Supporting Bone Fracture Healing with Magnetic Therapy (PEMF)

What happens when a bone breaks?

A bone fracture occurs when the force applied to a bone exceeds its load-bearing capacity. There are many causes: accidents, falls, impacts during sports. A femoral neck fracture is one of the most dangerous types of fractures and requires specialized rehabilitation.

At the moment of fracture the continuity of the bone is disrupted, and the body immediately starts the repair process.

Bone healing consists of four main phases:

1. Inflammatory phase (first days): A hematoma forms at the fracture site and inflammatory cells migrate to the area. This phase is painful and swollen, but essential for healing.

2. Soft callus formation (1–3 weeks): The body builds a cartilaginous tissue at the fracture site. This "soft callus" is not load-bearing yet but it connects the broken ends.

3. Hard callus formation (3–12 weeks): The cartilaginous tissue gradually converts into bone tissue. The bone strengthens but has not yet reached its final rigidity.

4. Remodeling phase (months–years): The bone gradually regains its original shape and strength. This is the longest phase.

Magnetic therapy exerts beneficial effects primarily during phases 2, 3 and 4, and it may also help during the inflammatory phase.¹

Symptoms of a bone fracture

Fracture symptoms are usually obvious. At the moment of fracture you feel a sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with movement. The injured area swells quickly and bruising (blue-purple discoloration) may appear.

In more severe cases the limb’s shape may change — a visible deformity indicates displacement of the bone fragments. In an open fracture the broken bone ends pierce the skin — this requires urgent care because of infection risk.

Moving the fractured limb is painful or impossible. If you experience any of these signs, seek medical attention immediately!

Diagnosis and treatment of a fracture

Although symptoms are often clear, an X-ray is needed for an accurate diagnosis. It shows the fracture type, the position of the bone ends, and determines the treatment method.

The importance of immobilization: Stable immobilization is essential for bone healing. The fractured area is fixed with a cast or modern plastic braces (orthoses) so the bone ends do not move. Immobilization is uncomfortable, but without it an adequate callus cannot form.

Advice: If you have a fracture, be sure to get proper immobilization! Although uncomfortable, it ensures strong bone formation. Early loading or inadequate immobilization can lead to delayed healing or nonunion.

Acute pain relief: Pain from the fracture can be eased with medication, icing and TENS therapy.

How long does a bone fracture take to heal?

Healing time depends on several factors:

Generally, 6–12 weeks are needed for most fractures to heal. During this time the limb should not be loaded and the immobilization must be worn.

When is healing considered delayed?

If a fracture heals slower than expected, it is called delayed union. If there is no meaningful progress after 6–9 months, a nonunion (pseudoarthrosis) may develop — the broken ends do not unite, resulting in persistent pain and functional loss.

Causes of delayed healing can include:

• Inadequate immobilization (bone ends move)
• Poor blood supply to the fracture site
• Infection
• Smoking
• Certain medications (steroids, long-term NSAID use)
• Diabetes, atherosclerosis

Treating a nonunion is challenging — often further surgery is required. This is where magnetic therapy can serve as an adjunctive treatment.

What is magnetic therapy and how does it affect bone healing?

Magnetic therapy — or PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy — uses a low-frequency, pulsed electromagnetic field. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PEMF since 1979 for the treatment of nonunions — one of its earliest officially recognized applications.²

But how does a magnetic field influence a fractured bone?

Osteoblast stimulation: The magnetic field stimulates the activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). Research has shown that PEMF increases production of BMP-2 and BMP-4 (bone morphogenetic proteins), which play key roles in bone formation.¹

TGF-β and growth factors: PEMF treatment increases production of TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta), which stimulates the differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells into bone-forming cells.¹

Enhanced angiogenesis: The magnetic field may support new blood vessel formation at the fracture site, improving nutrient and oxygen supply.³

Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway: PEMF can activate this key signaling pathway, an important regulator of bone formation.¹

What does the scientific evidence say?

The effect of magnetic therapy on fracture healing has been evaluated in numerous scientific studies.

