Osteoporosis and Magnetic Therapy – Home Adjunct Treatment

What is osteoporosis?

Osteoporosis is a chronic bone disease in which bone tissue gradually thins and bones become fragile. The essence of the disease is an imbalance between bone-building cells (osteoblasts) and bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts) – resorption outpaces formation.

Imagine it like a house whose walls are being continuously dismantled while the builders work less and less. Over time the walls thin and the structure weakens. That is exactly what happens to your bones in osteoporosis.

The disease affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide; in Hungary roughly 7–10% of the population is affected. It is about four times more common in women than in men — largely due to the decline in estrogen levels after menopause.

How are your bones built and broken down?

Surprisingly, your bones are not static structures. They are continuously remodeled – new bone tissue forms while old tissue is resorbed. A healthy young adult’s entire skeleton renews itself roughly every 2–3 months.

Up to around age 30–35 bone formation predominates: you reach what is called peak bone mass. This is the “reserve” from which you gradually lose over the rest of your life. After about 40–45 years of age bone resorption starts to dominate – this is a normal aging process. We speak of osteoporosis when the loss is excessive for your age.

The pre-stage of osteoporosis: osteopenia

Before osteoporosis develops there is an intermediate state called osteopenia. This means your bone mass has begun to decline but has not yet reached the severity of osteoporosis.

Think of it as a warning sign. Osteopenia says: “There is still time to act!” This condition can still be reversible — with appropriate lifestyle changes, exercise, nutrition and, if necessary, supplementary therapies you can prevent it from progressing to true osteoporosis.

The problem is that osteopenia is most often completely asymptomatic. Many people only discover it after a fracture or incidentally during a bone density scan.

Risk factors for osteoporosis

Bone mass decline with age is natural, but there are factors that increase the risk.

Genetic factors: If osteoporosis occurred in your family — especially in your mother or grandmother — your risk is higher.

Lifestyle factors:

• Smoking weakens bones and inhibits bone formation
• Excessive alcohol consumption reduces calcium absorption
• A sedentary lifestyle — bones need mechanical loading to strengthen
• Insufficient calcium and vitamin D intake

Medical factors:

• Menopause — the drop in estrogen accelerates bone loss
• Certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, hyperthyroidism or diabetes
• Long-term steroid therapy
• Eating disorders (anorexia, bulimia)

Body type: Thin, small-stature individuals generally have a lower starting bone mass and therefore may lose a greater proportion.

Symptoms of osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a stealthy disease — it can develop for years or decades without symptoms. Often the first sign is a bone fracture that occurs with disproportionately low trauma.

The most common warning signs:

Fractures after minor trauma: If a minor fall, a stumble or even a strong cough causes a fracture, this is a serious warning. The most commonly affected sites are the wrist, the spine (vertebrae) and the femoral neck.

Decrease in height: If you feel you are shorter than you were years ago, this may indicate vertebral compression fractures. You can lose 5–10 cm of height.

Postural change: The characteristic “stooped” posture (kyphosis) is a consequence of vertebral fractures. The back becomes increasingly curved and the head tips forward.

Chronic back pain: Pain from vertebral fractures can be persistent and often difficult to manage.

Possible complications of osteoporosis

Untreated osteoporosis can have severe consequences. Hip fractures are particularly dangerous — in older age the mortality rate can exceed 50%! Even survivors often lose independence and require long-term care.

Vertebral fractures cause chronic pain, limited mobility and reduced quality of life. Wrist and other fractures also require long healing times and rehabilitation.

My advice: Don’t wait for a fracture to occur! If you are a woman over 50, or if you have multiple risk factors, ask your doctor for a bone density test.

Prevention of osteoporosis

Early action is key to preventing osteoporosis. The more bone mass you build when you are young, the more reserve you will have later.

Calcium intake: You need at least 1000–1200 mg of calcium daily. The best sources are dairy products, fish (especially sardines and salmon with bones), dark leafy greens and calcium-fortified foods.

Vitamin D: Without vitamin D calcium cannot be properly absorbed. A daily intake of 800–2000 IU (international units) is recommended, particularly in winter months when sun exposure is limited.

Exercise: Resistance training and weight-bearing activities (walking, running, dancing) stimulate bone formation. Aim for at least 3–4 sessions per week of 30–45 minutes.

Quit harmful habits: If you smoke, stop. Limit alcohol consumption. Avoid carbonated soft drinks whose phosphoric acid content can impair calcium absorption.

How is osteoporosis treated?

