What Is Magnet Therapy for Arthritis and Does It Work

You might ask if magnet therapy helps with arthritis pain. Recent research shows most experts do not believe it works well. Many people with arthritis want relief besides regular medicine.

• About 60% of people with arthritis try other therapies, like magnet therapy.
• Magnet therapy is becoming more popular as a gentle choice for arthritis.
• The market for magnet therapy was $600 million in 2020 and is still growing.
  More people are picking magnetic bracelets and other tools because they want safe and simple answers.

Key Takeaways

• Most experts think magnet therapy does not really help arthritis pain. Studies show it works about the same as a placebo.
• Many people with arthritis try magnet therapy because it looks easy. It also costs less than some other treatments.
• Magnet therapy might make people feel like they can control their pain. But most of the help comes from believing in the treatment, not the magnets.
• Magnet therapy is usually safe. But people with pacemakers, pregnant women, and people with bleeding problems should not use it.
• Always talk to your doctor before you try magnet therapy. This helps make sure it is safe and lets you learn about other proven treatments.

Does Magnet Therapy Work?

Scientific Consensus

You might wonder what experts think about magnet therapy for arthritis. Most scientists and doctors say static magnets do not really help arthritis pain.

Many studies show that pain relief from magnet therapy is like the placebo effect. Reviews of research found magnets did not lower pain or reduce medicine use compared to fake treatments.

Big medical groups, like the American Cancer Society and the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, do not support magnet therapy for arthritis. They say current studies do not show clear effects on pain or health.

Some studies say stronger magnets might help more, but the proof is weak and not strong enough to show real benefits.

Researchers have tested magnetic bracelets and other devices in clinical trials. The results are mixed. For example, one study found magnetic wrist bracelets might help pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, but weak magnets did not work well.

Another trial showed high-strength magnets could help pain for a short time, but after six weeks, there was no difference compared to fake magnets. Most experts think the placebo effect explains why some people feel better.

Here is a summary of main clinical trial findings:

Researchers also see some gaps in the evidence:

Why People Try It

You may notice many people with arthritis use magnet therapy, even though science does not support it. People often pick magnet therapy because it seems easy and costs less than other treatments.

Many patients want gentle choices for long-lasting pain. Some believe magnets can help during bad pain times, even if studies do not show strong results.

• Many arthritis patients use magnetic bracelets and straps instead of painkillers.
• Personal stories and testimonials can affect choices, even when science is weak.
• Feelings and being part of your own care can change how you feel about magnet therapy.
• About 28% of people with arthritis or similar problems have tried magnets or copper bracelets for pain relief.
• Some patients trust magnet therapy because they hope for relief, even if experts say the benefits are small.

If you want to try magnet therapy, remember most benefits may come from believing in the treatment, not the magnets themselves.

Magnet Therapy Overview

What Is Magnet Therapy

You might see magnet therapy as a way to help arthritis pain. Magnet therapy uses magnets to make a magnetic field close to your body.

The idea is that magnets could change how your body feels pain or help you heal. Magnets come in many forms, like bracelets, pads, or special machines.

There are different kinds of magnet therapy. Each kind works in its own way:

Static magnetic therapy uses magnets that stay still. You might wear a bracelet or use a pad with magnets inside.

Electromagnetic therapy uses machines that send magnetic pulses into your body. Some clinics offer magnetic therapy with acupuncture, putting magnets on special points to try to balance your energy.

Magnet therapy does not use the same magnets you stick on your fridge. These magnets are made for medical use and come in different strengths.

How It’s Used for Arthritis

You might wonder how people use magnet therapy for arthritis. Many people wear magnetic bracelets or straps on their wrists, ankles, or knees. Some people use magnetic pads under their sheets or in their shoes. Others go to clinics for electromagnetic therapy, where a worker puts a coil or device near the sore joint.

People pick magnet therapy because it feels easy and does not need medicine. You can use it at home or get help from a professional. Some people try magnetic therapy with acupuncture, hoping it helps more. You may see magnets for sale online, in stores, or at health fairs.

• You can wear magnetic jewelry every day.
• You can put magnetic pads on sore joints.
• You can try electromagnetic machines at clinics.

Magnet therapy gives people with arthritis many choices. You may find it simple to use, but experts do not agree on how well it works.

Evidence and Studies

Research on Osteoarthritis

You might wonder what scientists say about magnets for osteoarthritis. They have tested different therapies, like pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), magnetic bracelets, and copper bracelets. Each therapy works in its own way. Studies check if these help with pain and movement.

Many studies look at PEMF therapy. Researchers use pain scales, such as the visual analog scale (VAS), to see how pain changes during treatment. Here are some key findings:

• Systematic reviews show PEMF therapy often helps people feel less pain.
• Studies find some patients have less pain after using PEMF devices.
• One trial found PEMF therapy helped pain and movement in people with knee osteoarthritis. This means PEMF might help with long-term pain.
• Most studies focus on pain and report big improvements after PEMF therapy.

