FAQ

How does NormaTec® compression therapy work?

Normatec is a device that uses compressed air to massage the body’s limbs. It’s designed to improve
circulation and reduce soreness

How long should one session be? How often can I use Normatec®?

A typical session lasts 20–60 minutes. You can use Normatec daily, or before or after exercise

Who can use Normatec®

Normatec® is suitable for people of all 􀃶tness levels, including athletes, people with chronic pain, and
people recovering from injuries

How does it work? What are the benefits

Normatec® uses a patented massage pattern that mimics muscle pumps to move 􀃸uid out of the body.
Normatec can help with pain relief, recovery, and reducing in􀃸ammation and swelling.

Is Normatec® safe

NormaTec® is an FDA-cleared device, but you should not use it if you have certain conditions.
NormaTec® Compression Therapy is contraindicated for patients with:
• Current or unstable fractures/breaks
• Recent surgery and have sutures/stitches
• Open wounds, contusions, abrasions
• Suspect or known Acute deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (Blood clot)
• Severe artherosclerosis (disease of the arteries)/Ischemic vascular disease (IVD)
• Severe congestive cardiac failure (CHF)
• Existing pulmonary edema (having excess 􀃸uid in the lungs)
• Existing pulmonary embolism (blood clot in the lungs)
• Extreme deformity of the limbs
• Any local skin conditions such as gangrene, untreated or infected wounds, recent skin graft, or
dermatitis
• Know presense of malignancy in the legs or arms
• Limb infections, including cellulitis that have not been treated
• Presence of Lymphangiosarcoma (a rare cancer due to long-standing lymphedema of the
upper/lower extremities)

What type of clothing should I wear

Wear comfortable & tight clothing that lays 􀃸at. If your clothes are too loose, as the device
compresses, the fabric can bunch and be uncomfortable. Avoid wearing denim or clothes with
zippers. Remove body jewelry.

WHAT IS PEMF?

A pulsating electro-magnetic field delivered to the body through a coil is said to produce one main result: stimulating cell metabolism. This action is thought to cause a chain of processes in the body that could lead to improvements of health without side effects. Increased oxygenation and optimal wellness in a drug-free way.

IS PEMF SAFE TO USE FOR EVERYONE?

PEMF machines are not medical devices and do not treat or cure diseases or their symptoms. You should always ask your doctor before using any type of PEMF machine, but generally yes they are safe to use. Your practitioner will talk to you about any contraindications.

HOW LONG HAS PEMF BEEN USED OR BEEN AVAILABLE?

PEMF technology has existed for hundreds of years and has been used for a variety of purposes. Magnawave – the manufacturer of my device – was founded in 2002, and has been providing an avenue for wellness in both humans and animals, using only top of the line equipment and thorough certification training.

WHY TREAT THE WHOLE BODY WHEN THE PROBLEMS IS IN ONE AREA?

By increasing the blood oxygen in the whole body, the sensitive area continues to be benefited as super oxygenated and acupuncture points are stimulated. This process reduces pain and inflammation, thus relieving pain and helping the body begin to heal itself naturally.

HOW LONG DOES A SESSION TAKE?

Normal session times are 20-30 minutes, but can vary depending on the situation..

HOW LONG WILL THE RESULTS LAST?

Results can last a day or weeks depending on the issue. In a performance situation, 1-2 sessions per week is normally sufficient.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT AFTER MY FIRST SESSION?

Each person is unique and a PEMF session can vary for each client. Diet, lifestyle, activity level, hydration, general health & stress levels all contribute to how PEMF will work and how you or your pet feels after each session. It can help them feel energized and this feeling can build for a few hours after the session.

Or it can make you or your animal have less energy. This may be due to a detox reaction. The body wants to clean house and is getting rid of toxins. Resting and keeping hydrated may support this detox reaction.

It is important to keep track of how they are feeling and for how long after each session. It tells your veterinarian (or doctor) and practitioner how many sessions they will need to achieve your goals.

