Magnetic Therapy: Uses and Benefits

Magnetic therapy, when applied correctly, has multiple benefits and no side-effects.

Magnetic therapy can be an unknown therapy method for most people. However, if applied correctly and by a professional, its effectiveness when treating numerous pathologies, is highly backed. Let’s see its main uses and benefits.

What does magnetic therapy consist of?

Magnetic therapy consists of treating different pathologies by using magnetic fields. In other words, a magnetotherapy machine uses magnets through which a current passes, with the goal of penetrating body tissue.

The patient places the affected part of the body in the middle of the current flow, which is the electromagnetic field generated between the magnets.

One of the main effects of magnetic fields when it comes to healing the human body is the stimulation of metabolism at a cellular level, in addition to promoting the flow of ions through cell membranes.

This last aspect is essential in processes such as contractures or other chronic processes in which the flow is altered, and therefore, no longer works properly. As a result of these two main cellular effects, the benefits of magnetic therapy are:

• Tissue regeneration due to the production of fibroblasts.
• Muscle relaxation, thanks to the right ion flow.
• An anti-inflammatory effect, due to the stimulation of prostaglandin production.
• Vasodilation, or heat regulation, because of metabolism stimulation.
• Analgesia or pain reduction, which is the result of general relaxation and the greater contribution of red blood cells.

Use with common sense

Before mentioning all the pathologies magnetic therapy can help to treat, there’s one important detail you should take into account: you must always undergo magnetotherapy with a professional who has the right machinery.

Science looks suspiciously at this type of therapy because some say that just wearing magnetic bracelets and rings can do miracles for them. However, some magnets don’t generate enough electromagnetic flow to penetrate the body‘s tissues. And that’s why, in general, you must go to a specialist for magnetic therapy to be effective.

Your physiotherapist, hospital or healthcare center should own approved magnetic therapy equipment. Usually, the equipment consists of white rings wide enough for your legs, arms, hips or any other part of your body, to go in.

It’s also worth mentioning that magnetotherapy isn’t a solution on its own. Meaning, a good specialist will use magnetic therapy as a resource out of a wider treatment plan.

Cases where magnetic therapy is used

With that disclaimer out of the way, let’s go over the cases where magnetic therapy shows great results:

• Bone pathologies, such as fractures or bone edemas.
• Rheumatic processes in the joints.
• Muscle contractures and contusions.
• Sprains, elongations or tendinitis.
• Peripheral vascular disease.
• Speeding up cicatrization.
• Nerve pain.

The aforementioned effects happen due to electromagnetism’s positive changes in the body. But again, remember that magnetic therapy is just another tool to treat these ailments, and doesn’t guarantee a cure on its own.

For example, in the case of fractures, you must respect the period of immobilization and the exercise program recommended by your doctor. For sprains, magnetotherapy will complement ultrasound. Furthermore, for tendinitis, the patient must follow the suggested eccentric exercises, and so on. It’s always better to approach a pathology from different therapeutic standpoints in order to heal properly.

Side-effects

Finally, the best characteristic of magnetic therapy is that it doesn’t have side-effects. However, there are certain cases in which you must be especially careful: this is the case for pregnant women, women who are menstruating, people with pacemakers or viral diseases. Other than these cases, you can undergo magnetotherapy without any worries.