PEMF therapy is a noninvasive form of therapy that has seen a great deal of success as an alternative treatment for pain, joint stiffness and discomfort, depression, bone fractures, and far more. Although PEMF therapy was once only found in clinics and therapy offices, numerous companies have developed home use PEMF therapy machines that are easy to use, and allow consumers to receive the incredible benefits of the therapy from the comfort of their homes. One such company is iMRS, and their iMRS 2000 model is the machine that will be evaluated in greater detail below. But first: a refresher course.
What Is PEMF Therapy?
If you’ve arrived at this review, you likely have at least some familiarity with the ins and outs of PEMF therapy, but to make sure an evaluation of the iMRS 2000 is as thorough as possible, we will offer a brief introduction to PEMF therapy and how it works.
PEMF therapy stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field, and the corresponding therapy utilizes pulses of electromagnetic energy to supply the body’s cells with energy in addition to the energy received and generated by the body naturally. How is this accomplished? First, let’s take a quick look at how the body processes and generates energy naturally. Cellular energy is primarily made in the part of the cell called the mitochondrion (plural is mitochondria). When food is ingested, it is eventually broken down into individual nutrients and molecules, most of which is converted to a compound called Adenosine Triphosphate, or ATP. ATP is the primary form of energy both used and generated in the body, and is the most fundamental resource available to the body to carry out all necessary functions, including the most basic functions of breathing and pumping blood throughout the body.
Although PEMF therapy does not administer ATP to the body, it operates in a similar framework. Energy is delivered to the body’s cells much in the same way that food delivers energy to the body, and that energy is then used to carry out both the basic functions of the body (as mentioned, this includes breathing and pumping blood throughout the body), as well as carrying out cellular communication within and outside of cells, beginning and seeing through immune responses, and more. As we age, our cells become less effective in their natural functions, including energy use and production. PEMF therapy bridges this gap, and supports the body’s ability to carry out its own natural functions. Although the energy being applied to the cells is not intrinsic, it does not constitute a foreign substance, which makes it far less likely to come along with a host of side effects.
It is largely the high efficacy and safety rate of PEMF that makes it such a popular and important type of therapy. Although countless pharmaceutical medications have been introduced and have experienced (and legitimate) use, the advent of side effect-free therapy is incredibly valuable and has continued to enjoy growth and widespread use.
A Note on PEMF and COVID-19
In May of 2020, iMRC was issued a warning by the FTC regarding its marketing claims regarding PEMF therapy and COVID-19. On the iMRS site, the coronavirus was mentioned as one of the many viruses that may experience a decline in strength as a result of using PEMF therapy. Because PEMF therapy machines are not currently identified as medical-grade devices, they cannot definitively be identified as specific treatment methods for any single ailment or illness. Although the iMRS site did not definitively suggest that PEMF therapy can be used to cure coronaviruses—merely support immunity—the site did comply with FTC guidelines and remove all marketing material and information linking PEMF therapy’s mechanisms of action and COVID-19.
iMRS and PEMF: Components
Any evaluation of PEMF therapy machines is not complete without a thorough understanding and investigation of the components that make up PEMF therapy. Although all manufacturers use their own unique designs and have their own specific approaches to constructing PEMF therapy machines, each and every PEMF therapy machine is made up of a few key components. Each of these components follow a set spectrum or available framework, and the combination of these components is what sets one machine apart from another. The iMRS 2000 components are identified and discussed below.
Waveform
There are two waveforms associated with iMRS 2000 machines: the square and saw tooth waveforms. iMRS mats are equipped with saw tooth waves, while the smaller pad and probe that come along with some iMRS models utilize square waveforms. Although there are virtually limitless types of waveforms available for PEMF therapy machines to use, there are three that are consistently evaluated in PEMF research studies, and suggested as the best possible waveforms to use: the sine, saw tooth, and square waves. Happily, both of the waveforms used by iMRS are linked to effective use in PEMF therapy, and consumers can rest easy that the design of iMRS machines adhere to PEMF therapy best practices and standard recommendations.
Frequency
Available iMRS frequency settings are encompassed by 7 pre-programmed settings, and vary from 0.5-15 Hz. Frequency in a PEMF machine describes the number of times in a given second that a pulse of electromagnetic energy enters and leaves the body. The most commonly used frequencies are those between <1 and 33 Hz, but up to 100 Hz constitutes a low-frequency machine. The range provided by iMRS machines is fairly standard in the industry, as it adheres to the frequencies most often found in nature (33 Hz and below, though frequencies between 33 and 100 are also common). iMRS’ frequency range is fairly standard of low-frequency machines, and has a strong history of efficacy in clinical trials.
