Therapeutic Magnets

© 2005 – FA Davis Description Low-power magnets are placed on the patient’s body Static magnetic fields affect the tissues Normal biological function is restored Little evidence supports these theories

© 2005 – FA Davis Used For* Fibromyalgia Pain reduction Tissue healing Decreasing inflammation Edema reduction Improved sleep Decreasing jet lag Improving athletic performance Enhanced emotional/mental state * Efficacy has not been substantiated

© 2005 – FA Davis Types of Magnets Unipolar Magnets Only one magnetic pole is touching the skin Negative pole (the “North Pole”) usually contacts the skin Bipolar Magnets Both the positive and negative poles contact the skin

© 2005 – FA Davis Theory Magnetic poles cause ions to flow and realign Negative pole decreases cellular activity –Placed on “overstimulated” areas Positive pole increases cellular activity –Placed on “understimulated” areas

© 2005 – FA Davis The Hall Effect Causes charged particles to group together Align according to magnetic field Motion causes friction, which causes heat The presence of the Hall Effect in living tissues using low power magnets has not been substantiated.

© 2005 – FA Davis Polar Healing Properties* Negative Pole Pain reduction Anti-inflammatory Increased healing Coagulation Edema reduction Vasoconstriction Oxygen attracted Restore acid/base balance Dissolves fat deposits Improved sleep CNS Sedation Positive Pole Increases energy Stimulates immune system Increases intercellular fluids Increases intracellular fluids Causes vasodilation * Claims have not been substantiated

© 2005 – FA Davis Theoretical Biophysical Effects Tissue Heating The Hall Effect is theorized to increase tissue temperature Blood Flow If the Hall Effect produces heat, then –Increased heat produces vasodilation –Vasodilation increases blood flow

© 2005 – FA Davis Theoretical Biophysical Effects Pain Reduction A Hall Voltage may alter pain nerve’s resting potential, making it more difficult to depolarize May increase the release of enkephalins If heating and increased blood flow occur, this would also lead to pain reduction

© 2005 – FA Davis Precautions May cause malaise –Magnetic mattress pad Bare metal may cause an allergic skin reaction Do not use magnets in lieu of accepted medical techniques

© 2005 – FA Davis Contraindications Do not place magnets near pacemakers Placement over the pelvic/lumbar area during pregnancy Over cancerous areas