The Pull of Magnets

Magnets have been used in eastern medicine for centuries to promote healing.  It is only recently, however, that scientists have begun to rigorously study their ability to help heal injuries and reduce pain in the arms, legs, and back.

The following were double-blind studies, meaning neither the researchers nor the study subjects knew who was getting a real magnet and who, a sham magnet.

This study involved twenty subjects recovering from liposuction surgery.  Half were given magnetic pads to wear on their wounds.  The other half received sham magnets in the pads.  

Those who got magnetic pads reported less black-and-blue discoloration in the first three days, less swelling in the first four days, and less pain in the first week than did the control group.  Published in the Journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (Dec. 1999).

Chronic foot pain patients were given shoe inserts to wear--one containing a real magnet, the other a sham.  The neurologist conducting the study found that almost all patients reported less pain in the foot whose shoe had the magnetic insert.  From the American Journal of Pain Management (1998). 

A study of fifty patients with post-polio pain found that seventy six percent of those wearing magnets reported a decrease in pain after 45 minutes.  In contrast, those wearing placebos reported only slight improvement.  Published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (1997).

Scientists are not quite sure how magnets work.  One popular theory is that they increase blood flow to an inflamed area, causing natural healing.  Studies are underway to examine the impact of magnets on varied types of pain:  lower back, carpal tunnel, and fibromyalgia.