PEMF Therapy at Daybreak: Science, Soothing, and a Modern Way to “Ground”

By: Siobhan Gray, MD

If you’ve ever lain on the PEMF mat at Daybreak and thought, “Why does this feel like being outside on a really good day?” you’re not imagining it.

There is science behind PEMF.

There is also something quieter: a sense of grounding, of coming back into your body in a world that constantly pulls you out of it.

This is my physician-meets-human overview of PEMF at Daybreak Recovery Spa:

what it is,

what the research actually shows,

where the science is still emerging,

who should not use it,

why it pairs so well with red light,

how often to consider using it,

and how the QRS Cell Vital system we use fits into that picture.

What Is PEMF, Really?

PEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field therapy.

In plain language:

• A device creates a gentle, low-frequency magnetic field.

• That field passes through your body; you do not have to “do” anything to receive it.

• At the cellular level, it nudges ion channels and cell membranes, shifting blood flow, inflammatory signaling, and communication between cells in ways that may support healing and recovery.

PEMF is not:

• An MRI-level magnet.

• The same as Wi-Fi or cell tower exposure.

• A shock, zap, or painful experience.

Most people feel:

• Deep relaxation.

• A sense of heaviness or “dropping” into their body.

• Occasionally a gentle pulsing or subtle muscle twitch at higher settings.

At Daybreak, I think of PEMF within The North Framework™:

• North – intention, mindset, purpose

• East – stress regulation, breath, nervous system

• South – body, strength, recovery

• West – environment, nature, connection

PEMF lives mostly in South and East: it is a body-based tool that also helps the nervous system downshift.

The NASA Story (Without the Hype)

You will sometimes hear that PEMF is “NASA technology.” There is truth there.

NASA researchers were trying to understand how to protect astronauts from bone and muscle loss in microgravity. Time-varying electromagnetic fields were explored as one strategy to support bone and cartilage health, and that work helped inform the development of medical electromagnetic stimulation devices used in orthopedics.

That does not mean NASA proved PEMF cures everything.

It does mean this field grew out of serious questions about how human tissues repair and adapt, not just wellness marketing.

What the Science Supports So Far

From a medical standpoint, the strongest evidence for PEMF is in musculoskeletal conditions:

• bone healing,

• osteoarthritis,

• and some forms of back pain.

Benefits are typically modest but real for some people. PEMF is best thought of as an adjunct, not a stand-alone cure.

1. Bone Health and Healing

Low-intensity PEMF has been used for:

• Delayed or non-union fractures.

• Supporting some spinal fusion surgeries.

• Experimental prevention of bone loss in certain settings.

Studies suggest PEMF can influence osteoblasts and osteoclasts (bone-forming and bone-resorbing cells) and upregulate growth factors involved in bone repair.

This is one of the more “mainstream” uses of electromagnetic stimulation in conventional medicine, although devices and protocols vary and there is not one standard dose.

2. Osteoarthritis and Joint Pain

Several randomized, double-blind trials in knee osteoarthritis have found that PEMF can:

• Reduce pain.

• Improve function and stiffness.

Newer work suggests that combining PEMF with home exercise can improve knee strength and reduce pain more than exercise alone in end-stage knee osteoarthritis.

In practice, I frame PEMF as one tool in the joint-care toolbox, especially when someone is already working on strength, weight, and movement.

3. Low Back and Other Soft Tissue Pain

In chronic low back pain and other musculoskeletal pain conditions, PEMF has been shown in some studies to:

• Reduce pain intensity.

• Modestly improve function.

This is particularly relevant for people trying to stay active in physical therapy or strength training who need better pain control to keep going.

4. Where the Evidence Is Still Emerging

You may see claims that PEMF helps with depression, anxiety, sleep, long COVID, chronic fatigue, and “detox.”

Right now, the science in these areas is:

• promising but preliminary in some conditions,

• mixed or neutral in others,

• and limited by small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and short follow-up.

So at Daybreak, I do not present PEMF as a proven treatment for those conditions. I position it as:

A gentle, body-based stimulus that may support nervous system balance and recovery, layered onto a broader plan that includes sleep, movement, nutrition, and any needed medical or psychological care.

PEMF and Grounding: How Does This Relate to Nature?

You might have heard of “earthing” or “grounding”  walking barefoot or lying on the ground to physically connect with the Earth’s surface.

Biophysically, PEMF and grounding are not the same:

• Grounding involves direct electrical contact with the Earth.

• PEMF uses a controlled, pulsed magnetic field generated by a device.

But there are meaningful parallels.

We evolved in the context of natural electromagnetic environments from the Earth’s field, lightning, and background resonances  and we spent much more time in quiet, rhythmic sensory environments: flowing water, wind through trees, natural light. Modern life, in contrast, gives us:

• Constant blue light,

• Electronic noise,

• Interrupted sleep,

• And very little stillness.

