General Rules

rules magnetic field therapyWe recommend certain approaches to take for a user to achieve better results with magnetic field therapies and avoid any significant adverse effects.

None of these rules are absolute. They should be considered guidelines. Considering them will be more likely to produce better results.

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General rules for application of magnetic fields

  • Applicators must be located as close as possible to the body. However, putting a system over a shirt or jacket versus directly on the skin is usually not a problem.
  • For microbially induced inflammation (sinusitis, osteomyelitis, etc.), a frequency of 25Hz may be optimum.
  • For sterile inflammation XE “sterile inflammation” , use frequencies up to 10Hz.
  • In degenerative diseases of the musculoskeletal system, frequencies over 10Hz are more suitable.  If inflammatory signs are present, #3 rule above should be considered.
  • In cases of “tennis elbow XE “tennis elbow” ” or “frozen shoulder XE “frozen shoulder” “, simultaneous exposure of the cervical spine is strongly recommended.
  • If magnetic therapy is used for therapy of acute spinal/vertebral pain XE “pain” syndromes XE “vertebral pain syndromes” , it is recommended to expose trigger points XE “trigger points” as well.
  • Total daily exposure should not exceed 90 minutes; exceptions are found in several conditions especially where static magnets are used, for example, fractures, Legg-Perthes’ disease and  aseptic necrosis, among others.
  • Magnetic therapy is most effective if the first 5 exposures are performed daily or twice daily.
  • If magnetic therapy does not work within 20 exposures, it will not likely be of much value. The only exception is bone XE “bone” healing XE “healing” , mainly in non-unions, where the first signs of healing cannot be expected before 30 days or more.
  • In about 1/3 of rheumatoid arthritis XE “rheumatoid arthritis” patients XE “patients” (and possibly in all cases of chronic pain XE “pain” and/or inflammation), subjective worsening can be expected after the first 3 exposures. This is not a reason for interruption of therapy.  It is recommended to first reduce the frequency of the treatments, then the magnetic field density/strength if this fails. Starting the use of anti-oxidants and increasing fluid intake prior to therapy for 2-3 days may reduce these aggravations.
  • Other therapeutic modalities should still be applied and considered in a complementary approach.
  • Magnetic therapy should be applied as soon as possible after a problem begins. Magnetic fields can influence functional disturbances more rapidly, less so fixed or mechanical/pathologic anatomic changes.
  • Exposures must be long enough and repeated. Minimum exposure time is 10 mins, minimum number of exposures is 10, although 15 exposures give better results – clinical response should guide treatment.
  • If possible, do not stop magnetic therapy suddenly until a sufficient number of initial treatments have been performed. It is better to gradually advance the interval between exposures stepwise.
  • Individualization of the approach is always necessary, especially in painful conditions.
  • Regarding the safety of personnel XE “safety of personnel” operating the therapeutic devices, we do not recommend routine operation of devices by pregnant females.
  • Do not change local applicators until a treatment program is completed for a given problem.