Magnetotherapy uses magnets to treat certain ailments. In this sheet, you will discover this practice in more detail, its principles, its history, its benefits, who practices it, how, and finally, the contraindications.

Magnetotherapy is an unconventional practice that uses magnets for therapeutic purposes. In this context, magnets are used to treat a wide variety of health problems (chronic pain, migraines, insomnia, healing disorders, etc.). There are two main categories of magnets: static or permanent magnets, whose electromagnetic field is stable, and pulsed magnets, whose magnetic field varies and which must be connected to an electrical source. The majority of over-the-counter magnets fall into the first category. They are low intensity magnets that are used independently and individually. Pulsed magnets are sold as small portable devices, or are used in the office under medical supervision.

The main principles

How magnetotherapy works remains a mystery. It is not known how electromagnetic fields (EMFs) influence the functioning of biological mechanisms. Several hypotheses have been put forward, but none have been proven so far.

According to the most popular hypothesis, electromagnetic fields act by stimulating the functioning of cells. Others argue that electromagnetic fields activate blood circulation, which promotes the delivery of oxygen and nutrients, or that the iron in the blood acts as a conductor of magnetic energy. It could also be that electromagnetic fields interrupt the transmission of the pain signal between the cells of an organ and the brain. Research continues.

There is little scientific evidence for the effectiveness of magnets. However, some studies have shown their positive influence on certain conditions. Thus, the use of magnets would make it possible to:

Stimulate the healing of fractures that are slow to recover

Many studies report the benefits of magnetotherapy in terms of wound healing. For example, pulsed magnets are commonly used in classical medicine when fractures, particularly those of long bones such as the tibia, are slow to heal or have not healed completely. This technique is safe and has very good efficiency rates.

Help relieve symptoms of osteoarthritis

Several studies have evaluated the effects of magnetotherapy, applied using static magnets or devices emitting electromagnetic fields, in the treatment of osteoarthritis, particularly of the knee. These studies generally show that the reduction in pain and other physical symptoms, while measurable, was however modest. However, as this approach is relatively new, future research may provide a clearer picture of its effectiveness.

Help relieve some symptoms of multiple sclerosis

Pulsed electromagnetic fields may help reduce symptoms of multiple sclerosis, according to a few studies. The main benefits would be: antispasmodic effect, reduction of fatigue and improvement of bladder control, cognitive functions, mobility, vision and quality of life. However, the scope of these conclusions is limited due to methodological weaknesses.

Contribute to the treatment of urinary incontinence

Several cohort or observational studies have evaluated the effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of stress urinary incontinence (loss of urine while exercising or coughing, for example) or urgency ( loss of urine immediately following an urgent sensation of the need to evacuate). They have been carried out mainly in women, but also in men following removal of the prostate. Although the results seem promising, the conclusions of this research are not unanimous.

Contribute to the relief of migraine

In 2007, a review of the scientific literature showed that the use of a portable device generating pulsed electromagnetic fields could help reduce the duration, intensity and frequency of migraines and certain types of headaches. However, the effectiveness of this technique should be evaluated using a larger clinical trial.

Other studies have shown that magnetotherapy could be effective in relieving certain pains (rheumatoid arthritis, back pain, feet, knees, pelvic pain, myofascial pain syndrome, whiplash, etc.), reduce tinnitus, treat insomnia. Magnetotherapy would be beneficial in the treatment of tendonitis, osteoporosis, snoring, constipation associated with Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries, post-surgery pain, post-operative scars, asthma, painful symptoms associated with diabetic neuropathy and osteonecrosis, as well as changes in heart rate. However, the amount or quality of research is insufficient to validate the effectiveness of magnetotherapy for these problems.

Note that some studies have shown no difference between the effects of real magnets and placebos magnets.

The specialist

When magnetotherapy is used as an alternative or complementary technique, it is advisable to call in a specialist to supervise the magnetotherapy sessions. But, these specialists are hard to find. We can look on the side of certain practitioners such as acupuncturists, massage therapists, osteopaths, etc.

Course of a session

Some practitioners in alternative medicine offer magnetotherapy sessions. During these sessions, they first assess the potential risks and benefits, then they help determine precisely where to locate the magnets on the body. However, in practice, the use of magnets is most often an individual initiative and practice.

Magnets can be used in different ways: worn, inserted inside a sole, placed in a bandage or in a pillow…. When magnets are worn on the body, they are placed directly on the painful area (knee, foot, wrist, back, etc.) or on an acupuncture point. The greater the distance between the magnet and the body, the more powerful the magnet should be.

Become a magnetotherapy practitioner

There is no recognized training and no legal framework for magnetotherapy.

There are important contraindications for some people:

• Pregnant women: the effects of electromagnetic fields on fetal development are not known.
• People with a pacemaker or similar device: electromagnetic fields can disturb them. This warning also applies to relatives, since electromagnetic fields emitted by another person can constitute a risk for the person wearing such a device.
• People with skin patches: The dilation of blood vessels caused by electromagnetic fields could influence the skin absorption of drugs.
• People with blood circulation disorders: there is a risk of hemorrhage linked to the dilation produced by magnetic fields.
• People suffering from hypotension: a medical consultation is required beforehand.

Magnetotherapy dates back to antiquity. From that time on, man lent healing powers to naturally magnetic stones. In Greece, doctors then made rings of magnetized metal to relieve the pain of arthritis. In the Middle Ages, magnetotherapy was recommended to disinfect wounds and treat several health problems, including arthritis as well as poisoning and baldness.

Alchemist Philippus Von Hohenheim, better known as Paracelsus, believed that magnets were able to remove disease from the body. In the United States, after the Civil War, healers who then crisscrossed the country claimed that the disease was caused by an imbalance of electromagnetic fields present in the body. The application of magnets, they argued, made it possible to restore the functions of the affected organs and to fight a multitude of ailments: asthma, blindness, paralysis, etc.