Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic Therapy for Pain: An Attractive Solution

Many people seek to avoid prescription medication and search for alternative therapies for pain instead. Among these alternative therapies is magnetic pain therapy. The Ancient Egyptians, as well as Chinese healers, are purported to have believed that magnets had healing properties. In modern times, magnetic therapy is used as a complementary or alternative therapy, with many patients anecdotally reporting that using magnets alleviated their pain. Today, the magnetic therapy business is so large that over 120 million people all around the world are using some type of magnetic therapy product.

Who Can Benefit from Magnetic Therapy Products?

Magnets have been used by people suffering from arthritis-related pain, as well as muscle and nerve pain. Back pain sufferers also have employed the use of magnetic therapy. Magnetic therapy products work by applying a magnet, often shaped as a ring, directly to the area on the body that is experiencing pain. There are many physicians today who specialize in a variation of traditional acupuncture, using magnets instead of needles to stimulate pressure points on the body. Dr. Michael Hirt of the Center for Integrative Medicine in Tarzana, who integrates Eastern and Western techniques in his practice, has used magnet therapy in his practice for several years. In an article from the Los Angeles Daily News, he stated, "The main area I use it for is arthritis, especially the knees ... and I've found magnet therapy can provide as much pain relief as two Advil without side effects." A study conducted at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas found magnetic therapy products to be helpful to adults experiencing post-polio pain. The magnets relieved arthritic joint pain, as well as muscle pain. Exactly how magnetic therapy works is still somewhat of a mystery to researchers, who cite a need for more studies in this area. But researchers interpret the data from the Baylor study as promising. The topical application of magnets may be useful in pain relief. A major benefit of magnetic therapy is the lack of side effects that often accompany medications taken for pain relief. It should be noted that magnetic therapy is not recommended for people who have a defibrillator, pacemaker, or other electronic implant.

Magnetic Therapy is Convenient

Use of magnets does not require you to be stationary as you would need to be if using a heating pad or an ice pack. Bioflex Flexible Medical Magnets, the original magnet manufactured for human medical use, are highly recommended for sports' injuries and chronic-pain conditions. The concentric circle magnets provide optimum magnetic field configuration. These magnets come with adhesive pads that allow the wearer to go about his or her active day while benefiting from the therapeutic effects of the magnets. You can purchase magnetic jewelry, such as magnetic bracelets, which are stylish as well as pain-relieving! You can also purchase Magna Dots, which can be applied to many areas of the body at once. They are well suited for precision spot therapy, and ideal for use on the hands, feet and neck. Marge Nusser, of Brooklyn, NY, was given magnets from her podiatrist for foot pain that she was experiencing due to multiple fractures. She says, "I noticed that when I wore the magnets it took some of the pressure off of the sore parts on my foot." There are several magnetic therapy products on the market that are made to fit your body. In addition to magnetic therapy wraps, there are knee, wrist, and elbow supports available. A knee support can help stabilize the kneecap and relieve minor knee pain by absorbing the shock as you walk or jog. Also available are magnetic wrist and elbow supports that can be worn during athletic activity. A magnetic wrist splint can be useful for someone who sits at a computer typing all day, or anyone with hand or wrist pain. Orthotics with built in magnets can relieve pressure on corns and calluses, as well as relieve leg fatigue. So, if you struggle with chronic arthritic pain or a sports injury is slowing you down, there just may be a magnet to counteract your pain.