Treating Knee Pain with Magnetic Therapy at Home
Knee pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. It can be a dull, constant discomfort or a sharp, stabbing sensation that makes stairs, walking, or even resting difficult. If your knee sometimes "acts up," you’ve probably tried many solutions, from creams to medications.
Here I present a simple at-home option that may support the body’s natural regeneration processes: pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF). This article will also guide you through how to use it.
What is pulsed electromagnetic field therapy?
Magnetic therapy is a physiotherapy method in which a device-generated pulsed magnetic field penetrates tissues and can exert effects at the cellular level. This technology is where modern medicine and physics meet. You can learn more about how the method works in the magnetic therapy (PEMF) guide.
When can PEMF help the knee?
According to scientific research, PEMF therapy may provide support in several common knee problems you may encounter in daily life:1,2,3
- Joint wear (arthrosis): Pain and stiffness due to the wearing of knee joint cartilage are among the most typical cases. PEMF may help reduce chronic pain and favorably influence joint mobility.
- Sports or overuse injuries: Sprains, strains, or minor inflammations—such as irritation of the knee ligaments or tendons—may benefit from the magnetic field supporting regenerative processes.
- Chronic joint inflammations: Conditions like bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac) or tendinitis that cause persistent pain.
- Postoperative rehabilitation: After a major intervention, such as knee surgery, the therapy may help reduce swelling, relieve pain, and support recovery.
What do the studies show?
The effectiveness of PEMF therapy has been examined in several randomized, controlled clinical trials in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
A 2020 systematic review and meta-analysis that analyzed 16 placebo-controlled trials found that PEMF therapy had favorable effects on pain, stiffness, and physical function in patients living with osteoarthritis.1
A 2024 randomized controlled trial involving 60 patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis showed that the combination of PEMF therapy and home exercises more effectively supported improvements in muscle strength and pain reduction than exercises alone.2
Another 2015 double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 57 patients with knee osteoarthritis found significant improvements in pain, stiffness, and daily activities in the PEMF group compared to the placebo group.3
How is at-home treatment performed?
One of the biggest advantages of at-home pulsed magnetic therapy is that it is extremely simple and convenient. No complicated preparation or external assistance is required.
- Choose a suitable time: Find a period when you can sit or lie down calmly for about 20–30 minutes.
- Make yourself comfortable: Sit in an armchair or lie on the bed.
- Place the treatment coils: Put the magnetic coils on the painful area of your knee. Position the coils on opposite sides of the knee—you can place them on the sides or front-and-back. Secure them with the Velcro strap.
- Connect and start: Connect the coils’ cables to the device and turn the device on. From the menu select the knee pain / knee arthritis or joint pain program and start it.
- Relax during the session: The program runs automatically and switches off at the end. You can read, watch TV, or simply rest while it runs.
Treatment frequency depends on the condition, but generally 1–2 sessions per day are recommended in the initial, intensive phase.
What can you expect from the therapy?
Pulsed magnetic therapy provides long-term supportive treatment rather than immediate pain relief. Based on research, you can expect the following:
| Timeframe | Expected changes |
|---|---|
| First days | You may feel the joint loosen up in the hours after treatment, or find it easier to fall asleep at night. |
| 1–3 weeks | Pain may gradually decrease, morning stiffness may ease, and range of motion generally may increase. |
| 4–6 weeks and beyond | After a full course many report more lasting improvement. It’s advisable to repeat the course occasionally for maintenance. |
Important: Your knee’s chronic problems did not develop overnight, so regeneration also requires time. Magnetic therapy relies on regularity and persistence.
Before you start treatment
For safe use it is important to know the contraindications. If any of the conditions below apply to you, consult your treating physician before starting PEMF therapy!
When NOT to use it?
Do NOT use a magnetic therapy device if you have:
- An implanted pacemaker or defibrillator
- An insulin pump or other active implantable device
- Pregnancy (especially in the abdominal area)
- Active bleeding or severe bleeding disorders
- An active malignant disease
- Severe cardiac arrhythmias
- Epilepsy
- An acute febrile infection
Important note: Metallic implants in the knee (e.g., knee prosthesis) are generally not a contraindication, but discuss with your treating physician!
Possible side effects
PEMF therapy is generally well tolerated; side effects are rare and mild. Possible effects include:
- Mild redness of the treated area (usually disappears within minutes)
- Temporary muscle fatigue sensation
- Rarely mild headache or dizziness
- Temporary increase in pain after the first few sessions (this can be a reaction of the body and usually subsides)
If you have persistent or unusual symptoms, stop treatment and consult your doctor!
Recommended devices
For at-home knee pain treatment we recommend the following magnetic therapy devices:
- Magnum L – Simple, reliable at-home PEMF therapy with 8 programs
- Magnum XL – Expanded program selection
- Magnum 3000 Pro – Professional PEMF device with 70 rehabilitation programs
Consult your treating physician or physiotherapist to create the best treatment plan!
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A guide to treating knee pain at home with pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF).
Who is it for? Anyone with knee pain, knee wear (osteoarthritis), or knee joint problems who wants to actively support regeneration at home.
Main message: PEMF therapy can support knee pain relief and improvement of joint function as an adjunct treatment. Regular application for 4–6 weeks is needed for more lasting results.
Key therapeutic options:
- PEMF therapy: Uses pulsed magnetic fields to support tissue regeneration
- At-home application: Daily 20–30 minute sessions, 1–2 times per day
- Combined approach: Can be used together with physiotherapy and medication
Frequently asked questions:
How long until improvement is felt?
Initial changes may be felt after a few days, but lasting improvement generally occurs after about 4–6 weeks of regular treatment.
Can I use it with a knee prosthesis?
Generally yes, but consult your treating physician, especially if you had recent surgery.
How often should I treat daily?
Typically 1–2 times per day, each session lasting 20–30 minutes. After the intensive phase, maintenance treatment may be sufficient.
Does it replace medical treatment?
No. PEMF therapy is an adjunct method and does not replace specialist medical care, medication, or necessary surgical intervention.
Sources
- Yang X, He H, Ye W, Perry TA, He C. (2020). Effects of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Pain, Stiffness, Physical Function, and Quality of Life in Patients With Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Physical Therapy. PubMed: 32251502
- Chen C, et al. (2024). The effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on muscle strength and pain in patients with end-stage knee osteoarthritis: a randomized controlled trial. Frontiers in Medicine. PubMed: 39478814
- Wuschech H, et al. (2015). Effects of PEMF on patients with osteoarthritis: Results of a prospective, placebo-controlled, double-blind study. Bioelectromagnetics. PubMed: 26562074
- Iannitti T, et al. (2013). Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for management of osteoarthritis-related pain, stiffness and physical function: clinical experience in the elderly. Clinical Interventions in Aging. PubMed: 24106421
- Serradilla-García J, et al. (2024). Current Evidence Using Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields in Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review. Bioengineering. PubMed: 38610722
Related articles
- Magnetic therapy (PEMF) – Guide to at-home use
- Osteoporosis and magnetic therapy – At-home complementary treatment
- Bone fracture healing and magnetic therapy – complementary at-home treatment
- BEMER therapy and its effects – What is the difference from traditional PEMF?
The information in this article is for informational purposes only. At-home therapeutic devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace specialist care. Consult your doctor if you have symptoms.
