimulation device that is used externally has the ability to produce immediate positive effects by exciting the nerves and muscles near the electrode. However, electrical stimulation is best for small or localized treatment areas – it’s usually not able to be used to provide uniform, full-body treatments. The other downside is that these positive effects don't always last long and may not work for every condition. And when used continuously or excessively, applications can cause discomfort, skin irritation, and mild pain around the area where the electrode has been applied. 

PEMF vs. Electrical Stimulation

Electrical stimulation devices and pulsed electromagnetic field devices have some similarities. They both fall into the category of bioelectronic medicine and can be used for indications like pain relief and inflammation reduction. However, electrical stimulation devices are generally meant to be used in a limited fashion – otherwise, the electrodes that touch the skin can cause irritation and discomfort. PEMF, which is contactless, can support healing without any side effects. 

Unlike electrical stimulation, which requires direct skin contact, PEMF does not use electrodes. Instead, it uses coils to generate electromagnetic pulses that can be adjusted in strength or to target specific tissues, enhancing cellular function and promoting various therapeutic outcomes.

Of course – it’s perfectly safe to touch your PEMF machine, like when you lay down on a PEMF mat or wear your StimuField™ PEMF cap. These devices simply don't need to touch your skin in order to work. In some cases, this aspect of PEMF is also a huge benefit: its contactless nature means it can be safely used after surgical procedures and to support wound healing. 

PEMF vs. TENS

Even though TENS was the first bioelectronic tool to be used to improve hair growth, PEMF has been studied more extensively in dermatology and as a hair loss treatment. To date, there is only a single anecdotal report on the use of TENS for hair growth. However, there are a number of clinical studies showing that PEMF can be used as a treatment for the most common form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia. PEMF has also been safely and successfully combined with topical hair loss treatments and other device-based treatments, like laser hair therapy. [4-7] 

PEMF and electrical stimulation devices both have their benefits, but they work in different ways and suit different needs. While TENS and VNS are still incredibly useful for pain relief and nerve stimulation, PEMF stands out for being non-invasive and easy to use, making it great for a wide range of dermatological treatments. 

StimuField PEMF cap is the first and only PEMF device that’s specifically designed to improve skin and hair health. Our wearable is lightweight, comfortable, and safe for daily use – so you can use it at home, at work, or while you’re on the go. Whether you’re looking to improve hair growth or boost scalp health, StimuField PEMF cap offers an effective, innovative, drug-free alternative through PEMF.

References

1. Lama, S.B.C.; Pérez-González, L.A.; Kosoglu, M.A.; Dennis, R.; Ortega-Quijano, D. Physical Treatments and Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia. J. Clin. Med. 2024, 13, 4534. 
2. Visconti, M. J., Haidari, W., & Feldman, S. R. (2020). Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): a review of applications in dermatology. Journal of Dermatological Treatment, 31(8), 846-849.
3. Yang, E. J., Sekhon, S., Beck, K. M., Sanchez, I. M., Bhutani, T., & Koo, J. (2018). Vagus Nerve Stimulation: A Novel Anti-Inflammatory Treatment Option for Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis?. Journal of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis, 3(2), 54-58. 
4. Maddin, W.S.; Bell, P.W.; James, J.H.M. The Biological Effects of a Pulsed Electrostatic Field with Specific Reference to Hair Electrotrichogenesis. Int. J. Dermatol. 1990, 29, 446–450.
5. Maddin, W.S.; Amara, I.; Sollecito, W.A. Electrotrichogenesis: Further evidence of efficacy and safety on extended use. Int. J. Dermatol. 1992, 31, 878–880. 
6. Choi, M.S.; Park, B.C. The efficacy and safety of the combination of photobiomodulation therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on androgenetic alopecia. J. Cosmet. Dermatol. 2023, 22, 831–836. 
7. Bureau, J.P.; Guilbaud, J.; Roux, F.M.E. Essential Oils and Low-Intensity Electromagnetic Pulses in the Treatment of Androgen-Dependent Alopecia. Adv. Ther. 2003, 20, 220–229.