The Truth is Out: Magnet Therapy is Effective For Alternative Pain Management

As an alternative or supportive type of treatment, magnetic therapy is relatively old and well documented. In fact Queen Elizabeth the 1st, used magnetic therapy in the early 16th century. Others, such as the Austrians, the ancient Greeks and even early American researchers, physicians and scientists have all experimented with the healing powers and their effect on the body. Also known as magnotherapy, it is comprised of placing one or more small, strong and very thin magnets over different parts of the body to help in pain management and useful in aiding in body discomfort.

This therapy was adapted based on the theory that there is a magnetic field within the human body and in fact is present in each and every cell within the body. This alternative approach works to stabilize or support the cell walls and prevent leakage of fluids, resulting in less pain, inflammation and subsequent irritation and discomfort. At a cellular level the magnets work to block sodium and calcium movement through the cell membrane, which is the main culprit for triggering pain impulses. Basically they switch off the problem at the cellular level that is signaling that there is pain, preventing this information from getting to your brain.

It is not designed to specifically treat a medical condition; rather it is used to assist in the management of pain while other holistic, alternative or traditional types of medical treatments are completed. Since there are no drugs or changes to the body’s natural chemical composition, it is safe to use as an accompaniment with any type of drug. Since it does use magnets some individuals, especially those with pacemakers, neurostimulators, or other types of very sensitive electronic components, need to carefully check with their doctor before using this type of treatment. Pregnant women also need to check with their doctors before utilizing it’s healing powers.

Using magnets in treating different types of pain throughout the body is a real science and is not as simple as just sticking them on different body parts. Researchers have determined where they should be placed to provide the best possible reduction of different types of pain and discomfort. Just a few of the common pains treated with therapy include conditions such as tennis elbow, lower back, hip and leg pain, jaw pain, neck and shoulder pain and knee and foot pain. In addition, tenderness associated with menstrual cycles and migraines can often be very effectively managed, without the need for other prescription medications.

One of the amazing features is that it starts to work very shortly after they are placed in the correct location. Many people report that the soreness begins to noticeably decrease within literally two to three minutes of usage. While others may require slightly more time, perhaps up to ten to fifteen minutes, the full effect will be felt. Usually if the patient doesn’t feel any noticeable improvement it is because they are not correctly positioned. A bit of adjusting and testing is all that is needed to start seeing the benefits.

Those used in magnetic therapy are placed in a specific configuration to provide maximum gradient between the corresponding magnets. This gradient is what actually produces the benefit, so each one doesn’t have to work alone. Different patterns of placement work better for specific areas and types of pain. They attach to the skin with double sided tape that is easy to apply and remove. They are used as necessary with some individuals using them only for brief periods throughout the day when needed while others with more chronic types of pain may choose to wear them throughout the entire day or night. Whichever is your choice, you will soon start to feel better with this holistic and alternative approach to pain management.