PEMF for Preventing Muscle Loss During Aging (and Increasing Muscle Mass in Anyone)

We’ve recently posted summaries on the overall benefits of PEMF and how to incorporate PEMF into your exercise routine for better preparation and recovery.

PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy uses safe, low-frequency electromagnetic pulses to stimulate cellular repair, improve circulation, and boost energy production at the mitochondrial level. Translation? Your cells work better, your body recovers faster, and—yes—you can build and maintain muscle more easily.

For Older Adults: Muscle Support That Actually Works

As we age, maintaining muscle mass and mobility can become harder. Starting as early as your 30s, you can lose 3–8% of your muscle mass per decade—and after age 60, that rate can accelerate to over 1% per year. This age-related decline, known as sarcopenia, isn’t just about strength—it’s a major driver of poor balance, mobility issues, increased fall risk, slower wound healing, and metabolic slowdown. Muscle isn’t just for movement; it’s a reservoir for glucose, a support system for bones, and even a key player in immune function. When we lose muscle, we lose resilience. That’s why targeted therapies like PEMF are more than “wellness”—they’re critical tools for staying independent and vibrant as we age.

Enter PEMF.

A 2023 community study published in Aging found that weekly 10-minute PEMF sessions led to measurable improvements in mobility, balance, and lean muscle mass in adults aged 66–91. Participants even reduced their fall risk and experienced a 1.1% increase in lean body mass—results typically associated with resistance training and protein supplementation. (source)

Another pilot study in Manual Therapy, Posturology & Rehabilitation Journal showed a significant increase in muscle strength and major improvements in sit-to-stand times after just 12 PEMF sessions. (source)

PEMF helps you stay strong, mobile, and independent—without breaking a sweat.

For Athletes and Everyday Movers: Muscle Gains + Faster Recovery

PEMF isn’t just for older adults. Whether you're training hard, recovering from an injury, or just want to optimize your workouts, PEMF can help.

Recent research shows that PEMF enhances muscle regeneration by stimulating satellite cell activity and boosting MyoD—a key protein for muscle growth. In one study, PEMF increased muscle mass and fiber density in just two weeks. (source)

It also improves blood flow and oxygen delivery during exercise (source), and may reduce soreness and improve recovery after tough workouts. (source)

Basically: more gains, less pain.

The Secret Weapon for Longevity?

One of the most intriguing findings from emerging research is PEMF’s ability to mimic some of the effects of exercise at the cellular level. This concept, called “magnetic mitohormesis,” has the potential to support healthy aging and even reverse aspects of frailty. (source)

So if you’re someone who wants to stay strong, sharp, and steady long into the future—PEMF might just be your new favorite biohack.

Better Together: PEMF and Red Light Therapy

If PEMF is the cellular spark, Red Light Therapy is the fuel. When used together, these two therapies can amplify each other’s effects—especially when it comes to muscle health, recovery, and performance. PEMF stimulates mitochondrial activity and improves blood flow, while red and near-infrared light boost ATP production and reduce oxidative stress. A 2023 study in Frontiers in Sports and Active Living noted that combining modalities like PEMF and RLT may create a more robust adaptive response to training stress by supporting cellular energy and recovery on multiple fronts. Whether you're aiming for muscle growth, reduced soreness, or overall vitality, this dynamic duo can help you get there faster—with less wear and tear.

Try Them at Very Well

At Very Well, we offer state-of-the-art PEMF Therapy and powerful full-body Red Light Therapy in a serene setting that lets you recharge in more ways than one. Of course, we can’t guarantee any specific results… but the good news is that when you try these therapies for any reason, you should get ALL of their holistic benefits, not just support for your chief concerns. Whether you’re an athlete, an artist, or someone simply looking to feel better in your body, PEMF and Red Light Therapy are powerful, non-invasive ways to get broad-spectrum results. (If you are looking to try this combo for yourself, and want to try both PEMF and RLT on the same day, we suggest having your PEMF appointment first, followed shortly thereafter by RLT.)