Oska Pulse recovery update
Disclosure: this blog contains affiliate links and I will receive commission if you decide to purchase from Oska, Inc. using this link. I was provided with a free product in return for my review.
For the past two years I have using a device for pain and other health conditions called OSKA Pulse. OSKA Pulse is a small, portable PEMF device (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) designed to break the cycle of inflammation, reduce pain and muscle stiffness, increase mobility, promote joint and muscle recovery, and release the body’s natural endorphins. See below for more information on the technology.
As I wrote in my original review (click here to read the review), it helps a lot with my pain associated with dystonia, a neurological movement disorder I have, and it totally eliminated severe elbow tendonitis I developed. It was so bad that I could barely hold a pen to write. I then began using it for an ear problem that caused bouts of vertigo and tinnitus, which resulted in no flare-ups in over a year. It also helps me with sleep. I then had my 83 year old Dad use it for back pain that made it hard for him to play golf anymore, as well as do other things. A few weeks after using Oska, he had no pain and has not needed ice, lotions, or anything else to treat the formerly painful area (click here to read what I shared in that update).
I recently had a minor health scare and I wanted to share how Oska helped me once again. A few months ago, I noticed an irregular spot on my right cheek. My primary care doctor thought it was some form of skin cancer and referred me to the dermatologist. I never previously had any issues with my skin, so I was not sure what to expect at my appointment (fear of the unknown). I wondered what they would say it was and what else they might find on my body (thankfully nothing). Then to hear the word “cancer,” I was of course quite worried.
When my appointment finally arrived, I was SO relieved when the dermatologist told me it was at worst something called actinic keratosis (solar keratosis), which is pretty much considered pre-, -pre cancerous, but needed to be treated. She gave me a topical treatment called Picato. I read a lot about it and and how painful and disfiguring it can potentially be, so I wanted to do whatever I could to offset this as much as possible (it’s basically a form of chemotherapy). Enter my trusted Oska Pulse! Typically used for pain, it helps me with so many things that I had to try it again.
The topical medication treatment (Picato) was for 3 days, which was basically a medication that kills/burns off the dangerous cells/layers of skin. The recovery time for most is typically weeks to months. I began using Oska before applying the medication and every day since. One week after completing the 3 day treatment, the area is almost healed except for pink skin, which is the new skin coming in (photos below). Based on the speed of recovery, I am once again very impressed by the power of this device. Below is my recovery process over a period of 7 days (prior to treatment, during treatment and after treatment). Further below is more about PEMF therapy and the specifics about this particular device.
Recovery progress after 7 days
What is PEMF therapy?
Science teaches us that everything is energy and all atoms, chemicals, and cells produce electromagnetic fields (EMFs). Every organ in the body produces its own signature bio-electromagnetic field and all cells in the body communicate via electromagnetic frequencies. Nothing happens in the body without an electromagnetic exchange. In other words, electromagnetic energy controls the chemistry in the body. This in turn controls tissue function. Disruption of electromagnetic energy in cells causes impaired cell metabolism. PEMF devices are designed to address impaired body chemistry and thus, the health and function of cells. (Source: http://www.matrixrepatterning.com/pulse-electromagnetic)
PEMF therapy uses bursts of energy pulses at low frequencies that pass through the skin and penetrate deep into muscle, bones, tendons, and even organs to activate the cell’s energy and encourage its natural repair mechanisms. PEMF therapy is proving to be of benefit in pain reduction, increased rate of injury healing, immune function, sleep, depression, arthritis, physical energy, bone healing and density, and circulation, among others.
Designed to promote healing at a cellular level, the OSKA Pulse PEMF device is calibrated for 4 specific frequencies related to bone repair, cartilage repair, increased blood flow, and pain reduction. It is a non-invasive, drug-free therapy, providing an alternative or adjunct to pain medication. OSKA is one of the only pulsed electromagnetic field therapy devices available for home use without a prescription.
OSKA Pulse is a wearable device and you can use it on any part of the body. It has a 20-inch treatment diameter with an 8-10 inch magnetic field in all directions; about the size of a small beach ball. It also does not need to be touching your skin (or touching you at all) or go exactly on the area that you are treating. For example, you can sit or lie down and have it near your areas of pain or other issues. Below is a photo of where I place the Oska when I am sitting or laying down/reclining. Because it has a 20 inch treatment diameter, placing it on my shoulder treats my face, neck, and upper back.
This is where I will place the Oska when I am sitting or laying down. Because it has a 20 inch treatment diameter, placing it here treats my face, neck, and upper back.