Treatment of osteoporosis is multi-faceted. The foundation is calcium and vitamin D supplementation, complemented by lifestyle changes (exercise, diet).

As medications, doctors most commonly prescribe bisphosphonates, which inhibit bone resorption. In more severe cases hormone replacement or other targeted therapies may be considered.

And this is where complementary therapies come in, including magnetic therapy.

What is magnetic therapy and how does it affect bones?

Magnetic therapy – or PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy – uses a low-frequency, pulsed electromagnetic field. The magnetic field generated by the device’s coils penetrates tissues and exerts effects at the cellular level.

But how exactly does the magnetic field act on bone?

Scientific research has identified several mechanisms:

Osteoblast stimulation: The magnetic field stimulates the activity of bone-forming cells (osteoblasts). A 2002 study showed that PEMF treatment increases osteoblast proliferation and differentiation, which can enhance bone tissue formation.¹

Osteoclast inhibition: The treatment can simultaneously inhibit the activity of bone-resorbing cells (osteoclasts). Zhou et al.'s 2013 study found that PEMF increases production of osteoprotegerin (OPG) and decreases RANKL expression — a combination that may slow bone resorption.²

Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway: The magnetic field may activate this important signaling pathway, which plays a key role in bone formation.³

Support of calcium incorporation: The magnetic field can favorably influence the incorporation of calcium and other minerals into bone tissue.⁴

What do the scientific studies say?

The use of magnetic therapy in osteoporosis has been evaluated in numerous scientific studies.

A 2022 systematic review and meta-analysis — analyzing 19 randomized controlled trials with a total of 1,303 patients — found that PEMF therapy, when used alongside conventional medication, significantly increased bone density at the lumbar vertebrae, the femur and Ward’s triangle.⁵ The researchers concluded that PEMF may be a potentially effective adjunct therapy in postmenopausal osteoporosis.

A 2021 trial in men showed that combining PEMF treatment with an exercise program significantly increased bone mineral density (BMD) after 12 weeks and the effect persisted for 6 months.⁶

An earlier 1990 study reported that 10 hours per day of PEMF exposure for 12 weeks significantly increased bone density in the treated area.⁷

Important emphasis: Magnetic therapy is an adjunct treatment. It does not replace medication or lifestyle changes, but when used alongside them it can positively influence bone health.

Effects of magnetic therapy on osteoporosis symptoms

In practice, patients with osteoporosis report the following benefits from magnetic therapy:

Pain relief: PEMF treatment can help reduce chronic pain associated with osteoporosis. The 2022 meta-analysis found a significant reduction in pain (measured on the VAS scale) in treated groups.⁵

Support for slowing bone resorption: Regular treatment can favorably affect bone metabolism markers, indicating slowed resorption and increased bone formation.

Improved overall well-being: With less pain you can be more active, which in itself has a positive effect on bones.

Practical application of PEMF treatment

Treating osteoporosis with magnetic therapy requires a long-term commitment. Bone metabolism is slow, so treatment effects appear gradually over weeks to months.

Suggested treatment protocol for osteoporosis:

Due to the long treatment time most people perform the therapy at night while sleeping. Placing the TotalBody mattress under the bed provides the magnetic field throughout the night.

My advice: Treating osteoporosis requires patience. Don’t expect immediate results — bone tissue regenerates slowly. Assess results after at least 8–12 weeks of regular treatment.

Before you start treatment

Magnetic therapy is generally a safe method, 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
• You have an implanted defibrillator
• You use an insulin pump or other implanted electronic device
• You are pregnant

Exercise increased caution

Consult your doctor if you have:

• Heart disease
• Severe blood pressure disorders
• Cancer
• Metal implants (especially older than 10 years)
• Epilepsy

Important: Magnetic therapy is intended to complement medical treatment. Do not discontinue your osteoporosis medications, or your calcium and vitamin D supplementation because of magnetic therapy!

Possible side effects

Side effects of magnetic therapy are rare and generally mild. The 2022 meta-analysis found no significant difference in side-effect occurrence between treated and control groups.⁵

Occasionally you may experience:

• Transient drowsiness
• Mild warmth at the treated area

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

Which device should you choose for osteoporosis treatment?

For osteoporosis treatment you need a magnetic therapy device that has a dedicated osteoporosis program and sufficient power for long-term treatment.

The Globus Magnum device family all include an osteoporosis treatment program. Devices particularly recommended for osteoporosis treatment include:

• Magnum XL – 2 channels, 280 Gauss total output
• Magnum 2500 – 2 channels, 320 Gauss, 52 programs
• Magnum XL Pro – 2 channels, 400 Gauss
• Magnum 3000 Pro – 2 channels, 400 Gauss, 70 programs

A recommended accessory for osteoporosis treatment is the TotalBody 400 mattress, which allows full-body treatment while sleeping.

