Does Magnetic Field Therapy Work?

The term “magnet therapy” encompasses practices as simple as wearing magnetized bracelets, using magnetized mattresses, to therapy that involves large magnetic field-generating machinery.

People have different theories for why magnets might have an effect upon the body, but they generally claim that magnets act upon the body’s molecules, ions, or “energy field” to correct disruptions. For more information about magnetic field therapy, you can also refer to sheldonwellness.com/services/magnetic-field-therapy/.

Patients have used magnetized products to treat pain associated with fibromyalgia, neuropathy, sciatica, and arthritis, but any benefits identified in studies are often similar to placebo. Some technologies like pulsed magnetic therapy and transcranial magnetic stimulation are being evaluated for potential in reducing pain and depression, but these are different from products that are promoted in the market.

Many companies that sell therapeutic magnets also claim that a small magnet inside of a bracelet or other device helps increase blood flow to the area of the body where the device is worn. This increased blood flow is then said to help tissues heal faster. 

Thus far, there is no scientific support for this idea. Lab studies suggest static magnetic fields may modulate ion transport and related cell and neuronal activity, but the significance of these findings is unknown.

Despite a lack of scientific evidence to support claims that commercially available magnetic therapy devices work, wearable magnets remain extremely popular.