Both nature connection and PEMF appear to influence autonomic balance (the relationship between “fight-or-flight” and “rest-and-digest”), as well as circulation and inflammatory signaling.

On a felt level, people often describe both as calming, centering, or grounding.

So I think of PEMF at Daybreak this way:

It is not a substitute for sitting by the Metolius or hiking in the pines, but it is a structured, reproducible way to give your body a coherent, rhythmic signal that says, “You are allowed to settle.”

When I watch people sink into the PEMF mat with red light, eyes closed and breath slowing, I see shoulders drop, jaws unclench, faces soften. For many of us, that is what has been missing: we are never still long enough to hear our body speak.

Our PEMF System at Daybreak: QRS Cell Vital

At Daybreak, our PEMF sessions use the QRS Cell Vital system, built on the Quantron Resonance System (QRS) technology that has been on the market for over two decades and is used worldwide in home and professional settings.

A few key features of the QRS-style system we use:

• It delivers low-intensity, low-frequency PEMF designed for long-term use and whole-body applications (via a mat), plus targeted applicators (like a small pad or pillow).

• The signal pattern and frequency range are designed to support ion transport across cell membranes and healthy cell membrane voltage – in simple terms, helping cells function more like fully charged batteries.

• The system offers structured programs such as Relax, Basic, and Vital, each combining different base frequencies and intensities. Relax is aimed at parasympathetic activation, Basic at general cellular support, and Vital at more stimulating settings.

• Typical manufacturer guidance suggests short sessions (often 8–24 minutes), one to three times per day for home users, with intensities adjusted to comfort and sensitivity.

At Daybreak, we adapt those capabilities into a clinical recovery context:

• We use short, focused sessions (usually around 20 minutes) on the full-body mat and, when needed, targeted applicators.

• We start at lower intensities, especially for sensitive or medically complex guests, and titrate up only as tolerated.

• We frequently pair QRS PEMF with red/near-infrared light to support both cellular energy production (via light) and membrane/ion signaling (via PEMF).

I want to be clear: while QRS systems are marketed with strong claims, I still treat them as evidence-informed tools, not miracle machines. I lean on broader PEMF research to guide how we integrate QRS into an overall plan rather than assuming brand-specific marketing equals proof.

Safety: Who PEMF Is Not For

Across devices and studies, PEMF is generally well tolerated, with few serious adverse events reported. When side effects occur, they are usually mild and transient:

• Temporary fatigue

• Feeling wired, “off,” or spacey

• Headache or lightheadedness

That said, there are clear situations where PEMF should be avoided or carefully supervised.

At Daybreak, we do not use PEMF (including QRS Cell Vital) without explicit specialist clearance if you:

• Have a pacemaker, implantable defibrillator, deep brain stimulator, certain insulin pumps, or other implanted electronic devices, because electromagnetic fields can interfere with these devices.

• Are pregnant, due to limited safety data and standard manufacturer recommendations to avoid PEMF during pregnancy.

• Have had a recent solid organ transplant, where your immune system is intentionally suppressed.

We are also cautious and review on a case-by-case basis if you have:

• Active cancer or an undiagnosed mass,

• Recent major surgery with high risk of bleeding or clotting,

• Uncontrolled seizures,

• Serious infections or sepsis,

• Certain very unstable thyroid conditions.

If someone feels consistently worse:  wired, dizzy, insomniac, or headachy  after PEMF, we lower intensity, shorten sessions, or stop altogether. More is not always better.

Why PEMF Pairs So Well With Red Light

You will often see PEMF paired with red and near-infrared (NIR) light in the Daybreak Recovery Spa. That is deliberate.

Red/NIR light (also called photobiomodulation) primarily works at the level of the mitochondria, the energy-producing structures inside your cells. It has been shown to:

• Stimulate key enzymes in the respiratory chain.

• Increase ATP (cellular energy) production.

• Modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways.

PEMF, especially low-intensity signals like those used in QRS systems, appears to:

• Influence ion channels and cell membrane potential.

• Promote microcirculation and nitric-oxide-mediated vasodilation.

• Support signaling pathways involved in tissue repair.

One way I explain the pairing:

Red light helps the cell charge its battery.

PEMF helps the cell and surrounding tissues use and coordinate that charge more efficiently.

We do not yet have large, definitive trials on the combination of PEMF and red light, but the synergy makes physiological sense and is consistent with what many clients report: less stiffness, smoother recovery, deeper relaxation, and better sleep on “combo” days.

How Often Should You Do PEMF?

There is no single gold-standard protocol. Research studies use different devices, frequencies, intensities, and schedules, ranging from daily sessions for several weeks to a few sessions per week over months.

