Q: How are magnets used therapeutically? Do they really
work?
A: Magnets are commonly used to relieve back pain
and joint pain in wrists, ankles, or knees. Simply place
the negative pole of the magnet against the skin and wear
the magnets daily. Magnets can be attached directly to
the skin with an adhesive strip or they can be placed
inside a brace. Once in place they usually provide noticeable
relief within a few days. Magnets have been used successfully
to treat a range conditions from acute inflammations and
minor sports injuries to long-standing problems like arthritis.
At this point there is still a lot of skepticism regarding
the therapeutic use of magnets. However, several studies
have shown magnets to be effective in relieving localized
pain. Most recently, this month’s Archives of Physical
Medicine and Rehabilitation published a study using magnets
to relieve foot pain in patients with diabetic neuropathy.
Magnetic insoles worn for four months showed significant
reductions in foot pain associated with neuropathy.
One possible explanation for magnets’ effectiveness
is that magnets attract iron. At the center of every hemoglobin
molecule is iron. When a magnet is placed on the body
it attracts more blood to the area improving local circulation.
Along with the increase in circulation the area receives
more oxygen and more capacity to remove wastes. This may
partially explain the pain relief.
Magnet therapy provides a drug-free alternative solution
for pain relief. Magnets may not create a permanent change
but they do seem to support the body in its own healing
process without using ibuprofen or similar pain medications.
They’re definitely worth trying. |
