Magnet Therapy and Its Medical Uses

Magnetism is used in diagnostic devices like Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and also in dental implants. Magnetism is also said to have healing properties and therefore has people putting on magnetic jewelry like sports magnets and bio-magnets. Studies have been conducted which suggest that therapy using bio-magnets may help injuries and thus provide an alternate form of therapy.

Renewed interest in magnetism for pain treatment

Magnetism and its basic principles have recently seen a rise in popularity because it alleviates pain and the subsequent discomfort. Athletes in various forms of sports are using lumbar supports with flexible coated magnets. They are also using the same magnets in wrist bands, ankle supports, knee braces, and supports for the elbow where these magnets are stitched into their clothing or shoes. Flexible magnets are also popular with golfers . A lot of people also wear magnetic bracelets though no health claim is attached to them. You can find whole body magnets in kit form being sold in a variety of wrap around magnets as well as flexible magnets that can fit a body parts. Enthusiasts also wear flexible magnets that are stitched into the clothing while they are performing exercises or while training. One needs to be careful while using such flexible magnets while playing any contact sport as these can injure you or the opponent you come into contact with.

Why magnet therapy?

Magnet therapy was available even in the olden times and was used to treat gout and muscle spasms. In the middle Ages there was a belief that magnets placed on the skin would attract diseases and cause them to leave the body. The modern theory is that magnets have an effect on red blood cells as these contain iron, and are therefore responsive to any magnetic field, which can make them more active. This enhanced activity increases the use of oxygen and therefore promotes healing. Bio Magnetics international has said that the use of magnets in therapy removes lactic acid quickly from muscles that have been overworked and enables them to recover quickly. The magnets also cause calcium ions to change their migration and thus remove toxins from joints that have become arthritic. It is the negative pole of the magnet that appears to have the power to heal and electro magnetic fields which are negative seem to be necessary to promote any healing.

What can magnet therapy do?

Magnetic therapy can relieve pain and stiffness temporarily. It can also help in the healing of bone fractures as well as be a treatment for restless leg syndrome. Severe depression also is being treated with magnet therapy instead of subjecting such patients to any electroconvulsive treatment. Magnets do help in maintaining peripheral blood flow. Pain caused by diabetic peripheral neuropathy or pain after the onset of polio are said to reduce after magnet therapy and the pain seems to return as soon as the therapy is stopped. Magnetism is also being used to treat fibromyalgia. There is a claim that almost three quarters of the persons undergoing treatment by some form of magnetism have reported an improvement in their medical condition. Magnetic-pulse therapy has a usage all over the world to treat the leg and injuries to the spine in thoroughbred horses.

How does it work?

Studies have shown when particles that are charged pass a magnetic field that is perpendicular, an alternating current is generated that causes heat, making blood vessels expand, thus increasing the flow of blood and thus attracting oxygen as well as nutrients to the site of an injury. Even though it seems to have widely helped in reducing pain and discomfort in sufferers, it is still not accepted as a medical form of treatment and serious cases are better referred to a medical specialist. More studies are needed before the right strength of magnets is decided and whether magnet therapy does cause any side effects and a consequent danger to patients.

Caution in use of magnets

Gauss is the unit that is used to measure the strength of a magnet. Magnets that you normally use on a fridge are rated at 60 gauss. For magnet therapy use only magnets that have a known strength. Those with a higher strength will be rated between 300 and 500 gauss.

The correct strength needed for the therapy is still a matter of conjecture and there is no agreement yet on the strength required to treat various ailments.

Consult a physician before you start any magnet therapy so that other medical conditions are not aggravated. Do not stop any ongoing treatment. Also if you have any shrapnel, surgical screws and similar pins in the body point them out to the person giving you the magnet therapy. Avoid using magnets simultaneously with any electrical blankets or pads. Also avoid their use if you have a pacemaker, any implant or are pregnant.

Source: Magnetic Therapy, How Magnetic Therapy Works - A Natural Pain Reliever