Introduction 

Magnetic therapy is a branch of medicine which expands on a wide range of therapies.. It is based on the practice of ancient Asian and European healers who have been using magnets to promote healing for 2000 years by pulling impurities and diseases out of the body.¹

As of now, the studies state that magnetic therapy has a wide range of scope in relieving chronic pain and reducing the risks and symptoms of cancers.

Static field magnetic therapy is well-defined and designed specifically for biomagnetic Cancer Therapy.  Theories about magnetic therapy state that the way molecules have their small magnetic fields is intrinsic to these molecules. 

Certain conditions may cause imbalances in the magnetic fields of your molecules. Therefore, by implementing magnetic therapy, you can rejuvenate the body’s electromagnetic field and boost your health. 

Magnetic therapy has always been an alternative medical practice that uses static magnetic fields for therapeutic purposes. 

Magnetic therapy as combination therapy

When magnetic therapy is combined with pharmacological, non-pharmacological and conventional therapies several investigational studies have concluded that the outcomes have led to pain relief and reduced inflammation in patients. Combination management with magnetic therapy is still an ongoing research 

Research studies 

Pain management  

In magnetic therapy, pain relief is the most ancient science of medical study, where magnets have been utilised in affecting nerve signals by potentially reducing the perception of pain and have been used to stimulate the production of endorphins, which are natural pain-relieving chemicals of the body. 

A research trial was done to research trial was conducted for pain management in rheumatoid arthritis patients. It is still an ongoing study and results are yet to be presented on the effectiveness of magnetic therapy on rheumatoid arthritis.²

Inflammation  

Magnetic therapy has been used in the management of chronic pain syndromes.

Studies clearly state and support that magnetic therapy has been playing a key role when given to patients with OA. One multicentered, double-blinded, randomised placebo-controlled trial explained that rather than conventional therapies and pharmacological therapies, magnetic therapy has improved the management of pain and inflammation.³

Rehabilitation  

In the surgical management of herniated discs, it has been found that magnetic therapy in postoperative patients improved and enhanced the effects of the condition’s clinical symptoms, regeneration and blood circulation at the site of surgery. It also showed significant benefits in post-operative patients’ psycho-emotional state, improving their quality of life by reducing complications and shortening the recovery time.⁴

Types and Magnets

Magnetic devices in magnetic therapy have been widely stocked in the market, which include alloy or metal, static magnets. These magnets can be weak but the range of the magnetic field is always enough.

Magnetic therapy has been spread through devices, jewellery, wristbands, mats and pillows. Whereas the electromagnets, their internal matter changes and passes an electric current through magnetic coil material.⁵

Other ongoing research studies

Magnetic therapy has also been the most incredible therapy in management of:⁶

• Menstrual pain 
• Menopause symptoms 
• Migraines
• Sport injuries 

The most important and remarkable magnetic therapy is transcranial magnetic stimulation, which resolves and relieves worse, chronic and continuous pain. These pains have the ability to disturb a patient’s quality of life due to physiological, psychological and emotional pains. Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been able to help improve conditions such as:

• Depression 
• Tinnitus 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder 
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder 
• Anorexia 
• Chronic neuropathic pain 
• Cocaine dependence 
• Fibromyalgia 

Magnetic therapy has been a great part of medicine with good and widely remarkable management in pain, inflammation, recovery and enhancing the quality of life in patients with various kinds of diseases and disorders. 

However, not all the research studies, clinical trials and investigational studies have determined the safety and efficacy of magnetic therapy. It remains that more in-depth studies need to be done in order to explain and evaluate the best outcomes of the hypothetical scenarios. 

Research studies are going on to take out the potential benefits of therapy and mechanisms of action. Studies on comparing magnetic therapy with other conventional, non-interventional and alternative therapies can lead to huge breakthroughs for the therapy and can discover more of its potential benefits. However, those benefits must be evaluated, studied and investigated as the risks are also important to explain. 

Limitations for magnetic therapy

Despite the benefits of magnetic therapy, not everyone can be given treatment because of the following reasons: 

• Pregnancy 
• Fever and other acute conditions 
• Artificial cardiac pacemaker 
• Malignant tumour 
• Individual intolerance 
• Severe hypotension 
• Acute cerebral circulation disorder 
• Metal implant 

FAQ’s 

Does magnetic therapy help in edema? 

Yes, especially in leg and ankle edema. Magnetic therapy helps reduce swelling at the site of inflammation and reduces pain along with helping in water retention. 

At which regions of the body magnetic therapy can be used? 

• Head 
• Neck
• Shoulders 
• Hips
• Knee 
• Foot 
• Ankle 
• Abdomen 
• Back 

Summary

• Magnetic therapy has always been a good solution for pain relief and inflammation. Especially in patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, patients with pain management problems and several other physio-psychological problems
• However, more research studies, trials and investigations need to be done in order to prove and elaborate on the true and good therapeutic practice of magnetic therapy
• Many randomised, clinical research studies are going on exclusively investigating the mechanism of action, clinical efficacy, safety and effectiveness of magnetic therapy
• Although magnetic therapy is helping lots of patients with many positive and good outcomes, not everyone can partake in those benefits such as those with a malignant tumour or an artificial cardiac pacemaker etc.