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PEMF Therapy Reduces Pain and Swelling After Jaw Surgery: Clinical Study Results
- Christy Van Hoogevest
- Jun 3
- 2 min read
Updated: Jun 5
A new clinical study highlights the potential of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy to improve recovery after orthognathic (jaw) surgery. Researchers found that patients who received PEMF experienced significantly less swelling and pain in the days following their procedure — with one group seeing more than twice the reduction in facial swelling compared to standard recovery care alone.
Study Overview
Title: Pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) as a valid tool in orthognathic surgery to reduce post-operative pain and swelling: a prospective study
Quick Summary: This prospective clinical study compared two recovery approaches for jaw surgery patients: standard care (medication and cryotherapy) versus standard care with PEMF therapy. The PEMF group experienced significantly faster reductions in both pain and swelling.
Key Findings
Less Swelling: Patients who received PEMF had a 6.23% reduction in facial swelling by day 4 after surgery, compared to just 2.63% in the control group — a 3.6% greater decrease in swelling (p = 0.0168).
Lower Pain Scores: The PEMF group reported significantly lower pain levels on day 2 (p = 0.021) and over the full 4-day recovery period (p = 0.008). They also used fewer pain medications.
Study Details
Participants: 30 patients undergoing jaw surgery (Le Fort I + BSSO)
Design: Prospective observational study
Groups Compared:
Standard Care Only (SD): Medication + cryotherapy
Standard Care + PEMF (SD + PEMF): Same as above, with added PEMF therapy
Measurements:
3D facial scans to measure swelling on day 1 and day 4
Pain scores recorded daily using VAS scale
Analgesic use tracked
Statistical Results:
Swelling: 6.23% (PEMF) vs. 2.63% (control), p = 0.0168
Pain: Lower with PEMF on day 2 (p = 0.021) and overall (p = 0.008)
Published: 2024, in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery
Why It Matters
Reducing swelling and pain after surgery doesn’t just improve patient comfort — it also speeds up visible healing, reduces complications, and may allow for quicker returns to normal activity. This study adds to the growing body of evidence that PEMF therapy is a safe, non-invasive way to support better recovery outcomes.