Rather than pretending there is one magic number, I think in terms of goals and response.

For General Recovery, Stress, and “Battery Recharge”

A reasonable starting framework:

• Frequency: 1–2 sessions per week for 3–4 weeks.

• Duration: About 20 minutes per session, often paired with red/NIR light.

• Track: Sleep quality, muscle soreness, mental clarity, and overall sense of wellbeing.

If you feel consistently better and tolerate it well, many people move to weekly or every-other-week as part of an ongoing recovery ritual.

For Joint Pain or Low Back Pain (Alongside Rehab)

When PEMF is used alongside physical therapy or a structured movement plan:

• Frequency: 2–3 sessions per week for 4–6 weeks.

• Reassess: Pain scores, daily function, and medication use at 4–6 weeks.

If there is no meaningful change after that period, I would rather revisit the plan than simply keep adding more sessions.

For PEAKMD Pathway Patients

If you are in a PEAKMD program (Longevity, Metabolic Optimization, Phoenix Midlife, or Peak Performance), we weave QRS PEMF into your North-based plan:

• On heavy training days to support recovery.

• On high-stress weeks paired with breathwork or vibroacoustic therapy.

• Strategically around sleep and circadian rhythm work when helpful.

The goal is to create deliberate touchpoints where your body feels the benefits of the work you are doing  which makes it much easier to stay consistent with the fundamentals.

What a PEMF Session at Daybreak Feels Like

A typical PEMF session at Daybreak might look like this:

• You settle onto the QRS full-body mat in the Recovery Lounge.

• If appropriate, we add red/NIR light aimed at the area we are focusing on (knees, low back, or full-body exposure).

• We choose a QRS program – often Relax or Basic to start – and set a gentle intensity.

• You can close your eyes, pull up a light blanket, and follow a simple breathing pattern if you like. There is nothing to “achieve.”

For about 20 minutes, your only job is to receive.

People often describe:

• Warmth from the red light.

• A sense of sinking into the mat.

• Their mind finally getting quiet.

• A kind of “day-after-a-hike” relaxation – but without the exertion.

For some, PEMF becomes less of a treatment and more of a ritual – a way to regularly return to themselves in a busy, noisy season of life.

So… Is PEMF Right for You?

PEMF with the QRS Cell Vital system might be a good fit if:

• You have chronic joint or back pain and are already working on strength, weight, and movement.

• You are an athlete or active human who pushes your body and wants smarter recovery.

• You are in a season of burnout, poor sleep, or “running on fumes” and crave a structured way to help your nervous system finally downshift.

• You are curious about grounding and nature-based practices and want something accessible and time-efficient to weave into real life.

It is not a magic fix, and it is not a replacement for appropriate medical care. But layered into a thoughtful plan, PEMF can be:

A quiet collaborator helping your body do what it already knows how to do: repair, rebalance, and remember how it feels to be at home in itself.

If you are wondering whether PEMF belongs in your plan  as a Daybreak guest, a PEAKMD patient, or both  that is exactly the kind of conversation we can have together. We can walk through your history, medications, and goals and design a recovery ritual that makes sense for your body, your season of life, and your North.

References (Selected, Not Exhaustive)

1. Bagnato GL, et al. Pulsed electromagnetic fields in knee osteoarthritis: a double blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. Clin Interv Aging. 2015.

2. Hashemi SE, et al. Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: a double-blind, randomized-controlled trial. Turk J Phys Med Rehab. 2025.

3. Cianni L, et al. Current evidence using pulsed electromagnetic fields in osteoarthritis: a systematic review. J Clin Med. 2024.

4. Sun X, et al. Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field on pain and physical function in patients with low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2022.

5. Andrade R, et al. Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effectiveness in low back pain. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2016.

6. Flatscher J, et al. Pulsed electromagnetic fields: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. Biophys Rev. 2023.

7. Hamblin MR. Mechanisms and applications of the anti-inflammatory effects of photobiomodulation. AIMS Biophys. 2017.

8. Salehpour F, et al. Brain photobiomodulation therapy: a narrative review. Mol Neurobiol. 2018.

9. Liu H, et al. Photobiomodulation therapy in skeletal muscle regeneration: mechanisms and clinical perspectives. 2025 review.

10. Wang HY, et al. The effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy: a meta-analysis of randomized trials. PLOS One. 2025.

11. Wang Q, et al. The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on end-stage knee osteoarthritis when combined with home-based exercise. Front Med. 2024.

12. QRS International AG. QRS 101 Homesystem overview and operating guidance. Manufacturer documentation.

13. QRS 101 PEMF Home System product descriptions and technical summaries from QRS distributors and technical sheets.

14. Clinical and manufacturer guidance documents on PEMF safety and contraindications (various sources, 2015–2024).