Can magnets really improve your health? At first, this question may sound like it belongs in a late-night infomercial or a Star Trek episode. But if you dig a bit deeper, you will discover that magnetic therapy is a real, current-day type of treatment. You will also learn that research has documented its effectiveness at helping people achieve relief from the symptoms of several physical and mental health concerns.
The Two Main Types of Magnetic Therapy
Magnetic therapy, which is also sometimes referred to as magnetic field therapy, is a noninvasive treatment technique that uses magnets or magnetic fields. Various forms of magnetic therapy can be used to alleviate physical discomfort and psychological distress.
There are two primary types of magnetic therapy: static and electromagnetic.
Static magnetic therapy involves the placement of immobile magnets on or near the body. These are often described as “permanent” magnets, but don’t worry – this type of therapy doesn’t involve any gluing or implanting. Instead, depending on the purpose of the therapy, the magnets may be in a bracelet, pillow, pad, or some other object.
Electromagnetic therapy involves magnetic fields of variable intensity and direction. In this type of magnetic therapy, a coil or other device will typically be placed in direct contact with the patient’s skin. When the coil or other device is activated, it will emit electromagnetic pulses that can penetrate patient’s skin and reach the internal body part that is the focus of the therapy.
The following are examples of the different forms that electromagnetic therapy can take:
- Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMF)
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
- Personalized Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (PrTMS)
- Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT)
- Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MERT)
Does Magnetic Therapy Really Work?
There’s no copyright on the term “magnetic therapy,” which means it can be applied to a wide range of devices and approaches, some of which are marketed with unbelievable (and unrealistic) claims.
Thus, it would be neither accurate nor responsible to state that every type of magnetic therapy works. However, studies have documented the value and effectiveness of certain types of magnetic therapy, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation for people who have depression or certain other mental health concerns.
If you have been considering magnetic therapy to help you address a physical or mental health condition, be sure to choose a reputable provider that offers evidence-based, researched supported services.
What Does Magnetic Therapy Treat?
As we alluded to earlier in this post, magnetic therapy can be incorporated into treatment for people who have been experiencing both physical and mental health concerns.
On the physical side, here are examples of conditions that may be treated with either static or electromagnetic therapy:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Chronic pain
- Headaches
- Fibromyalgia
- Lower back pain
- Paresthesia due to multiple sclerosis
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
Magnetic therapy for mental health purposes typically involves a form of electromagnetic therapy. Examples of mental health concerns that may be treated with these services include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Bipolar disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Some treatment professionals also use electromagnetic therapy to help people who are receiving care for substance use disorders (addictions)
Who Should Not Use Magnetic Therapy?
Magnetic therapy isn’t right for everyone. Before you take part in this or any other type of treatment, you should discuss its benefits and potential drawbacks with your caregiver. Depending on which type of magnetic therapy a provider offers, the following criteria may disqualify you:
- Being pregnant
- Being under the age of 18
- Having a pacemaker
- Using an insulin pump
- Having an implanted glucose monitor
- Having a cochlear or ocular implant
- Having metal plates, screws, or shrapnel near where the magnet or magnetic coil will be placed
How to Find The Best Magnetic Therapy Near You
If you have been researching magnetic therapy providers near you, you may have discovered that there are several facilities in your area that offer this service. When you have many options, how can you decide which treatment center is best for you?
It can be helpful to speak with representatives of any magnetic therapy providers that you are considering. If your interest in magnetic therapy is related to a mental health concern, asking the following types of questions can help you make the most informed decision:
- What levels of care does your center offer?
- Can you tell me about the other services you provide, in addition to magnetic therapy?
- How will you determine if I can benefit from magnetic therapy?
- How will you decide which other services are right for me?
- Which professionals will I be working with while I’m at your center? Can tell me about their training and experience?
- How do you decide how long your patients should remain in treatment?
- What does a successful treatment experience look like at your facility?
- What happens if I don’t make progress while I’m in treatment?
- What happens if my symptoms return after I’ve completed treatment?
- Can you describe your discharge planning or aftercare services?
- Can you help me find out what programs and services my insurance company will (or won’t) cover?
Treatment for anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders often requires more than one type of therapy. This is why it is so important to find a provider that offers multiple options that they can select from when constructing your treatment plan.
Personalization is a vital element of effective mental health treatment. You don’t want to be shoehorned into a one-size-fits all approach. Take the time to find the provider who will evaluate your needs, help you set appropriate short- and long-term goals, and then provide you with a truly personalized treatment experience.
Contact Us About Our Magnetic Therapy in Los Angeles
Montare Behavioral Health offers magnetic therapy and a variety of other evidence-based services for adults whose lives have been disrupted by anxiety, depression, PTSD, and other mental health disorders.
Our network includes several facilities in convenient locations throughout the Los Angeles, California, area – and our continuum of care includes inpatient, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programming. At each center and in every program, you can expect to receive quality clinical care and close personal support from a team of highly skilled professionals.
To learn more about how we can help you, or to schedule a free assessment, please visit our Contact page or call us today.
