Magnet Therapy (PEMF) – Guide to Home Use

What is magnet therapy?

Magnet therapy involves applying a low-frequency, low-intensity pulsed electromagnetic field. The magnetic field is generated by an electric current passing through a coil. During treatment these coils, built into a device’s mat, pad or flexible applicator, generate the field.

The essence of the method: the magnetic field has a biostimulating effect. It is not the magnetism itself that "heals" — cells and tissues placed in the magnetic field receive a boost in their energy production and regenerative processes. Cell function improves, transport of nutrients and oxygen accelerates, and waste product removal is enhanced.

Important to know: Magnet therapy is not fast-acting! Typically, noticeable effects require several weeks of regular treatment. You will need patience and persistence.

How does the magnetic field affect the body?

Every cell of your body can be considered a kind of “tiny battery.” There is a voltage difference across cell membranes — about 90 millivolts in nerve cells and around 70 millivolts in other cells. When cells are damaged by disease, infection or trauma, this voltage decreases.

If a cell that normally has 70 millivolts measures only 50–55 millivolts, it is already unhealthy. If it drops below 30 millivolts, the cell dies (necrosis). This leads to intensified inflammatory processes, pain and slowed healing.

The main effect of magnet therapy is that it helps regenerate cells that have lost their energy — in a sense it "recharges" them. As a result of treatment:

• Cell membrane potentials may be restored
• The cell’s own energy production systems (mitochondria, ATP) can restart
• Protein synthesis may increase
• Inflammation and edema may decrease
• Repair processes may accelerate

Proven biological effects of magnet therapy

Based on scientific research, pulsed electromagnetic fields may have the following effects:

• Stimulate connective tissue and nerve regeneration
• Provide pain relief (increasing release of endogenous opioids)
• Reduce inflammations
• Improve cellular metabolism and reduce swelling
• Support bone formation and calcium incorporation
• Speed up blood flow and microcirculation
• Support immune system function

Parameters of magnet therapy

The effectiveness of treatment is determined by four main parameters:

Intensity (Gauss or Tesla)

Magnetic field strength is now expressed in Tesla, but many devices still use the older Gauss unit (1 Gauss = 0.1 mT, i.e. 10 Gauss = 1 mT).

Therapeutic ranges based on research

• Very low: 0.1–5 Gauss — NASA research, general wellness, requires long treatment times; this includes the Earth’s magnetic field (~0.3–0.7 Gauss) and the BEMER device (0.5 Gauss)
• Low: 5–20 Gauss — bone healing, osteoarthritis
• Medium: 20–100 Gauss — pain relief, faster results, shorter treatment times
• High: 100–400 Gauss — clinical/medical and some home use, local treatments, short treatment times
• Very high: 400+ Gauss — only under medical supervision, possible side effects
• Extra strong fields (above 1000 mT): Genetically damaging — not used in medical practice

Home devices typically operate in the medium-strength range. Intensities under 100 Gauss are more biostimulatory and suitable for home therapy, while stronger treatments in the 100–1000 Gauss range are generally provided in clinics.

Important to know:

• Most scientific studies on medical effects used the 1–50 Gauss range
• Programs for bone treatment are usually around 15–20 Gauss
• Higher intensity is not necessarily better — it allows shorter treatments, but prolonged exposure above 200 Gauss may have harmful effects
• Optimal range for home devices is between 10–100 Gauss
• The Magnum devices provide a maximum intensity between 120–800 Gauss, which falls into the medium–high therapeutic range.

Frequency (Hz)

Medical PEMF devices typically use frequencies between 1–200 Hz:

• Low frequency (1–30 Hz): suitable for bone healing, sleep improvement and relaxation
• Medium frequency (30–100 Hz): for pain relief, inflammation and general well-being
• Higher frequency (100+ Hz): for acute injuries and biostimulation

Treatment duration

PEMF treatment duration depends on the nature of the condition.

For acute complaints — fresh injury, acute pain, inflammation — cells are more sensitive to electromagnetic impulses, so shorter but more frequent treatments are effective: 2–3 times daily for 15–30 minutes.

For chronic conditions — persistent pain, degenerative joint disease, long-standing complaints — tissues have adapted to the pathological state and require longer exposure: 1–2 times daily for 30–60 minutes, for at least 4–8 weeks.

Bone problems — fractures, delayed fracture healing, osteoporosis, bone edema — form a separate category because bone metabolism is slow: daily treatment of 2–4 hours is recommended, possibly for 45–90 days.

The effect is always cumulative, meaning regular, consistent application produces results — missed sessions will set back healing.

