Magnetic Therapy Device

A magnetic therapy device is a medical physiotherapy instrument used worldwide as an adjunct treatment for musculoskeletal conditions. If you want to understand how magnetic therapy works and how you can use it at home, read our detailed guide.

For therapeutic use, devices employ electric coils to generate a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF). Devices should not be ranked solely by Gauss value: the number of channels, the same-program / 1+1 / 2+2 mode, the types of applicators included, the treatable body area, and programmability are just as important. The “total Gauss” shown in the tables is the combined device capacity across channels, not the intensity delivered to a single anatomical site.

The biological effects of magnetic therapy

The clinical effect of PEMF depends on indication, program, and applicator placement. Evidence is not equally strong for every complaint or every factory program. The most studied areas include:

• Joint pain and stiffness – some osteoarthritis studies have observed short-term pain and function improvements.
• Support for bone healing – used as adjunctive therapy for selected fractures, delayed union, and certain postoperative situations.
• Bone edema – with appropriate protocols pain may decrease and load tolerance may improve; a model with a specific bone-edema program is recommended.
• Orthopedic rehabilitation – some devices include specific programs for prosthesis surgery, ACL surgery, cartilage surface treatment, spinal fusion or osteotomy.
• Local inflammatory and edematous reactions – adjunctive effects are possible, but the cause of swelling should be clarified first.
• Tendon and soft tissue complaints – PEMF is at most an adjunct to load management, physiotherapy and other baseline treatments.
• Not a universal “cell-regenerating” miracle – higher Gauss, more programs or longer treatment alone do not guarantee better outcomes.

Indications for magnetic therapy

Magnetic therapy is mainly considered as adjunct treatment in the following musculoskeletal and orthopedic situations. Not every Magnum model contains all listed programs:

• Bone cracks and fractures – adjunct support for bone healing, if needed through a cast or immobilizer.
• Delayed union, non-union (pseudoarthrosis) and osteonecrosis – only as part of a medical treatment plan.
• Bone edema – a model with a dedicated bone-edema program is recommended for this indication.
• Osteoporosis – as a supplement to medication, adequate nutrition and weight-bearing exercise, using an appropriately sized applicator.
• Femoral neck fracture and rehabilitation of other large-bone fractures.
• Rehabilitation after prosthetic and orthopedic surgery – knee and hip prosthesis, ACL, cartilage, spinal fusion or osteotomy programs are available only in certain models.
• Arthrosis, joint pain and stiffness – as a complement to movement therapy and load management.
• Arthritis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, tendinitis and carpal tunnel complaints – with a confirmed diagnosis.
• Traumatic edema, contusions and ankle sprains – after excluding dangerous causes of swelling.
• Ulcer and wound programs are present only in a few higher-end models; they do not replace wound care but can be used to complement therapy.

How to choose among the Magnum models?

When choosing a device, the operation of channels, number and size of applicators, required programs, comfort for long treatments, battery use and programmability are more important than the raw program count or aggregated Gauss figure alone.

Number of treatment channels

The Magnum L is a single-channel model. It is intended for regular treatment of one local area and the basic package includes one flexible applicator.

The Magnum XL and Magnum XL Pro operate two outputs, but the same program runs on both outputs. The XL standard package contains one applicator, the XL Pro package contains two.

The Magnum 2500, Magnum 2 Pro Drive and Magnum 3000 Pro can run two different programs in 1+1 mode, one per channel. The Magnum 3000 Pro is a professional clinic model.

The Magnum 2 Pro Drive’s built-in battery allows more mobile use. Use it in a parked vehicle, at rest or as a passenger; self-treatment while driving is not recommended. Other models do not include a battery by default, but an optional battery can be purchased for most.

The Magnum 3500 Pro is a four-channel professional system. In 2+2 mode two different programs can run, each program using two channels.

Magnetic intensity

The intensities listed in the table are average values provided by the manufacturer for a given flexible applicator. “200 Gauss/channel” and “400 Gauss total” are not the same: 400 Gauss is the combined capacity of two active channels and not the intensity for a single knee, hip or spine.

It is also important that the maximum intensity per channel is distributed across the magnet coils of the connected applicator. For example, a 30x10 cm flexible applicator contains 2 magnet coils. If the device’s maximum intensity is 140 Gauss, then the maximum per coil is 70 Gauss.

Actual exposure is determined not only by Gauss but also by frequency, duty cycle, treatment duration, the number of coils, polarity, spacing and placement. Higher Gauss alone does not reliably mean deeper, faster or better treatment.

Number of treatment programs

The number of programs is valuable only if the device includes the necessary indications. The Magnum XL and XL Pro include Beauty/Fitness programs, the Magnum 2500 has open frequency programs, and the 3000 Pro and 3500 Pro include open and night programs.

Higher-end models also allow saving custom programs, offer 1+1 or 2+2 parallel modes, a Rental function, and support larger or multiple magnetic applicators.

Don’t look for the most programs—choose the configuration that covers the treated area and the required daily treatment time:

• Magnum L – for a single local area with simple program selection.
• Magnum XL – expandable to treat two identical areas; the second applicator is sold separately.
• Magnum XL Pro – two factory applicators, 46 factory and up to 15 custom programs; includes beauty and wellness programs; the same program runs on both channels.
• Magnum 2500 – home 1+1 system with 52 programs and up to 5 custom programs.
• Magnum 2 Pro Drive – built-in battery 1+1 system with two flexible applicators and Soft 4 mattress.
• Magnum 3000 Pro – professional desktop 1+1 system with 70 factory and up to 10 custom programs.
• Magnum 3500 Pro – professional four-channel 2+2 system with comprehensive applicator package.

Various magnetic therapy accessories are available for the devices – local applicators, Soft 4, Mat 100 and Total Body mats, straps and Y-cables. Always check the channel requirements and compatibility for the chosen device.

Comparison aid for Magnum devices

Comparison of preset treatment programs

Learn more about magnetic therapy

If you are interested in more detail about how magnetic therapy works and home application options, read our comprehensive PEMF therapy guide.

Interested in how to apply magnetic therapy to specific problems? Here are some of our detailed articles:

• Osteoporosis and magnetic therapy – home adjunct treatment
• Supporting bone fracture healing with magnetic therapy
• Femoral neck fracture rehabilitation – how PEMF can help?
• Treating knee pain at home with a magnetic therapy device
• Supporting implant integration with magnetic therapy
• BEMER therapy and its effects – what is the difference from traditional PEMF?

Not sure whether magnetic therapy is the right technology for you? See our comparative guide: Which technology is good for what?

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