Magnet Therapy questions answerd

If you have a question,FAQ that has not been covered please use the ask a question page to submit it.

Fallowing are questions that have been submitted and my answer.
I hope these will help you in your search for effective therapy.

osteoarthritis in the knee

Ana Maria asked will magnets work in ridding pain from osteoarthritis in the knee? Answer: Ridding pain is not the correct way of thinking about it. Pain is the body warning you that you may be causing further injury therefor you want it to be your friend. What you want to get rid of is the cause of the osteoarthritis and the constant warning pain.

If the pain is constant and not just warning you when you put stress on the joint then magnets may reduce the irritation at the joint. As discussed elsewhere on this site magnets speed up the electrons in the water and make the chemistry of your body work better. Osteo means the bone, arthro means the joint, the o is dropped and itis is added to mean it is irritated. To rid yourself of knee pain you have to rid yourself of the wrong pressure on the joint that is causing the irritation.

The problem with the knee is that the muscles that have to balance the movement of the knee start a long way from the knee therefor to rid yourself of knee pain you need a knowledgeable therapist like myself to help you find the cause. I personally have to use a magnet in the middle of my spine so that the muscles that hold the pelvis level keep working then I don’t get joint pain.

Tarsal tunnel syndrome

Sharon asked: I have been diagnosed with tarsal tunnel syndrome in both feet. How would I use magnets for the pain in this area?

This is a difficult condition to understand and thus treat as shown by the quotations below. The goal is to reduce pressure on the nerves passing through the tunnel just like in carpal tunnel syndrome. The wrist is nice and flat and easy to apply a magnet but the ankle is irregular and always at an angle to the leg therefore hard to find just the right spot to place the magnet. Most people do not know the anatomical terms so let us call it flat foot or high arch.

If you have a flat foot the podiatrist will probably prescribe an arch support. As large and strong a magnet as can fit in the arch may improve the chemistry that goes on in the tarsal tunnel thus reducing further the pressure from swelling on the nerve.

If you have a high arch then the posture demands of your body are causing excessive tension across the ankle. One of the most common is on the inside of the leg under the calf muscles. It is the muscle that lifts the arch and it may be tender also with a flat foot because it is trying to lift the arch but is not strong enough. Binding a strong magnet over the attachment of that muscle where it is tender will often give some relief.

The muscles that move the toes may be involved. They are mostly attached to the small bone on the outside of the leg and the muscle that bend the ankle up to the shin. Any tender spots in this area should be treated also.

Partial quotations from podiatry studies: Tarsal tunnel syndrome is characterized by increased pressure in the tarsal tunnel. In hyperpronation, there is excessive abnormal pronation resulting from partial displacement of the talus on the calcaneus. Tarsal tunnel pressure is increased when the foot and ankle are positioned in eversion or inversion from neutral, aggravating symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome in some patients. Space-occupying lesions may cause tarsal tunnel syndrome. We hypothesized that positional change of the foot and ankle from neutral to eversion or inversion causes decreased tarsal tunnel compartment volume that may aggravate symptoms of posterior tibial nerve entrapment. The results support the hypothesis that eversion and inversion of the foot and ankle cause decreased compartment volume of the tarsal tunnel and increased tarsal tunnel pressure that may contribute to symptoms of posterior tibial nerve entrapment in tarsal tunnel syndrome. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: We believe better understanding of the anatomical relationships of the tarsal tunnel and a clear communication system among anatomists, neuroradiologists and foot and ankle surgeons will facilitate accurate preoperative localization of the site of nerve compression possibly leading to better outcomes

How can MAGNET THERAPY be used for sex?

Vinayak from India asked this question therefore I will answer it from one of my reference books which happens to be written by Doctors Gala from India.
"BE YOUR OWN DOCTOR WITH MAGNET THERAPY" chapter 25

"Magnetic treatment: (1) The north pole of a moderately strong magnet should be applied to the pubic area for 15-30 minutes 2-3 times a day. (2)The north pole of a small magnet should be stuck to the outer aspect of the leg, just below the knee, on the prominently seen bone."