Intensity
The intensity of a machine describes, essentially, the strength of the energy being emitted and delivered to the body. There are two different classification systems used to describe PEMF therapy machines: low-intensity machines and high-intensity machines. A low intensity machine is any machine that uses an intensity between <1 and 500 Gauss, while a high intensity machine is considered any machine that exceeds 500 Gauss and goes up to 10,000 Gauss. While machines can to higher, they do not typically exceed 10,000 Gauss, as higher concentrations of electromagnetic energy are not necessarily ideal for home delivery of PEMF.
iMRS machines offer extremely low-intensity PEMF therapy. iMRS machines offer a range of intensity options within 7 available settings, but these settings range from 0.0009 Gauss to 0.7 Gauss—settings that are extremely low by most PEMF therapy standards. Although this does not necessarily mean that iMRS machines are inferior to other machines, most other PEMF offerings use either a large range of options, or use higher intensities on the low-intensity spectrum.
Delivery Method
The delivery methods available for iMRS PEMF therapy machines vary from package to package. The least expensive iMRS model is accompanied by the Exagon pad and mat, which can be used at different times. The most expensive model of iMRS mat, conversely, comes along with the Exagon Far Infrared mat, Exagon pad, and Exagon spot, in addition to the split function, which allows users to utilize two different delivery methods at once time. This is a unique part of the iMRS systems, as most PEMF devices do not provide a way to use two different PEMF delivery methods at the same time.
iMRS Decision Factors
In addition to standard PEMF therapy components, most people in search of PEMF therapy machines find warranty, guarantees, and variability extremely important in coming to decision about which PEMF system is right for them and their needs.
iMRS Warranty
iMRS warranties are one of the many benefits of this particular system, as iMRS deviates from the norm somewhat: iMRS has a full 3-year warranty for major mat components, and ships back to customers for free, once a machine has been returned for a repair or a replaced unit. This can save a substantial amount of money, depending on local shipping and handling charges. Here, though, is where some users might consider the warranty something of a letdown: extended warranties bring the total warranty time up to five years, but there is no graduated warranty program available. Instead, an extended warranty must be purchased. The accessories for the iMRS are also not covered by the 3-year warranty, and are only covered for the first six months.
Guarantee
The guarantee is where iMRS systems do not quite hold up to their competitors: iMRS machines do not come with any type of money-back guarantee, and all sales are considered final. Although this may not be an issue for some, especially those who are willing to simply resell, the lack of a guarantee can be some cause for concern, and can remove the confidence from purchasing.
Model Variability
iMRS machines come in 5 different models, each of them similar in their components, and differing primarily in the amount of customizability available for each model, and the number of attachments that come with each animal. The most extensive package offers the basic model, in addition to a split adapter that allows simultaneous use of two different delivery methods, a Far Infrared mat, and a specialty applicator device. The availability of five different device packages is an important factor to consider when looking for a PEMF device to best suit your needs, because variability in treatment means a more customized PEMF therapy experience, and a wider range of options to suit your unique budgetary needs.
Additional Concerns
One of the most important considerations for PEMF therapy machines is the level of customization available to users. Some PEMF machines have only one or two pre-programmed settings, others have preprogrammed settings and manual settings, and still others focus entirely on pre-programmed settings, but offer far more than one or two. The iMRS machines fall within the latter camp; each machine comes equipped with 7
Education is another concern that some consumers may be interested in, and iMRS is one of the few companies currently in operation that provide education regarding PEMF therapy as part of the purchase of a machine. Although iMRS education is not as large or comprehensive as other competitors, such as MagnaWave, the training videos and one-on-one training support offered to all purchasers of iMRS therapy machines can help people who are new to PEMF therapy get their “sea legs,” so to speak, and increase their level of comfort and confidence in operating their machines. This is important, as it can mean the difference between getting the most out of your machine, and giving up after a period of perceived ineffectiveness.
Finally, all but one of the iMRS 2000 models comes equipped solely with PEMF therapy. The most expensive offering is equipped with Far Infrared therapy, but this is not standard with all machines. If potential users are interested in a more comprehensive therapy mat, the iMRS is likely to disappoint.
How Is the iMRS as a PEMF Therapy Machine?
iMRS machines are among the machines most often identified as affordable (though no less effective), and are often recommended for people whose primary concern is price. In addition to price, however, iMRS machines are decent machine options for people who are new to PEMF therapy, or who want additional support for their machine and use, without the high price tags associated with larger companies like MagnaWave. Although the education efforts from iMRS are not quite as substantial as the education provided by MagnaWave, iMRS does provide a host of educational videos and one-on-one training with a company or sales representative, which can offer some comfort or peace of mind to people who are new to PEMF, or are unsure of how to most effectively use their machine.
Ultimately, iMRS machines offer an extremely low-intensity, middle of the road low-frequency machine with plenty of technical support, additional materials, and other perks provided to “grease the wheels,” so to speak. There are machines that are cheaper or around the same price as both the lowest-end and highest-end devices that offer more customization options and greater frequency and intensity ranges than the iMRS 2000 models, but most do not come along with the extensive support offered by iMRS. If a new PEMF user is on the fence about which machine to purchase, the iMRS is likely to be the best option for people in search of support, while HealthyLine mats are best for people searching for multiple therapies in a single machine, and used machines may be best for those who are entirely budget-focused.