Magnet Therapy for Pain And Inflammation: How Does It Work?

Although magnet therapy for pain and inflammation sounds like science fiction, research shows magnets can actually stimulate healing within the human body. In fact, the U.S. Food And Drug Administration (FDA) has actually approved certain medical magnetic therapies that have proven useful in certain situations.

So, while you may be familiar with technologies like magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can be useful in diagnosing health issues, new magnetic therapies may actually heal health issues.

Important Note: We don’t have any team members at Apex Magnets who are trained in magnetic therapy, and we are unable to recommend specific magnets for specific medical treatments. Always consult your medical professional for use and recommendations before pursuing treatment. Improper use of magnets can be dangerous. Review our magnet safety guidelines for additional information.

Table of Contents

What Magnetic Therapies Have Been Approved By the FDA?

How Do Magnets Help With Pain?

Do Magnetic Bracelets Improve Health?

Learn More About Magnets And Health

What Magnetic Therapies Have Been Approved By the FDA?

The FDA has approved two different forms of magnetic therapy:

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEF)
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

What Is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEF)?

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy creates electromagnetic fields within a targeted location in the body that stimulates cell growth, potentially relieving pain and inflammation in bones, muscles, and joints.

Targeted PEF treatments can provide relief in musculoskeletal disorders such as:

Osteoporosis
Arthritis
Bone Fractures
Sciatica
And More

What Is Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)?

Transcranial magnetic stimulation is a brain stimulation therapy that works by delivering magnetic pulses to targeted areas of the brain through a coil placed around the patient’s head.

These magnetic pulses create electrical currents that can potentially alter brain activity and enhance mental health.

TMS can be used to treat numerous mental-health disorders, including:

Major Depressive Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Anxiety Disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Eating Disorders

How Do Magnets Help With Pain?

The medical community does not fully understand the use of magnets for pain, nor do researchers know if magnets can truly alleviate pain in the human body.

Here’s what we do know about electromagnetic therapy and static magnet therapy:

Pain-Related Research For Electromagnetic Therapy

Research across 21 different studies suggests electromagnet therapy can be useful in pain reduction under specific circumstances. Two major takeaways:

Electromagnetic therapy may reduce pain and improve function in musculoskeletal diseases such as knee osteoarthritis, shoulder impingement syndrome, and chronic mechanical neck pain.
Electromagnetic therapy’s impact was not enhanced any further when used alongside other therapies (such as hot packs or therapeutic ultrasound).

Pain-Related Research for Static Magnet Therapy

Research on pain relief from static magnets has shown inconsistent results, with at least one study boasting a 64% success rate! However, one major review of multiple studies found previous research has used different magnet strengths and dosing times, which may have contributed to mixed results—and inconclusive findings.

What We Do Know About Magnets And Pain Management

While more research is needed to reach an informed conclusion, it appears magnets may provide some pain relief—and electromagnetic therapy provides the best results. For more information about magnet therapy for pain and inflammation, talk to your health care provider. They’ll be best equipped to discuss the ideal options for your unique medical needs.

Do Magnetic Bracelets Improve Health?

While companies rake in millions from the sale of magnetic bracelets every year, their health benefits are questionable at best.

Magnetic bracelets are commonly advertised to boost:

Blood Circulation
Pain Relief
Inflammation Reduction
Toxin Removal
Energy
And More

But, as with many cure-alls, at least one study has proven has demonstrated no measurable improvement in using such bracelets.

However, there is research that shows these bracelets can be potentially harmful, especially if you:

Are allergic to nickel
Wear an electronic device, like a Holter monitor
Have an electronic implant, like a pacemaker
Rely on an insulin pump

If you’re interested in gaining health benefits from a magnetic bracelet, discuss your options with your health professional. There could be other treatment options available to address your nagging injuries or ailments.

Learn More About Magnets And Health

Magnet-related health benefits aren’t limited to hospital settings. Other developments in the last few years are already proving useful in other areas of society.

A few examples:

Magnetic Water Treatment - Magnetic water treatment works on the microscopic level to restructure water molecules. In doing so, these molecules become less prone to toxins that could harm human health, creating safer water.
Magnetic Pulses For Meat Production - Scientists have discovered new ways to encourage cell-growth for meat production, and the results could reduce the agriculture industry’s carbon footprint.
Improving Drinks With Magnets - If you’re unfamiliar with matcha, it’s a powdered green tea that’s rich in antioxidants and could boost brain function, heart health, and even weight management. And this handy matcha mixer uses magnets for more effective stirring!

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Safety Warning: Magnets can be dangerous. Neodymium magnets, especially, must be handled with care to avoid personal injury and damage to the magnets. Fingers and other body parts can get severely pinched between two attracting magnets. Bones can be broken by larger magnets. Visit our Magnet Safety page to learn more.