Magnet therapy (an energy therapy Energy Therapies Complementary or alternative medicine can be classified into five major categories of practice: Whole medical systems Mind-body techniques Biologically based practices Manipulative and body-based... read more ) uses static magnetic fields or electromagnetic fields. Practitioners place magnets on the body to reduce pain or enhance healing. Magnets may or may not be connected to an electric charge. (See also Overview of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Overview of Integrative, Complementary, and Alternative Medicine Integrative medicine and health (IMH) and complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) include a variety of healing approaches and therapies that historically have not been included in conventional... read more .)
Medicinal uses
Magnets, in particular, are used in treatment for various musculoskeletal conditions and pain. Magnets are marketed in clothing, jewelry, and mattresses to relieve pain.
Static magnet therapy remains scientifically unproven, especially for pain relief, which is one of the most common applications. Well-designed studies of static magnets indicate that they are not effective for chronic pain, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
Possible side effects
It is not clear whether magnet therapy is safe for the following people:
Pregnant women (the effects on the fetus are unknown)
People who have implanted pumps and devices
People who take a drug by patch
More Information
The following English-language resource may be useful. Please note that THE MANUAL is not responsible for the content of this resource.
National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH): Magnets for Pain