How does Red Light Therapy (RLT) work?

Red light penetrates the skin, stimulating the mitochondria in cells to produce more energy. This can enhance cellular repair and regeneration.  

How long should one session be?

When just starting out, you will want to begin at only 10-20% of the normal recommended session. Do this 3-5 times for the first week. You can then begin increasing the time over the next 2 weeks until you reach the maximum per body area. For example, if you’re using a Tabletop or larger, do 2 minutes per area at 12 inches away for the first week. Increase slowly so that by week 4 you are at 15-18 minutes per area at 12 inches away. If at any point you don’t feel well (yucky or headache), take a couple days off and begin again slowly. It’s recommended to drink plenty of clean water throughout the day. Treat this like exercise. You don’t want to push too hard too quickly. Take it slowly and gently.  

Should eye protection be used?

For individuals who have certain eye conditions such as diabetic retinopathy or who take medications that cause photosensitivity, or had recent surgery, precautions should be taken. These same individuals should also consult their primary healthcare provider before using light therapy. The light is very bright, so if it’s too bright, consider wearing goggles. Also the pulsing can be annoying and can be reduced by goggles. Otherwise, it’s recommended to keep your eyes closed.  

What does light therapy feel like? Will it get hot?

The devices themselves should not get hot but might feel warm partly due to energy loss from the device, but also due to the increased circulation to the body area exposed to the light. Most people find light therapy to be comfortable and relaxing.  

What should I do after a session?

Drink clean water. Hydration is important in general, but once you expose your body tissues and their cells to the light, their energy levels will go up significantly. Just like when you hit the gym for a workout, your cells need to stay hydrated when they are working out. Hydrating after a session gives your cells all the fuel they will need, as the energizing effects of light can last 48 hours! As a general rule, try to drink half your body weight in ounces per day.  

What type of clothing should I wear?

Birthday suit is the best way to go! Clothing blocks the light waves from directly penetrating the skin, decreasing the effectiveness of the light.  

What kind of contraindications are there to light therapy?

Light therapy is a safe and noninvasive therapy modality. However, there are certain medical conditions that fall under the category of contraindication. Meaning, if someone were to have a condition such as epilepsy, pregnancy, certain types of cancer, eye conditions, or on certain medications, light therapy may not be the right choice. Some of these contraindications have to do with a lack of human research. Consulting your primary health care provider before initiating light therapy is highly recommended.

Will the light interfere with any prescription medications I take?  

If you’re on prescription medications that fall into the category of tetracyclines, or if you take digoxin (An antiarrhythmic medication to treat heart arrhythmias) you should consult your health care provider before initiating light therapy. These and many other prescription drugs cause photosensitivity, which means it makes that individual’s body more sensitive to light (they can get sunburned easier, or their eyes can be harmed by intense light). Therefore, it’s important to consult your health care provider if you are on any kind of prescription medication before beginning light.

Can cancer patients use red light?  

This has always been a controversial topic without a straightforward answer. There are studies showing that light can be beneficial to individuals with certain types of active cancer. Light has also been shown very positive for those going through and suffering the side effects of cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. It is highly recommended to consult your doctor first if you have or suspect you have cancer.

Is red light therapy used to treat Seasonal Depression?  

The use of light therapy has been in use for those who experience seasonal affective disorder for many years now. Blue light has been shown in research to be very positive for SAD as well as resetting your circadian rhythm to aid in deeper sleep. Best to combine blue in the morning with the healing benefits of red and NIR.

How does red light therapy help my athletic performance?  

There are so many reasons why light therapy is so beneficial for an individual who works out regularly. The increase in blood flow that light promotes will allow your muscles to maintain optimal oxygen levels while you push them to become stronger. Not only will this enhance your ability to work out, but also help you recover from a workout faster. If your goal is to lose weight, light will also support this goal as an adjunct to exercise and diet.