Effects and Contraindications of Magnetotherapy

In physiotherapeutic treatment, magnetotherapy is applied as a low-frequency, low-intensity, pulsed magnetic field. That is why the method is also called PEMF — Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy. The magnetic field is generated by an electric current passing through a magnetic coil.

About magnetism in general

The human body has its own unique electrical field and magnetic "radiation." Its value is constant in men; in women it rises sharply at ovulation.

Your body is affected by the Sun, the Moon, cosmic radiation and the Earth's magnetic field, but also by technical fields from electrical devices and mobile phone antennas. Forces generated by electrical equipment can disturb your body's function. The effects of electrical environmental pollution — electrosmog — are not yet fully understood, but are likely not beneficial.

Some reference values for the magnetic field strength: the Earth's magnetic field is about 0.5 G (Gauss); industrial magnets range from 300–5000 G. MRI examinations use magnetic fields of 10,000–30,000 Gauss (= 1–3 Tesla).

It is proven that every cell in our body actively responds to magnetism — this is also utilized in MRI (magnetic resonance) examinations.

Over the last centuries the magnetic strength of our planet, the Earth, has decreased by about half. This affects our mood and health. In the absence of a magnetic field, the early astronauts suffered physical and psychological disturbances. That problem has since been solved: coils generating a magnetic field are built into space stations. Similar disturbances occurred in magnetically shielded bunkers: negative effects of the lack of a magnetic field appeared there as well.

The magnetic field strength can be weak (up to 0.001–10 mT), medium (10 mT–1000 mT) or strong (above 1000 mT). The weak fields include the Earth's magnetic field, which only exerts a slight effect on human tissues. A medium-strength magnetic field produces temporary morphological and functional changes in the body. A persistently strong magnetic field has genetically damaging effects (they are not used in medicine).

Magnetic field strength is now expressed in Tesla; the older unit is Gauss. That is why some devices still indicate Gauss. (1 Gauss = 0.1 mT). Magnetotherapy devices operate in the medium-strength range.

Magnetotherapy = applying beneficial effects of magnetic fields

Pulsed magnetotherapy is based on a low-intensity, low-frequency, pulsed electromagnetic field. It is completely harmless to the body. Because the intensity and frequency of the magnetic field continuously change (pulse), the organism does not become habituated to the stimulus. Treatment is provided by a mattress, blanket or pillow containing coils through which electric current is passed. This generates the magnetic field.

Magnetotherapy has a biostimulatory effect. It is not the magnetism itself that heals, but the fact that cells and tissues placed in the magnetic field receive a boost to their energy production and regenerative processes.

The magnetic field enhances cells' more efficient functioning. It accelerates transport of nutrients and oxygen and the removal of waste products. Electromagnetism, among other things, increases tissue oxygenation, lowers blood pressure and pulse, improves bone formation and strengthens connective tissues, ensures intensive blood circulation, stimulates protein synthesis and speeds up waste elimination. Biochemical reactions occur more readily under the influence of magnetism.

If this support is regular, it leads to gradual healing. Magnetotherapy is not a rapid effect! Generally, a cure lasting several weeks is effective.

High-frequency, low-intensity magnetostimulation primarily supports treatment and healing processes of soft tissue (muscle, joint, tendon, ligaments) disorders.

Low-frequency, high-intensity magnetotherapy is recommended for skeletal (bone) conditions.

Effects of magnetotherapy

Magnetotherapy supports restorative processes in injured, damaged or diseased tissues. It stimulates the body's natural defense mechanisms.

The therapeutic effect of the magnetic field manifests mainly in two forms:

• Anti-inflammatory and anti-edema effect
• Stimulation of tissue-building processes

Every cell of your body can be considered a kind of "small battery." There is a different charge distribution across the two sides of cell membranes, so there is a potential difference between the inside and outside of the membrane. This voltage corresponds to about 90 millivolts in nerve cells, while in other cell types it is approximately 70 millivolts.

When cells become diseased due to infection, trauma or other causes, the charge balance across membranes is disturbed. If a healthy cell normally has a voltage difference of 70 millivolts but only 50–55 millivolts is measured, the cell is sick. If the potential difference falls below 30 millivolts, necrosis occurs and the cell dies.

Inflammatory processes intensify in the affected area, cells lose their energy reserves, pain arises and healing processes slow down (for example, wounds heal slowly).

The main effect of magnetotherapy is that it regenerates cells that have lost vital energy, essentially "recharging" them. As a result of the treatment, membrane potentials are restored, the cell's energy-producing systems (mitochondria, ATP) restart, protein synthesis increases, inflammation and edema decrease, and restorative and healing processes accelerate.

Of course, this is a slow process, so the effects of magnetic field treatment can usually be felt only after a long course (at least 10–15 treatments).

Proven biological effects of the magnetic field include (not exhaustive):

• Promotes epithelialization, stimulates connective tissue and nerve regeneration, and increases nerve conduction.
• Analgesic effect (increases release of endogenous opioids).
• Reduces inflammations.
• Improves cellular metabolism, reduces swelling, increases cellular energy levels.
• Enhances bone formation and calcium incorporation into bone.
• Speeds up blood flow, improving cellular oxygen supply.
• Improves micro- and lymphatic circulation, initiating detoxification.
• Has a calming effect, reduces stress.
• Regulates lipid metabolism and reduces blood sugar levels.
• Stimulates immune system function and enhances self-healing processes.

