Speculation linking the San Francisco 49ers' recent injury issues to an electrical substation near the team’s training facility has gone viral, but Dr. David Chao, Pro Football Doc, says the theory does not hold up under medical scrutiny.
Chao addressed the claim after a social media post suggested the location of the 49ers’ practice fields was responsible for an increase in Achilles, patellar tendon and soft-tissue injuries. “Fiction,” Chao said, noting that the premise oversimplifies both injury mechanisms and medical science.
According to Chao, one of the ironies of the claim is that pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy is already an accepted, noninvasive treatment used to reduce inflammation and promote healing of collagen and, in some cases, bone. While he stressed that PEMF therapy is not the same as exposure near an electrical substation, Chao said the low-level readings shown in viral posts are unlikely to be harmful. “The levels on the Gauss meter that were shown are higher than normal but still very low compared to accepted PEMF therapy,” he said.
Chao also pushed back on the narrative that San Francisco has been uniquely devastated by injuries. “Some of the facts about the injuries — that the 49ers have been the worst in the league — are not exactly correct,” he said, adding that there is no clear evidence the facility’s location has had any effect at all.
Speaking further on the Ross Tucker Podcast, Chao compared the substation theory to other viral sports myths that spread quickly but lack substance. He emphasized that he is not claiming the idea is impossible, only that there is no scientific basis to support it. “There’s a difference between saying something can’t happen and saying I’m not buying in,” Chao said.
While some medical discussions have explored whether constant magnetic fields near electrical substations could pose long-term health risks, Chao noted that no studies have proven such effects, particularly in the context of sports injuries. “If treatment with pulsed, higher-energy fields is considered beneficial, the idea that low, constant fields are suddenly harmful doesn’t make sense,” he said.
For now, Chao said the theory appears to be more internet speculation than science. “Let science take its course,” he said. “There doesn’t seem to be much to this story.”
Want to know who to bet?
👉 Try our proven winning ratings, projections and picks cashing at 74% on 3-Star Spreads this season.
For NFL Divisional Round we have a GUARANTEED WINNING 3-STAR PICK - sign up, follow our picks and win.
New weekly SIC Picks subscriptions only.
Our SIC Picks subscribers cashed in on another profitable NFL season.
67–51 on NFL pregame spreads (57%)
+28 units, a $100 bettor is up $2,800!
To celebrate, we’re offering our lowest annual price of the year and only 50 places remain!
Save $100 on Annual SIC Picks
Just $1.10 per day
Use code: PROFIT2500
Your subscription includes:
NFL Playoffs + 2026 NFL season
College Basketball (+23 units this season), NBA & WNBA
Soccer World Cup coverage
2026 College Football
This is the best value we offer all year - and it won’t last long.
WANT TO KNOW WHO TO BET ON THE NFL? - USE SIC PICKS FOR PROVEN WINNING PICKS CASHING AT OVER 56.5% ON SPREADS OVER SIX YEARS!
SIC PICKS ARE BASED ON INSIDER INJURY KNOWLEDGE FROM FORMER PRO SPORTS TEAM DOCTORS TO GIVE YOU A WINNING EDGE IN SPORTS BETTING!
SIC PICKS are powered by the proven SIC Score algorithms from our exclusive panel of former Pro Sports Team doctors to give you a sports betting edge. Each day our team of doctors analyze the players and teams and share their expert insights to help you make informed bets on the biggest unknown to sportsbooks and sports bettors - player health and injuries!
For our Best Bets including spreads, totals, props and live in game with instant alerts as game day opportunities arise with research notes, sign up to SIC Picks here for less than $2 a day on an annual plan.
Sign up to SIC Picks today to get our picks sent direct to your cell!