A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis — analyzing 22 randomized controlled trials with 1,468 patients — found that PEMF treatment:

• Increased healing rate by 22% (79.7% vs. 64.3% in control groups)
• Reduced pain
• Shortened healing time⁴

The researchers concluded that convincing quality evidence supports PEMF in increasing fracture healing rates and reducing pain.⁴

Nonunion treatment has shown particularly good results. A study following 1,382 patients reported an 89.6% success rate in treating nonunions with PEMF.⁵ Earlier studies reported healing rates of 73–85% for nonunions.²

In a 2012 prospective clinical study, PEMF achieved union in 77.3% of patients with delayed tibial (shinbone) fractures.⁶

A 2013 randomized controlled trial evaluated early application of PEMF for postoperative delayed union of long-bone fractures: the PEMF-treated group achieved a 77.4% success rate versus 48.1% in the control group.⁷

Important emphasis: Magnetic therapy is an adjunctive treatment. Proper immobilization and, when necessary, surgical intervention are the foundation of fracture management — PEMF complements, it does not replace them.

How to use magnetic therapy for a bone fracture?

You can start PEMF treatment immediately after immobilization! The magnetic field penetrates the cast, so you don’t have to wait for its removal.

Recommended treatment protocol for fractures:

Placement of the treatment coil: Place the flexible applicator over the fracture site. If the limb is in a cast, put the coil on the cast — the magnetic field penetrates it. Ideally place coils on opposite sides of the fracture facing each other (opposite polarity) so the magnetic field crosses the fracture.

Advice: For a cast or thick immobilizer increase intensity by 50% because distance reduces field strength.

When to expect results? Bone tissue regenerates slowly. Typically, changes are visible on follow-up X-rays after 4–8 weeks of regular treatment. Treating nonunions takes longer — 3–5 months may be necessary.

Before you start treatment

Magnetic therapy is generally safe, but there are conditions in which it should not be used.

When NOT to use magnetic therapy?

⚠️ Do NOT use the device if you have:

• An implanted pacemaker
• An implanted defibrillator
• An insulin pump or other implanted electronic device
• Pregnancy

Use with caution

Consult your physician if:

• There is an active infection at the fracture site
• You have cancer
• You have metallic implants at the fracture site (screws and plates usually do not pose a problem, but ask your doctor).
  If the fracture was fixed with screws or plates, magnetic therapy is generally applicable — it may even support implant integration.
• You are being treated for severe circulatory disorders

Important: Magnetic therapy is intended to complement medical treatment. Follow immobilization, follow-up exams and your doctor’s instructions!

Possible side effects

Side effects of magnetic therapy are rare and usually mild. The 2020 meta-analysis found no significant difference in side effect occurrence between treated and control groups.⁴

Occasionally you may experience:

• Mild warmth at the treated area
• Temporary increase in pain (rare, usually at the start of treatment)

If you notice any persistent or unusual symptoms, consult your physician.

Which device should you choose for fracture treatment?

For fracture treatment you need a magnetic therapy device that has a dedicated fracture healing program.

The Globus Magnum device family all include fracture treatment programs:

• Magnum L – 1-channel, entry-level, for treating one limb
• Magnum XL – 2 channels, 280 Gauss
• Magnum 2500 – 2 channels, 320 Gauss, 52 programs
• Magnum XL Pro – 2 channels, 400 Gauss
• Magnum 3000 Pro – 2 channels, 400 Gauss, 70 programs

The flexible applicator (30x10 cm) that wraps around the fractured limb is ideal for fracture treatment. This accessory is included as standard with all devices, so you don’t need to buy it separately.

Additional supportive treatments during fracture healing

Besides magnetic therapy, other physiotherapy methods can help rehabilitation.

Preventing muscle atrophy during immobilization

Muscles quickly atrophy while wearing a cast or immobilizer — muscle loss can be noticeable in just 4–6 weeks. Muscle stimulation devices generate muscle contractions with electrical impulses without moving the joint. This lets you exercise muscles not covered by the cast and reduce muscle loss.

