In 40 seconds
PEMF intensity is measured in gauss (G), millitesla (mT), or microtesla (μT). 1 millitesla = 10 gauss = 1,000 microtesla. Therapeutic clinical PEMF typically delivers 0.5–2 gauss (50–200 μT, or 0.05–0.2 mT) at the surface of the body. Some specialist applications use higher intensities. Cheap home devices often advertise impressive-sounding gauss numbers measured at the coil surface — but field strength drops rapidly with distance. The number to demand is field strength at typical body distance, not at the coil.
Quick facts
- 1 millitesla: = 10 gauss = 1,000 microtesla
- Therapeutic range: 0.5–2 gauss / 50–200 μT
- Clinic-grade systems: Maintain dose at body distance
- Cheap home devices: Often spec at coil — drops rapidly
- What to ask: Field strength at body distance, not coil
Practical guidance
See FAQ below for specific scenarios.
Contraindications
Standard PEMF contraindications: pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, electronic implants; active malignancy without specialist clearance; pregnancy (over the abdomen); active infection; epilepsy without GP clearance.
Frequently asked questions
What's a good intensity for clinical effect?
0.5–2 gauss at the body surface is the typical therapeutic range for low-intensity PEMF. Higher for specific bone-targeting or specialist protocols.
Is more gauss always better?
No. Dose matters but the relationship isn't linear. The Pilla mechanism actually requires precise low-intensity micro-currents — too much can be ineffective or counterproductive.
Why do home device specs look so high?
They typically quote field strength at the coil itself. By the time the field reaches your body, it has dropped substantially. Always ask for spec at body distance.
What's the unit on the spec sheet?
Gauss is the most common in marketing. Tesla / millitesla / microtesla are SI units. 1 mT = 10 gauss = 1000 μT.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.