But not all magnet therapy types work the same. Placebo-controlled trials, like the CAMBRA trial, help show if magnets really help or if it is just belief. The CAMBRA trial and other studies found:

• Magnet therapy did not give big benefits for osteoarthritis.
• People using real magnets and fake magnets felt the same pain relief and movement.
• Main tests, like the WOMAC Osteoarthritis Index and pain scales, showed no real difference between real and fake magnets.

When you look at magnetic bracelets and copper bracelets, results are even less good:

• The Arthritis Foundation says magnetic and copper bracelets do not help with arthritis pain or stiffness.
• Studies show no difference in pain, stiffness, or movement between people using these bracelets and those using fake ones.
• Any benefits are probably from the placebo effect or other things.

Some small studies show short-term pain relief, but most experts say long-term benefits are weak or not proven.

Research on Rheumatoid Arthritis

You might ask if magnet therapy helps with rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists have tested magnetic bracelets, copper jewelry, and other devices in many studies. Most studies compare magnets to fake treatments.

Here is what the research shows:

Other reviews and studies agree with these results:

You may also see advice from health experts:

Most studies find magnetic bracelets and copper bracelets do not help with pain, stiffness, or swelling in rheumatoid arthritis.

The results are the same for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. You may hear stories from people who feel better, but science does not support these claims.

If you want to try magnet therapy, remember most benefits may come from believing in the treatment, not from the magnets themselves.

How Magnet Therapy May Work

Theories and Claims

You might wonder why people think magnet therapy helps arthritis. There are many ideas about how magnets could work in your body.

Some scientists say magnets might change how your cells act or how nerves send pain signals. Others believe magnets could help blood move better or change how ions move in your body. Here is a table with some main ideas:

Companies that sell magnetic products often make big promises. You might see these claims when you look at bracelets or pads:

• Magnetic therapy helps your body make natural painkillers.
• Magnets boost blood flow to sore joints.
• Copper bracelets can lower arthritis pain.
• Many people say they feel better after using magnets.

But most of these claims do not have strong proof. Studies show little evidence that magnets or copper bracelets help arthritis symptoms.

Most stories of feeling better come from users, not from research. A 2013 study found no real benefits from copper or magnetic bracelets.

In 2020, a review of Magnetude Jewelry said the company did not have enough proof for its health claims.

You might see lots of claims about magnets, but most experts say science does not support them.

Placebo Effect

You may wonder why some people feel better after using magnet therapy, even if studies show weak results. The reason could be the placebo effect. This happens when you think a treatment will help, and your brain makes you feel better. Believing in the treatment can change how you feel pain.

• The placebo effect is strong in arthritis care.
• Many people feel less pain when they try new therapies, even if the therapy does not really work.
• Stories and hope can make you notice small changes in your symptoms.

Trying something new can give you a sense of control. This feeling can help you deal with pain, even if the magnets do not change your body. Scientists say most benefits from magnet therapy come from this effect, not from the magnets themselves.

Safety and Risks

Side Effects

You might wonder if magnet therapy causes problems. Most people do not have serious side effects. Some studies show a few people feel discomfort. In one study, five people with rheumatoid arthritis stopped using magnet therapy. They felt bad effects and were not counted in the final results.

Some groups have higher risks with magnet therapy. Here are some examples:

1. If you are pregnant.
2. If you have a cardiac pacemaker.
3. If you are getting an x-ray or MRI.

People with bleeding disorders also have more risk. If you are in any of these groups, you should not use magnet therapy.

Always tell your doctor if you want to try magnet therapy, especially if you have health problems or use medical devices.

Regulation

You might ask how magnet therapy devices are checked for safety. In the United States, the FDA calls these devices Class III.

This means they need strong tests and safety checks before they can be used. In Europe, the MDR has strict rules for safety and proof that the device works.

Health groups do not have special rules for magnet therapy in arthritis. Most experts say there is not enough proof that it is safe or works well. Doctors and scientists are careful about magnet therapy and want more research.

• There is not enough strong proof for magnet therapy.
• Health groups have not made official rules.
• Doctors say to be careful and want more studies.

Always talk to your doctor before you try magnet therapy. This helps keep you safe and helps you make good choices.

You have learned that magnet therapy does not always help arthritis pain. Most research shows it does not give lasting relief. But using magnets is usually safe for most people.

You should ask your doctor before you try magnet therapy. Doctors usually suggest treatments that are proven to work, like NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and DMARDs.

FAQ

What is magnet therapy for arthritis?

Magnet therapy means using magnets near your joints. You might wear a bracelet, use a pad, or try a machine. People hope magnets can help with pain and moving.

What types of magnet therapy can you try?

You can try static magnets, PEMF, or magnetic jewelry. Some clinics have machines for this therapy.

Always talk to your doctor before trying any kind.

What risks should you know before using magnet therapy?

Do not use magnet therapy if you have a pacemaker. Pregnant women and people with bleeding problems should also avoid it. Most people do not get serious side effects.

What does research say about magnet therapy’s effectiveness?

Most research says magnet therapy does not help pain for long. Some people feel better for a short time. Experts think this is because of the placebo effect.

What should you do before starting magnet therapy?

Talk to your doctor before you start. Ask about treatments that are proven to work.

🩺 Doctors can help you find safe ways to care for arthritis.