Most people have now heard about the benefits of Magnetic Field Therapy even if just via TV adverts, and many have now tried them. However also because of TV adverts many don't realise that there are available many other magnetic products apart from underlays.
One of the most useful I have found is a Magnetic Back Support. Available in both Neoprene (which keeps the back muscles very warm) and in a lighter elastic, the back support is great for anyone with lumbar spine problems. It means that rather than just having the benefit of the magnets during the night they can be worn close to the body during the day as well. This is particularly useful for people who play sport or who cannot avoid over using their back while at work. For people with lumbar pain that prevents an comfortable nights sleep wearing the back support at night means that the magnets are kept in closer contact with the problem area than they are while lying on an underlay.
Also available are magnetic straps for ankle, wrist and forearm.The magnetic straps are extremely effective and allow full movement of the limb while still giving some support. These are also useful for other areas of the body, such as the neck and knee as they are all elastised with Velcro fastenings so therefore can be fitted to the required size and tension. They are absolutely marvellous for those requiring support of the forearm while playing golf or tennis or of the wrist while using the computer.
Larger neoprene support products such as mittens and 'thumbs' for arthritic hands, inner soles for the feet, wrap round knee and elbow supports are also available and give much more warmth if this is what is required but sometimes to the detriment of full movement. For areas where it is difficult to use a strap or other support product, the small adhesive 'spots' are great. I find these particularly good for use around the knee, where a support is often ungainly.
Most conditions can be helped by the use of magnets but as always best results are obtained when they are used as part of an overall therapy rather than on their own. It should be made clear that magnets themselves do not heal anything, they simply stimulate the body to heal itself. The body still needs to have adequate nutrients at its disposal in order to heal effectively and these often need to be supplemented. Also magnets need to be used appropriately. For example applying a magnetic ankle strap to a painful ankle that is caused by referred pain from the spine is not going to as effective as treating the spine. Using a magnetic bracelet in order to relieve pain in the lower back is not going to as effective as wearing a magnetic back support.
As to the safety of magnetic products, as far as I know there are no known side effects. The use of magnets does not interfere with drugs or medications and is not addictive. There are however a few contraindications to their use; it is not advisable to use magnets if you are pregnant, suffer epileptic fits, wear a pacemaker or have any metallic implants that may possibly be dislodged by magnets ( stents may possibly come into this category , depending on the type of metal with which they are made ). Also be sure to keep magnets away from credit cards, battery operated watches and hearing aids. Strong magnets should be kept away from computers, videos, cassettes and magnetic tapes. Remove all magnets before having an X-ray.
As well as the above contraindications I have occasionally come across people who maintain that they cannot wear magnets as they get headaches or feel that their complaint gets worse. This is a known reaction, probably caused by the increase in circulation to a particular area and the increased flushing of toxins. Normally I would expect this to disappear after a day or so, especially if the person drinks a lot more water and increases mineral levels.
At times the polarity of a magnet may need to be reversed, however many magnetic products used nowadays have dual polarity or every second magnet is reversed. In general a North Pole magnet will be used to sedate and a South pole magnet to stimulate. Many adhesive products have the North Pole indicated with an indented dot or groove and this is intended to be placed against the skin. Clinical experience has shown that either pole of these lower gauss magnets can work equally as well, but that stronger/larger magnets of 2500g or more are best employed by using either North or South Pole for specific conditions. Dual poles may be used when the pain is located over a large area, for example as in back pain. The 'gauss' rating gives an indication of the magnetic intensity of the magnet.
The only other annoying but not serious reactions I have seen are allergic irritations to the plasters that hold the smaller adhesive magnetic spots in place or occasionally allergic reaction to the metallic coating of the magnet itself. This last can be overcome by placing a smaller piece of plaster or cloth over the magnet before placing it against the skin.
|