That may not make much sense much to you so let me explain the why.
(1) Sexual dysfunction is often caused by pelvic distortion disrupting blood flow to the reproductive organs. Very strong muscles that determine posture are attached to the pubic bones [plural because there is one coming from each side and meeting under the pubic prominence with a cartilage joint. The muscles can be out of balance and pull one side up and the other side down. This may not be the case with the male; he may have excess tension under the pubic bone covering the prostate gland. In that case I recommend placing the magnet between the scrotum and the anus with the north side penetrating the muscles and prostate gland there. [WARNING: Do not have any other magnets in the area, you do not want the testicles trapped between them]

(2)The bone he refers to is the fibula, the small bone that runs down the outside of the lower leg. The muscles that move the toes are attached to it. If your pelvis is distorted you will tend to press down too hard on one big toe and lift the other one up. The muscles for the big toe are attached at the top of that bone. Check both sides; if the pain is from lifting the toe up it will be just in front of that bone at the top and just behind from pressing down. Tape a small magnet to that spot.

Your pelvic distortion may be caused bay an imbalance or failure of the support muscle that originates in front of the attachment of the bottom rib to the spine. If there is pain there or in the sacroiliac joints, you should see a chiropractor or specialist like myself. A large strong magnet over these areas can help them recover after they are adjusted.

You may find magnet products advertised for sexual enhancement but be very skeptical of their effectiveness.

Determining the N or S side of the magnet or + or - side

Doris in Australia asked:

"Could you tell me how I determine the + side of my magnets? How would I apply them to my shoulder?"

I will quote from the Magnet Therapy book by Holger Hannemann "Balancing Your Body's Energy Flow for Self-Healing"
HOW TO IDENTIFY THE POLE OF A MAGNET
While it is important in magnet therapy to use the proper pole of the magnet, not all manufacturers identify the poles on their products, and some identify them incorrectly. Here is a way to solve the problem:
First establish magnetic needle of the compass by pointing the black side [+ end could also be red, because Doris is in Australia that would be toward the sun at noon, for me that would be away from the sun at noon.]of the needle to the North.
Having established the North-South axis of the compass move the magnet toward the compass. The North seeking end of the needle will point to the south + side of the magnet.
Another way to do it: tape a thread to the edge of the magnet so that it is balanced and can swing freely. The North seeking + south side of the magnet will be facing North.
Confused? That is because when they first started making magnetic compasses they called the end pointing North North or + not realizing that opposites attract therefor it is the south end of the magnet that is pointing North. Notice above: If it is capitalized it is direction if it is not capitalized it is the pole. Not everyone dose this consistently that is why labels can be confusing.

Second part of the question:
There is considerable differences in recommendations among different practitioners. I have settled on a simple principle which is the same as for hot and cold. If it is hot put cold on it if it is cold put hot on it. Clinical experience indicates that the - side is cooling and the + side is heating. If the arthrose [joint] is irritated [I am not allowed to use the "itus" because that makes it a diagnosis] then the - side may calm it down and improve the nerve and fluid flow. If it is stiff and cool the + side may stimulate more cellular activity and cleansing. Just as with hot and cold therapy if one is irritating or increases the pain reverse it.

Many claim that there is a polarity to the body so that to calm the shoulder the negative would be applied to the front of the left shoulder and the back of the right. For treatment up to 2 hours getting the magnet as close to the pain as possible is probably more important. If you are planing to wear the magnets full time then i would advise learning the polarities of the body.

Using magnets under foam matress

Ann wrote: About 15 years ago I bought 10 5,000 Gauss magnets to put under a king size mattress which is foam rubber and 4 inches thick. Since they are spaced evenly is this too much magnet therapy?

Answer: It may not be enough magnet therapy.
I personally use a 13200 Gauss magnet 3 inches in diameter and 1/4 inch thick with only a tea shirt in between.

With the foam 4 inches thick unless it is soft and compresses close to the magnets very little magnetic force is reaching your body. I would recommend that you put the magnets on top of the 4 inch foam and put a thin foam pad on top of them just so you do not feel the edges of the magnets. This may allow enough penetration of your body by the magnetic field to give you benefit.

