The Therapeutic Use Of Magnets: A Review Of Recent Research

Abstract

The therapeutic use of magnets to relieve pain and promote tissue healing has been gaining popularity as an alternative/complementary therapy, despite the limited scientific evidence available to support the efficacy and safety of these devices. This article provides an overview of the types of magnets in use and their theoretical effects, along with a summary of the known effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields and a critical review of research studies involving the use of static magnetic fields. The findings of these scientific studies are often conflicting, and suggest the need for larger randomized controlled trials to establish the efficacy of magnet therapy for specific pathological conditions, determine optimal treatment parameters (i.e., type, strength, polarity, and placement of magnets), and identify potential adverse responses.