Duty cycle (DC)

If the duty cycle is 100%, the magnetic field is continuous. If it is lower, the field is pulsed. For example, Magnum devices are often set to 50%, meaning the magnetic field and the pause are of equal length. Think of pulsing like hammering a nail: if you just press the hammer on the nail, it won’t go in, but if you strike it repeatedly, it works. Pulsing often produces better results than a continuous field!

My advice: The Magnum device programs are preset for scientifically validated performance, frequency and treatment time. If you change these program values, you change the effect! If you are not familiar with the correct parameters, do not modify the programs!

When can magnet therapy be used?

Musculoskeletal conditions are the most important application area. The treatment complements conventional medical therapy and can help reduce healing time.

Bone issues

• Bone fractures (carpal bones, wrist, shoulder, forearm, pelvis, tibia, femur fractures)
• Delayed bone healing, pseudoarthrosis (nonunion)
• Avascular necrosis, bone edema
• Osteoporosis

Joint problems

• Osteoarthritis (knee, hip, shoulder, hand, cervical spine)
• Arthritis, rheumatic conditions
• Cartilage injuries
• Rehabilitation after knee and hip prosthesis

Soft tissue disorders

• Tendon inflammation, tennis elbow (epicondylitis)
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Rotator cuff problems
• Ankle sprain, bruises

Other application areas

• Back pain, low back pain
• Complex regional pain syndrome (Sudeck’s syndrome)
• Edematous conditions
• General tissue regeneration, immune support

Detailed guides by condition

If you have a specific complaint, you can find specialized treatment advice and the scientific background in the following detailed guides:

Bone health

• Osteoporosis and magnet therapy – Home adjunct treatment
• Bone fracture healing and magnet therapy – complementary home treatment
• Femoral neck fracture and magnet therapy – how PEMF can support your healing
• Supporting implant integration with magnet therapy

Joint complaints

• Reducing knee pain at home with a magnet therapy device

Alternative PEMF technologies

• BEMER therapy and its effects – What is the difference from conventional PEMF?

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 using the device.

When NOT to use it? (Absolute contraindications)

⚠️ If you have a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or any other electronic implant, do not use magnet therapy!

Relative contraindications

In the following conditions treatment is not strictly forbidden, but the benefits and possible risks should be weighed. Consultation with your treating physician may be necessary:

• Heart disease (cardiomyopathy, heart failure, severe arrhythmia) – magnet therapy improves circulation, which can strain a severely ill heart
• Severe vascular insufficiency
• Acute skin inflammation and fungal infections – biostimulatory effects may also promote pathogen growth
• Coagulopathy (bleeding disorders)
• During heavy menstruation – avoid treating the abdomen, hips and lower back; other body areas are permissible
• Pregnancy – although no harmful effects are known, it is safer to avoid use
• Old metallic implants (older than 10 years) – very old implants may be magnetizable
• Severe uncontrolled blood pressure disorders – if not controlled by medication
• Cancer – consult your oncologist; direct treatment of tumor tissue is not recommended
• Feverish illness

Important warnings:

• Do not use on the head or over the thyroid
• Do not allow children under 15 to use the device unsupervised
• If you have metallic implants, consult the physician who implanted them

Possible side effects

Side effects reported with magnetic field treatment are rare. Very rarely the following may occur:

• Temporary drowsiness, restlessness, insomnia (especially after cervical spine treatment)
• Mild nausea

If you experience problems after neck treatments, it is advisable to perform shorter sessions (under 30 minutes) and repeat them more frequently.

Practical application of magnet therapy

Placement of magnet coils

The placement method depends on which area and condition you are treating:

Coils placed side by side (same polarity): If a large, extended area needs treatment (e.g. the spine from neck to lower back), place the coils with the same pole facing the skin. This creates a uniform magnetic field.

Coils placed opposite each other: For small localized lesions (e.g. wrist fracture, lower leg fracture) position the coils on both sides of the injured area, facing each other. This connects the magnetic fields from both sides and penetrates deeper.

My tip: When you pick up the magnet coils, first check the polarity. "S" indicates South and "N" indicates North.

Treatment protocols by condition

In cases with casts or splints, increasing field intensity by 50–60% is recommended, because the cast’s thickness increases the distance between the coil and the bone.

When should you modify settings?

The programs in Magnum devices are set according to medical guidelines. Generally you do not need to modify them unless your treating physician advises otherwise.

Increase intensity if the treatment area is covered by thick bandages, a cast or a brace.

Increase treatment time for severe bone abnormalities (nonunion, osteoporosis, fractures) — longer treatment often yields better results.

