Two Approaches, One Technology

PEMF therapy — Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy — can be delivered in two primary ways: through a full-body mat that covers the entire body simultaneously, or through targeted coils that concentrate PEMF on a specific area. Both use the same underlying technology. The difference is in how the electromagnetic pulses are applied and what each approach is best suited for.

For athletes, stunt professionals, dancers, trainers, and highly active adults, understanding the difference between these two approaches can help you make better decisions about how to incorporate PEMF into your recovery routine.

Full-Body PEMF Mats: Whole-Body Recovery and Relaxation

A full-body PEMF mat is exactly what it sounds like — a mat that you lie on during your session, delivering PEMF pulses across the entire body simultaneously.

What Full-Body PEMF May Support

Systemic circulation. Because the mat covers the entire body, it may support circulation throughout the whole system — not just in one area. This makes full-body PEMF useful for general recovery support after a demanding training day or performance.

Whole-body muscle relaxation. After a session that engaged multiple muscle groups — a full-body workout, a demanding day on set, or a long competition day — a full-body mat can support relaxation across the entire body rather than addressing one area at a time.

General wellness and relaxation. Many people use full-body PEMF simply for relaxation and general wellness. Lower-frequency full-body sessions may support the parasympathetic nervous system, promoting a calm, restful state.

Sleep support. A full-body PEMF session in the evening, particularly at lower frequencies, may support the transition into restful sleep — which is itself one of the most important recovery tools available to any athlete.

When Full-Body PEMF Makes the Most Sense for Athletes

• After a full-body training session or competition day
• On rest days for general recovery support
• In the evening as part of a wind-down and sleep preparation routine
• When the goal is systemic circulation support and whole-body relaxation
• When you want a simple, low-effort recovery session — lie down, let the system work

Targeted PEMF Coils: Precision Recovery for Specific Areas

PEMF coils are applicators that allow you to direct electromagnetic pulses to a specific area of the body. Coils come in different sizes and shapes to accommodate different areas — small coils for joints and extremities, larger coils for the back, hips, and larger muscle groups.

What Targeted Coils May Support

Focused joint and muscle comfort. If your knees are sore after a long run, your shoulders are tight after a heavy lifting session, or your lower back needs attention after a demanding day, coils allow you to concentrate PEMF exactly where it is needed.

Specific muscle group recovery. Athletes who know which muscle groups worked hardest in a given session can use coils to direct PEMF to those specific areas — quads after a leg day, calves after a long run, rotator cuff muscles after overhead work.

Targeted circulation support. Coils may support microcirculation in a specific area, which can be useful for supporting recovery in a particular joint or muscle group.

Coil placement flexibility. Because coils are separate from the mat, they can be positioned in ways that a flat mat cannot accommodate — wrapped around a joint, placed on the back of the neck, or positioned on the inner knee, for example.

When Targeted Coils Make the Most Sense for Athletes

• When a specific area needs focused attention after training or performance
• For joint-specific support — knees, hips, shoulders, ankles, wrists
• When you want to address a particular muscle group that worked especially hard
• For pre-activity preparation of a specific joint or muscle group
• When portability matters — coils are generally more compact than full-body mats

Coil Placement: Getting the Most from Targeted PEMF

Effective coil placement is one of the most important factors in getting value from targeted PEMF. The coil should be positioned as close to the target area as possible, with the coil face oriented toward the tissue you want to reach.

Common coil placements for athletes include:

• Lower back and lumbar spine — for back support after training or physically demanding work
• Knees — placed on either side of the knee joint or directly over the front of the knee
• Shoulders — placed over the shoulder joint or on the upper trapezius
• Hips — placed over the hip joint or on the outer hip and glute area
• Calves and hamstrings — placed directly on the muscle belly
• Ankles and feet — for lower extremity support after running or standing-intensive activity

Jodi provides coil placement guidance as part of the PEMF Therapy Solutions practitioner and patient support program. If you are unsure about placement for a specific area, talk with Jodi directly.

Using Both: A Combined Approach

Many athletes and active adults use both full-body mats and targeted coils — not as competing approaches, but as complementary tools for different situations.

A common combined approach:

• Full-body mat session in the evening for general recovery, relaxation, and sleep preparation
• Targeted coils during the day for specific areas that need focused attention

Some PEMF systems include both a full-body mat and targeted coils, making it easy to use both approaches with a single system. When exploring PEMF systems, ask about what applicators are included and whether the system supports both full-body and targeted use.

Choosing the Right System

The right PEMF system for an athlete or active adult depends on several factors:

• Primary use case — general recovery and relaxation, or targeted support for specific areas
• Portability needs — home use only, or travel and on-location use
• Budget and system features — frequency range, intensity settings, included applicators
• Lifestyle and schedule — how and when you realistically plan to use the system

Jodi Seidler works with athletes and active adults to find the right system for their specific needs and lifestyle. Talk with Jodi or explore available PEMF systems to learn more.

A Note on Responsible Use

PEMF is a wellness technology. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition. PEMF does not prevent injuries, heal injuries, or guarantee improved athletic performance. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness program, particularly if you have a medical condition or implanted electronic device.

Visit the Learning Center for more information about PEMF frequency, intensity, session length, and the science behind PEMF therapy.