.png){kind=small}
.png){kind=small}
PEMF Therapy for Surgical Recovery: Study Shows Reduced Pain, Swelling, and Inflammation after Breast Surgery
- Christy Van Hoogevest
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 9
This peer-reviewed clinical study explored how pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy could support recovery after breast reduction surgery. Patients who received PEMF therapy experienced significantly less pain, needed fewer narcotic medications, and showed visible reductions in swelling and bruising compared to those who received placebo treatment. These findings highlight PEMF as a promising, noninvasive tool to improve post-surgical comfort and accelerate healing.
Study Overview
Title: Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields Reduce Postoperative Pain in Breast Reduction Patients: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study
Quick Summary: This double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the effect of PEMF therapy on post-operative recovery after breast reduction. PEMF-treated patients were compared to a placebo group, with researchers tracking pain levels, medication use, and visible signs of inflammation. PEMF was found to meaningfully reduce discomfort and visible swelling.
Key Findings:
Pain scores were 2× higher in the sham (placebo) group at 5 hours and 4× higher at 72 hours compared to the PEMF group (p < 0.01).
Narcotic use was 2× higher in the sham group (p < 0.01), indicating better pain control in the PEMF group.
Wound exudate volume was 2× higher in the sham group at 24 hours (p < 0.01), suggesting increased inflammation.
Interleukin-1β levels were 5× higher in the sham group at 24 hours (p < 0.001), pointing to a stronger inflammatory response.
No adverse effects were reported with PEMF therapy.
Study Details:
Subjects: Patients undergoing bilateral breast reduction
Modality: Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy
Study Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot trial
Outcome Measures: Pain scores (VAS), narcotic use, wound exudate volume, IL-1β concentration
Year Published: 2015