Magnet therapy and cancer

This is a controversial area. Some recommend magnet therapy as an adjunct to cancer treatments. Although many patients reported improved well-being and better tolerance of chemotherapy side effects, objective measurable effects on tumors have not been demonstrated.

Opponents of magnet therapy argue that cellular processes — including those of tumor cells — could accelerate under treatment. So far neither claim has been conclusively proven.

If you have cancer: Always consult your oncologist before using magnet therapy. Direct treatment of tumor tissue is not recommended.

Magnet therapy devices and accessories

Comparison of Globus Magnum devices

Applicators and their uses

Flexible applicator (30x10 cm): 2 magnet coils with opposite polarity. Ideal for arm and leg fractures, wrist fractures, ankle sprain. It should wrap around the treated area.

Large flexible applicator (40x15 cm): 4 magnet coils with the same polarity. Suitable for spine, pelvis and hip treatment. It should be placed along the treated area.

Soft4 applicator mat (25x25 cm): 4 magnet coils in soft foam. Can be used under the back, lower back, or smaller body parts — even while working.

MAT 100 mat (70x45 cm): Can be placed in a chair or armchair. Ideal for femur, hip, pelvis, lower back and back treatments.

TotalBody mat (70x180 cm): For full body treatment, usable on a bed, even during sleep. Recommended for osteoporosis, multiple joint inflammations and spinal complaints. It has two variants. The Total Body 400 consists of four mat sections, each containing 4 magnet coils, providing a uniform magnetic field along the body’s full length. The Total Body 200 also has 4 sections, but only two are active (contain coils). Sections are positionable, so for hip and femur treatment the active sections should be placed centrally while the passive mats go under the head and feet.

How to choose a device?

When choosing consider:

• Which area needs treatment? One wrist = a 1-channel device is sufficient. Both knees = a 2-channel device is needed.
• How severe is the complaint? Higher intensity can produce stronger effects, but a lower-intensity device can also be effective — it will just require more sessions.
• Which programs do you need? Check whether the device includes the treatment programs you require.

You do not necessarily need the most expensive device — you need the one that fits your actual needs. A simpler Magnum L is perfectly adequate if you only need to treat a limb occasionally.

Summary – Quick overview

What is this article? A comprehensive guide to magnet therapy (PEMF): mechanism of action, application areas, contraindications and practical treatment advice.

Who is it for?

• People with musculoskeletal complaints (osteoarthritis, bone fractures, joint pain)
• Those undergoing rehabilitation (after prosthesis, surgery)
• People with osteoporosis
• Those looking for home physical therapy options

Main message: Magnet therapy is a safe, drug-free adjunct method that can support tissue regeneration and reduce pain. It is not immediate — patience and regular treatment are required.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can results be expected? Magnet therapy has a slow, gradual effect. Noticeable improvement is generally experienced after 2–4 weeks of regular treatment. Bone fractures and osteoporosis require even longer courses.

Can I use it with a pacemaker? NO! Magnet therapy is prohibited for people with pacemakers, implanted defibrillators or other electronic implants.

Is the treatment painful? No. Magnet therapy is painless — you usually do not feel anything during treatment. At most a mild warming sensation may occur.

Can I use it alongside medication? Yes. Magnet therapy can be used as a complement to medical treatment and alongside medication. Consult your treating physician.

How often should I do treatments? It depends on the condition. For soft tissue problems daily 20–45 minutes is usually sufficient. For bone fractures or osteoporosis daily 6–8 hours may be necessary.

Sources

1. Peng L, 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
2. Wu Z, et al. (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. Physical Therapy, 100(7):1168-1181. PubMed: 32251502
3. Markovic L, et al. (2022). Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on outcomes associated with osteoarthritis: A systematic review of systematic reviews. Wien Med Wochenschr. PubMed: 35362792
4. Aaron RK, et al. (2021). Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Stimulation of Bone Healing and Joint Preservation: Cellular Mechanisms of Skeletal Response. J Am Acad Orthop Surg Glob Res Rev, 5(5). PubMed: 33970582
5. Chen Y, et al. (2022). Pulse Electromagnetic Field for Treating Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Bioelectromagnetics, 43(6):381-393. PubMed: 35864717
6. Zhu S, et al. (2021). Efficacy of Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields on Experimental Osteopenia in Rodents: A Systematic Review. Bioelectromagnetics, 42(5):415-431. PubMed: 34004034

The information in this article is for guidance only. Home therapeutic devices are intended to complement medical treatment, not replace it. Consult your treating physician if you have complaints. Individual results may vary.