If you live with severe pain, I’m sure you’ll try just about anything to get relief --I know I would. So maybe you’re thinking about giving a magnetic bracelet a try because they claim to have great medicinal properties. Well, here comes the big question, do they really work?
Magnetic bracelets have been popularized as an alternative treatment to alleviate pain and address health issues. Static magnets are used in jewelry items, commonly bracelets, to theoretically treat diseases and pain. They are thought to have properties that improve circulation and decrease inflammation to ease pain through the magnetic field that is created by the magnets.
Debunking the myth of magnetic bracelets
Scientific studies have ultimately shown that there is no evidence to support any healing or therapeutic claims other than a placebo effect. Often these bracelets will claim to be great for treating pain from arthritis, reducing inflammation, decreasing joint pain, and expelling harmful toxins. Considering recent studies and reviews of these claims, this has been disproven.
According to Stephen Barret, M.D., “there is no scientific basis to conclude that small, static magnets can relieve pain. In fact, many of today’s products produce no significant magnetic field at or beneath the skin’s surface.”
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) even warns to not use these magnets as a substitution for professional medical care, and that it can even be harmful to those using a pacemaker or insulin pump. Some side effects of using stronger magnets on the body may include:
- Pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Skin irritation
The majority of research has come to the conclusion that these beneficial health claims are false and magnetic bracelets cannot effectively be used to treat arthritis and other diseases or symptoms of chronic pain.
If magnetic bracelets don’t work, what’s the alternative?
You should always consult your physician about health decisions and treatment plans for your specific condition. If you have lingering back and neck pain, arthritis, fibromyalgia, or severe joint pain, don’t go straight to the option of magnetic therapy bracelets. You would benefit from visiting a physical therapist instead who specializes in ways to offer you pain relief and measurable improvement.
Luna offers alternatives to the typical clinic visits through on-demand physical therapy. That means you’ll have access to your own personal PT through in-person visits wherever and whenever it is convenient for you and virtual televisits for one-on-one specialized care. You’ll also be able to easily track and monitor the progress of your personalized treatment plan via the Luna App. This includes in-app exercises and easy ways for your PT to see what progress you're making to adjust your plan as needed.
Don’t let the myth fool you, magnetic bracelets won’t give you the results you are looking for. On-demand PT is a faster, safer, and easier-than-ever way for patients to heal and receive the care that you need. Get in touch with us today, we can’t wait to help!
Handpicked Resources for You
10 Daily Habits for Arthritis Pain Relief – Everyday Health
Do Copper Bracelets Help With Arthritis? – Medical News Today
Copper Bracelets and Magnetic Wrist Straps for Rheumatoid Arthritis – Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects – Plos One Scientific Journal
Copper Bracelets 'Don't Help Rheumatoid Arthritis' – WebMD
