Magnetic Therapy in Physiotherapy - An Overview

Introduction

Magnets have been vastly employed in technologies, computers, simple machines, and toys as they are meant for attraction, repulsion, and direction. And these days, researchers have studied and employed magnetic fields in rehabilitation. So, occupational exposure to low-frequency magnetic fields aids intervention as a pain-relieving and healing agent for various diseases.

What Is Magnetic Therapy?

Magnetic therapy is an alternative therapeutic approach involving enclosing a low-intensity magnetic field with a permanent magnet over the body surface. Therapists manifest different magnetic fields based on condition and health. Also, the therapist picks the magnetic tool, frequency, and sessions on that. The tools include a watch, bracelet, wristband, pillow, blanket, jewelry, water, and magnetized wraps.

How Does Magnetic Therapy Work?

As discussed, magnetic therapy is about applying low-frequency or weak magnetic fields of magnets to the body. Nevertheless, the mechanism and effects are purely based on the condition to be healed, the magnetic field, the polarity design, and its application tool. The methods and tools incorporate the succeeding.

• Magnetic jewelry, bracelets, and rings.

• Magnetized water.

• Magnetic watch and straps for wrist, knee, and ankle.

• Shoe insoles.

• Magnetic mattresses and blankets.

• Magnetic creams, cosmetics, and supplements.

• Plasters.

The human body is known to hold electric and magnetic fields that contain specific magnetic energy. In addition, the cells and colloidal system encompass ions like calcium and potassium, which should be affected by magnetic forces. Therefore, when a magnet is fielded to the body surfaces, it penetrates sufficiently, aiding in the bio-stimulation of the body, energy, bone union, and bone reinforcement. Eventually, it stimulates the supporting soft tissue renewal process.

How Is Magnetic Therapy Employed in Physiotherapy Practice?

Magnetic therapy is vastly extended in the intervention process. The physiotherapist comprehends how to apply the magnets to the surface on account of significant pain relief based on principles of disease, electrophysiology, neuropathology, magnetic potential, and the patient's health condition. Q magnets are typically used as they hold the best techniques, protocols, and sources for favorable outcomes. Neurologists and physiotherapists developed this Q magnet for effective relief.

The Intervention:

After an appropriate diagnosis, the therapist will employ the magnetic device on tissue or muscle once it is identified that nerve channels need magnetic enhancement. Then, the therapist will utilize the visual analog scale (VAS) to analyze the pain scores and range of motion (ROM). Per the norms, the scores are recorded before and after the procedure. Magnetic therapy yields sound effects and relief within a few minutes to hours. But, in contrast, it takes overnight tasks to amend the condition. So, the therapist will provide the magnets and guidance to the patient on self-care healing after the proper trial. As it is easy to haul and operate, the people employ themselves with next-day morning monitoring.

Where Can Magnetic Therapy Be Applied?

Medical researchers have uncovered that low-intensity magnetic fields enhance healing under certain conditions when applied to body parts. It is an adjunct therapy to alleviate pain, primarily in the following diseases.

• Pain syndromes.

• Migraine and vasomotor head pain.

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

• Fractured or impaired bone conditions.

• Degenerative state of spine and joints.

• Fibromyalgia.

• Pelvic pain.

• Muscle inflammation.

• Neuropathy.

• Nerve damage and dysfunction.

• Multiple sclerosis.

• Stroke.

• Recovery state from cardiovascular illnesses.

• Wounds, ulcers, and bacterial infections.

• Psychological disorders.

• Sleep deprivation.

• Stress.

Contraindications:

It is safe for everyone in general, but there are certain situations and contraindications where magnetic field therapy is not recommended.

• People with implanted medical devices, including cardiac pacemakers, cochlear implants, and defibrillators.

• People with diabetes use an insulin pump.

• Pregnancy.

• People with a history of seizures and epilepsy.

• Active infections and inflammations.

What Are the Benefits of Magnetic Therapy?

When treated with a magnetic field, tissue witnesses heightened cell activity, membrane potential, and a balance of intracellular potential. The magnetic field therapeutically approaches organs and systems by enhancing cells and tissues. Subsequently, it possesses several, as demonstrated.

• Diminishes or ceases the pain.

• Increases circulation in the old injuries.

• In cases of acute injuries or sprains, it reduces circulation and swelling.

• Amend the energy imbalances.

• Aid in sound sleep.

• Reinforce immunity and immune function.

• Relief from stress and distress.

• Pressure relief.

How Effective Is Magnetic Therapy in Physiotherapy?

Medical researchers have proved the efficacy of applying quadripolar magnetic fields to the human body through clinical trials and analyses for over twenty years.

The research determines the following.

• The effects seem favorable but are small compared to placebo-receiving and magnetic field-receiving patients.

• Here, the medical professors of Vanderbilt Medical University conducted the research and acknowledged its efficacy. The nerve impulse and pain signals have been efficiently interrupted in patients undergoing back surgery when their nerve tissue has been exposed to quadripolar static magnetic fields.

What Are the Side Effects of Magnetic Therapy?

Magnetic therapy is safe and has numerous benefits. Not every individual has side effects, but some could experience unwanted side effects. The clinical findings say that side effects in magnetic therapy can occur only in a tiny percentage of cases.

The side effects of magnetic therapy include the following:

• Dizziness.

• Palpitation.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• Low energy.

• Reduced blood pressure.

• Pain.

• Localized itchiness.

• Burning sensation.

Pitfall: It conveys the impression of being less or ineffective, while in other instances, research is conducted by various health institutes. So, the main drawback of magnetic field therapy is that it needs to hold more evidence to prove its efficacy and favorable outcome. In addition, the assisted researchers ended up with biased results.

What is Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy?

Pulse electromagnetic field therapy is not a non-invasive treatment for several bodily issues. It is the safest method used by trained professionals who know the body's functionality and response to electric pulses. They ensure that there are no risks in the therapy practice.

The benefits of this therapy are:

• It strengthens immunity.

• Quality of sleep is enhanced.

• It helps in relieving stress.

• Fast muscle recovery.

• Detoxification of the body.

Conclusion:

Magnetic therapy is a therapeutic approach that utilizes the magnetic field for various conditions. As magnetic resonance imaging techniques are employed to image the entity and its units, the magnetic field of the permanent magnet is found to affect energy flow, pain alleviation, immune enhancement, and blood circulation. Consequently, the physiotherapist or rehabilitation physician prescribes magnetic therapy after the appropriate diagnosis while considering the contraindications.