PEMF machines versus TENS units
People often ask if Oska is like a TENS unit. The answer is no. A TENS unit floods nerve pathways to block pain, but when it is turned off, the pain often returns. PEMF technology is different in that it is designed to target inflammation at the cellular level for healing and long-term relief. The company refers to it as “massaging the cells” by increasing nutrients in and increasing waste out. Also different from a TENS unit, you won’t feel any pulsing or tingling with the Oska Pulse. It is intended for you to feel nothing, although some people notice a slight warming of the afflicted area due to increased blood flow. I never feel anything when I use it.
How to use the Oska Pulse?
To use Oska Pulse, you click the power button and it runs for 90 minutes. It will beep once when you turn it on and flash a light blue color. When it goes off, it will beep 3 times and the light will turn off. You can take a break from using it or keep turning it on after it completes a cycle. This is what I do. You can also stop it yourself if you prefer a shorter treatment period.
Some people get immediate relief, and for some, usually those with chronic pain, you may need to be a bit more patient. I didn’t really notice significant change with my more severe pains until after a few weeks of daily use (at least 4-6 hours a day). For the vertigo, I only used it about a week before I saw almost full improvement, and the skin issue, about a week.
Some people may not respond well to this form or therapy, no different than any other therapy. We are all very unique so please keep this in mind if you try it. I can’t say that you will experience the same, as we all respond to things differently. The great thing about it is that they offer a full 30-day money back guarantee if you don’t like it.
Cost
The way I look at cost for anything is based on the results I get. For example, there was a time I was spending $100 for acupuncture (per session) a few times a month and $75 for massage every couple of weeks, both of which helped, but were short lasting. It drained my savings. In comparison, Oska has made permanent changes for far less money than these other therapies, which I love, but not at that price for short-term benefit. Oska is also on cheap side for me when compared with other personal use items for pain. It retails for $399, but if you contact me, I can give you a code that I set up with the company where they will take $55 off that price. I am not going to say it is inexpensive, but if it helps you like it has me, it is an amazing deal when you consider how much we pay for all the things we do for pain management, all the doctors we see, and all the medications we may take. If you are interested, you can try it risk free. OSKA offers a 30-day money back guarantee, payment plans, and warranty. It is not covered by insurance, but can be purchased using the FSA and HSA stores.
Who should not use Oska Pulse?
It is not recommended for people with a pacemaker or defibrillator, DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) pulse generator, cochlear implants, intrathecal pumps, etc. For those who are pregnant or nursing, and those being treated for cancer, they should consult their physician before using Oska Pulse. Please also consult the company (Oska Wellness) for any other possible contraindications, and to learn more about PEMF technology, the Oska Wellness website provides links in their FAQ section to dozens of clinical studies on the efficacy of this technology. Please also visit their Facebook page.
(10/14/2018) Please click here for an update on my experience using Oska Pulse where I share other symptoms for which it has been helpful.
(12/8/2019) Please click here for an update about my father’s experience using Oska Pulse to help him with a back/hip injury.
(4/19/2020) Please click here for an update about my experience using Oska Pulse to help me with a pre-cancerous skin lesion.
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Tom Seaman is a Certified Professional Life Coach in the area of health and wellness, and the author of 2 books: Diagnosis Dystonia: Navigating the Journey (2015) and Beyond Pain and Suffering: Adapting to Adversity and Life Challenges (2021). He is also a motivational speaker, chronic pain and dystonia awareness advocate, health blogger, volunteer for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) as a support group leader, and is a member and writer for Chronic Illness Bloggers Network, The Mighty, Patient Worthy, and The Wellness Universe. To learn more about Tom, get a copy of his books (also on Amazon), or schedule a free life coaching consult, visit www.tomseamancoaching.com. Follow him on Twitter @Dystoniabook1 and Instagram.
Thanks Tom, just ordered one. Thanks for getting access to the discount – that certainly helps!
Hi Debbie- Good luck with it! I love mine. I actually have two. When you get it, use it as often as you can. People seem to get the best results the more they use it. I will use mine 4-6 hours a day and even sleep with it. It turns off after 90 minutes, but if I wake up, I will turn it back on. Please let me know if it helps you. Best wishes!
Hearing about this device seems interesting. However, are you affiliated with this company? I have cervical dystonia that I am looking for non medicinal ways to control pain.
Hi Wendy – I do not work for the company. It is just a great device that has helped me a lot with many things. I write reviews for many products I have tried over the years.