A 2010 double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study evaluated the effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PMF) therapy on post-operative pain and recovery in 24 patients undergoing breast reduction surgery. PEMF was used after surgery, and its effects were measure by tracking pain levels, narcotic use, and mean IL-1 beta concentration in wound exudates.
- Pain reduction: 57% decrease at 1 hour (p < 0.01) and 300% decrease at 5 hours (p < 0.001) compared to sham device
- Il-1 beta concentration: Mean IL-1 beta concentration was 275% lower in the wound exudates of treated patients (p < 0.001)
- Narcotic use: 2.2-fold reduction in opioid consumption in the active group (p = 0.002)
These findings suggest that PEMF may reduce postoperative pain and inflammation while decreasing the need for narcotics.