Main applications of magnetotherapy

Musculoskeletal disorders are the primary area of application. Magnetotherapy can be beneficial for all injuries — from minor sprains to severe fractures.

The treatment does not replace conventional medical care but complements it and can significantly reduce the time needed for recovery. Faster healing and regeneration times have been observed for bone fractures when magnetotherapy was also used.

In Western physiotherapy, low-frequency pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is almost a mandatory part of treating inflammatory or degenerative diseases and injuries of bones, joints and tendons.

OSTEOARTHRITIS/ARTHRITIS

• Knee osteoarthritis
• Cervical osteoarthritis
• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Hand osteoarthritis
• Hip osteoarthritis
• Shoulder osteoarthritis
• Spinal osteoarthritis

PAIN

• Complex regional pain syndrome — Sudeck's syndrome
• Back pain
• Joint pain

REDUCING INFLAMMATION

• General inflammation reduction
• General tissue regeneration
• Epicondylitis
• Epitrochleitis
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Shoulder tendinitis

ORTHOPAEDIC CONDITIONS

• Post-ACL (knee ligament) surgery
• Cartilage injuries
• Knee prosthesis
• Hip prosthesis
• Spinal fusion
• Osteotomy

BONE PROBLEMS

• Bone fractures
• Carpal bone fracture
• Wrist fracture
• Shoulder fracture
• Clavicle fracture
• Forearm fracture
• Pelvic fracture
• Tibia fracture
• Femur fracture
• Delayed bone healing
• Fracture in a cast
• Bone necrosis
• Osteoporosis
• Bone edema — bone bruise

INJURY/EODEMA/WOUND

• Ankle sprain
• Swelling — bruise
• Edematous conditions

Contraindications to magnetotherapy treatment

Absolute contraindication: if you have a pacemaker or any other electronic implant (defibrillator), never use magnetotherapy.

Relative contraindications: in these conditions treatment is not absolutely excluded, but the benefits and possible risks must be weighed. A consultation between the treating physician and the therapist may be necessary to make a decision.

• Heart disease (cardiomyopathy, heart failure, severe arrhythmia). Magnetotherapy improves microcirculation — that is, it improves blood flow. This also means that, for example, magnetic treatment of the limbs can reduce local edema and move more fluid into the bloodstream. This increased load can be harmful to a very sick heart. To use an analogy: it's like carrying a sack of cement on your shoulder to the store and back — very taxing. Your treating physician knows the condition of your heart and whether it can tolerate the additional load caused by improved circulation.
• Diseases with severe circulatory insufficiency (see heart disease)
• Acute dermatitis and fungal infections (the biostimulatory effect does not only affect your tissues, it can also stimulate the growth of fungi, bacteria and viruses!)
• Bleeding disorders
• Heavy menstrual flow (currently ongoing). Improved circulation may increase bleeding intensity. Therefore do not treat the lower abdomen, hips or lower back during menstruation. You can still treat your ankle, shoulder or elbow.
• Pregnancy (although no data show harm to the fetus and no such studies have been conducted; it's better not to try it during pregnancy)
• Electrical implants, hearing aids and intrauterine devices (the pulsed magnetic field can disrupt electronics and cause malfunction)
• Do not use near ferromagnetic metal implants (screws, nails, etc.). If in doubt, consult the physician who implanted it and ask about the implant material. Very old implants may be magnetizable and in theory could loosen under pulsed magnetic field treatment. If the implanted metal is less than 10 years old, it is likely made of alloys that are not or are minimally magnetizable, so treatment will have no effect on them.
• Do not allow unsupervised use by children under fifteen years of age (the device is not a toy; those who cannot yet judge the consequences of their actions should not use it alone. You may treat adolescents, but they must be under your supervision at all times.)
• Do not use on your head or over the thyroid gland
• Do not use during febrile illness (see dermatitis)
• In cancer patients, consult your doctor or oncologist before starting magnetotherapy — directly treating tumor tissue may stimulate its growth, whereas magnetotherapy can be used for joint pain away from the tumor
• Do not use in severe uncontrolled blood pressure disorders if medication cannot normalize your blood pressure. See heart disease — improved circulation can raise blood pressure.
• Do not use in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (see dermatitis).

Side effects

Side effects of magnetic field treatment have been reported only rarely. Very rarely, drowsiness, restlessness, insomnia and nausea may occur, mainly observed after cervical spine treatments. If you experience problems after neck-area treatments, it is advisable to keep sessions under 30 minutes and repeat more frequently rather than using longer sessions.

Magnetotherapy and tumors

Magnetotherapy is often recommended as a complement to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Several studies have addressed this issue: although 80–90% of treated patients reported improved well-being and tolerated treatment side effects better, no measurable effect on the tumor itself could be demonstrated beyond subjective reports.

Opponents of magnetotherapy in cancer patients argue that magnetism accelerates cellular processes — including those of tumor cells — which could lead to faster tumor growth. So far, neither claim has been convincingly proven. For this reason most magnetotherapy devices are not recommended for use in active cancer disease.

Magnetotherapy devices

You can choose from many devices manufactured by Globus, such as: Magnum L | Magnum XL and XL Pro | Magnum 2500 | Magnum 3000 Pro | Magnum 3500 Pro devices.

The treatment programs provided by each device differ. Cheaper devices contain basic treatments. The more expensive the device, the more complex and precise the preprogrammed treatment protocols it includes.

Read my article Application of Magnetotherapy in Practice. There you will find how the treatment can be performed.