Practical tips for magnetic therapy

If you have osteoporosis and start home magnetic therapy, keep the following in mind:

Regularity: The effect of magnetic therapy is cumulative — regular daily use is required for results. Skipping days will slow progress.

Combine it with exercise: Magnetic therapy does not replace physical activity. Weight-bearing exercise (walking, light resistance training) promotes bone formation — the combination is more effective.

Nutrition: Pay attention to calcium and vitamin D intake. Magnetic therapy can support absorption, but adequate intake is necessary.

Patience: Bone tissue regenerates slowly. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t notice changes in the first weeks.

Monitoring: Discuss with your doctor whether it makes sense to have a control bone density measurement at the end of the treatment period.

The role of magnetic therapy in osteoporosis treatment

It is important to understand: magnetic therapy serves as the “fourth pillar” in the fight against osteoporosis.

The first pillar is proper nutrition (calcium, vitamin D). The second is regular weight-bearing exercise. The third is medication. And the fourth is complementary therapies — which include magnetic therapy.

None of these replaces the others — they work best together. Magnetic therapy alone is not sufficient, but alongside medical treatment and lifestyle changes it can be a valuable adjunct.

Summary – Quick overview

What is this article? A comprehensive guide to osteoporosis and the adjunct role of magnetic therapy (PEMF) in treatment.

Who is it for? People with osteoporosis, those diagnosed with osteopenia, people considering prevention, and those looking for complementary therapy options.

Main message: Osteoporosis is a treatable condition. Magnetic therapy (PEMF) is a scientifically studied adjunct method that can positively influence bone formation and slow bone resorption. It does not replace medical treatment but can support bone health when used alongside it.

Key terms:

Therapeutic options:

• Medications: Bisphosphonates, hormone replacement (as prescribed by a doctor)
• Lifestyle: Calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise
• Magnetic therapy: Complementary, home-applicable treatment

Frequently asked questions

How long until results are expected? Bone tissue regenerates slowly. A minimum of 8–12 weeks of regular treatment is necessary for initial results. Scientific studies used treatment periods of 12 weeks or longer.

Can I use it alongside osteoporosis medications? Yes. Magnetic therapy is an adjunct treatment that can be used alongside medication. Do not stop your medications!

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

How often should treatment be performed? For osteoporosis, daily treatment of 6–8 hours (optimally 8–10 hours) is recommended for at least 12 weeks. Most people perform the therapy at night while sleeping.

Can I use it with a pacemaker? NO! Magnetic therapy is contraindicated in people with a pacemaker, implanted defibrillator or other electronic implants.

Sources

1. Diniz P, Shomura K, Soejima K, Ito G. (2002). Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) stimulation on bone tissue like formation are dependent on the maturation stages of the osteoblasts. Bioelectromagnetics, 23(5):398-405. PubMed: 12111759
2. Zhou J, Chen S, Guo H, et al. (2013). Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulates osteoprotegerin and reduces RANKL expression in ovariectomized rats. Rheumatology International, 33(5):1135-41. PubMed: 22948539
3. 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
4. Zhu S, He H, Zhang C, et al. (2017). Effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields on postmenopausal osteoporosis. Bioelectromagnetics, 38(6):406-424. PubMed: 28556288
5. Chen Y, Menger MM, Braun BJ, et al. (2022). Pulse Electromagnetic Field for Treating Postmenopausal Osteoporosis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Bioelectromagnetics, 43(6):381-393. PubMed: 35864717
6. Alayat MS, Abdel-Kafy EM, Elsoudany AM, et al. (2021). Long-term effect of full-body pulsed electromagnetic field and exercise protocol in the treatment of men with osteopenia or osteoporosis: A randomized placebo-controlled trial. Physiotherapy Theory and Practice. PubMed: 34900231
7. Tabrah F, Hoffmeier M, Gilbert F Jr, Batkin S, Bassett CA. (1990). Bone density changes in osteoporosis-prone women exposed to pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs). Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, 5(5):437-42. PubMed: 2195843

The information in this article is for informational purposes only. Magnetic therapy serves as a complement to medical treatment and does not replace it. The foundational treatment for osteoporosis is calcium and vitamin D supplementation, regular exercise and medication when needed — do not discontinue these because of magnetic therapy. If your symptoms change, consult your treating physician.