After removal of the immobilizer

When the cast is removed you may be surprised: muscles are weak and joints stiff. In addition to physiotherapy:

• Therapeutic ultrasound: Helps loosen stiff ligaments and tendons and restore joint range of motion.
• TENS treatment: Useful if pain accompanies rehabilitation.

Summary — Quick overview

What is this article? A comprehensive guide to bone fracture healing and the adjunctive role of magnetic therapy (PEMF) in fracture treatment.

Who is it for? People with bone fractures, those with delayed fracture healing, patients diagnosed with nonunion, and anyone who wants to speed up the healing process.

Main message: Magnetic therapy (PEMF) is a scientifically studied, FDA-approved adjunctive method to support bone fracture healing. The 2020 meta-analysis found it can increase healing rates by 22%. It does not replace proper immobilization and medical care, but when used alongside them it can positively influence healing.

Key concepts:

Mechanisms of PEMF in fracture healing:

• Stimulates the activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts)
• Increases production of growth factors (BMP-2, TGF-β)
• Supports blood vessel formation at the fracture site
• Activates the Wnt/β-catenin bone formation pathway

Frequently asked questions

When can I start magnetic therapy after a fracture? Immediately after immobilization (cast application)! The magnetic field penetrates the cast; you do not need to wait for removal.

How soon will I see results? For fresh fractures, changes on follow-up X-rays are typically visible after 4–8 weeks of regular treatment. For nonunions, 3–5 months may be required.

Can I use it with metal implants (screws, plates)? Generally yes — modern osteosynthesis materials are not magnetizable. Still, consult your treating physician.

How often should treatment be performed? Daily, at least 4–6 hours (fresh fracture) or 6–8 hours (nonunion). Consistency is key.

Can I use it with a pacemaker? NO! Magnetic therapy is contraindicated with pacemakers or implanted defibrillators.

Related articles

• Magnetic therapy (PEMF) — guide to home use
• Osteoporosis and magnetic therapy — home adjunctive treatment
• Femoral neck fracture and magnetic therapy — how PEMF can support your healing
• Supporting implant integration with magnetic therapy

References

1. Cadossi R, Massari L, Racine-Avila J, Aaron RK. (2020). Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation of Bone Healing and Joint Preservation: Cellular Mechanisms of Skeletal Response. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev, 4(5):e1900155. PubMed: 33970582
2. Chalidis B, Sachinis N, Assiotis A, Maccauro G. (2011). Stimulation of bone formation and fracture healing with pulsed electromagnetic fields: Biologic responses and clinical implications. Hippokratia, 15(Suppl 1):12-19. PubMed: 21669132
3. Wang A, Ma X, Bian J, et al. (2024). Signalling pathways underlying pulsed electromagnetic fields in bone repair. Front Bioeng Biotechnol, 12:1333566. PubMed: 38328443
4. Peng L, Fu C, Xiong F, et al. (2020). Effectiveness of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Bone Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Bioelectromagnetics, 41(5):323-337. PubMed: 32495506
5. Murray HB, Pethica BA. (2016). A follow-up study of the in-practice results of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in the management of nonunion fractures. Orthop Res Rev, 8:67-72. PubMed: 30774471
6. Assiotis A, Sachinis NP, Chalidis BE. (2012). Pulsed electromagnetic fields for the treatment of tibial delayed unions and nonunions. A prospective clinical study and review of the literature. J Orthop Surg Res, 7:24. PubMed: 22681718
7. Shi HF, Xiong J, Chen YX, et al. (2013). Early application of pulsed electromagnetic field in the treatment of postoperative delayed union of long-bone fractures: a prospective randomized controlled study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord, 14:35. PubMed: 23331333

The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Magnetic therapy is intended to complement medical treatment and does not replace it. For bone fractures, the primary treatment is proper immobilization and, when necessary, surgical intervention — do not omit these because of magnetic therapy. Keep follow-up appointments and consult your treating physician if your symptoms change.