"Magnassager"

FAQ #1 David asked:
I'm just wondering if you've ever used the"Magnassager" or have an opinion on them. They use magnets to move balls around and massage soft tissue while warming it greatly (according to their claims) Anything you can tell me would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Answer
I have not used the "Magnassager" but I did some online research to get an impression of it.
Epinions.com had the fallowing comments:
#1 Great albeit noisy massager
by freakcell ,Mar 06 '04
Pros: - Good kneading action - Variable speed Cons: - Whining motor noise may become extremely annoying - Heavy * The massaging action itself is very good. * The fact that the massaging bearings can be warmed up quite simply by placing them under a running tap at the desired warmth setting is a definite bonus. * In my experience it works best over clothing, a bed sheet or towel. Also works well with massage oil, but the operator should lighten the pressure accordingly.

Some of the things I don't like:

* It's heavy.
* The noise can be a turn off.
* The motor end of the unit warms up quite a bit, which does not leave me at ease for continued use for longer periods of time.
and #2
The Best Thing I have ever Bought!!!!
by melodylubart ,Jun 17 '06
Pros: Best invention since sliced bread!!! Amazing!!!
Cons: There are no cons at all!!!
This unit is the best. My husband has peripheral neuropathy and it all comes from pinched nerves in his back. The Magnassager arrived yesterday. I bought it on Ebay from an authorized seller. I paid $89.95. The best investment I ever made.

I used it (using lotion) on my husband's spine, his shoulders, his calves. He went absolutely nuts. He loved it.

I used it on my sciatica. Worked great, felt great. I also have a frozen shoulder. My god, this unit is amazing. So easy, it doesn't vibrate. I hate vibrators!!!

But this unit (with the three rotating balls), well, it's so easy to use. And it made him fall immediately to sleep.

and#3 from magnet therapy doubter:
Best mechanical massage, despite magnetism hogwash
by mondesi_1998 ,Nov 27 '03
Pros: Feels almost like hands kneading your muscles
Cons: Magnetic hogwash; hurts when directly applied to bones The makers of the Magnassager make a big deal about the health benefits of magnets, but I think that is New Age rubbish. Ignore that stuff, but still consider this product. The key is that most mechanical massage products are percussive - they thump you. That might feel okay, but it isn't the same as having someone massage you with their hands. This isn't quite that good, but it is about as close as that can get. The stainless steel balls roll over you as the head of the device spins creating a kneading sensation that feels like it is loosening the knots in your muscles.

From their web site http://www.magnassager.com/pages/overview.html
Our design allows for the strength of the magnetic field to decrease to 20 gauss between each stainless steel ball. This is meant to create a variable magnetic field that shifts as the balls circle over the natural magnet and creates a pulsating effect. Since the MAGNASSAGER's three steel balls hold firmly in place by the magnetic field of our 1000 gauss magnet, yet remain structurally independent of the magnet, they roll freely over the contours of the body. During application, the magnetic strength fluctuates as the rotating magnetic plate and steel balls create an effect that could be described as a "pulsating" magnetic effect. It is the negative pulsating field that is unique to the MAGNASSAGER. We've thoughtfully designed it to be adjusted by the variable speed control, so you can decide how fast you experience feeling good.

The MAGNASSAGER is the only magnetic-massage device on the market, which utilizes this unipolar, "pulsating" magnetic field, rather than alternating (bipolar) magnetic fields. Feel the difference yourself!

My comment
Their comment about one pole of the magnet toward the body may be valid for long term steady application but I do not think it is nessesary for intermittent application as in this unit.
As stated one of the goals is a "pulsating" magnetic effect. This pulsating effect would be stronger if "The MAGNASSAGER's three 1.25" diameter stainless steel massage balls" were neodymium nickel coated magnets. On my therapist page I discuss using a sphere magnet in the palm of my hand for this purpose.
Over all impression
Very good unit. Advantages: a "pulsating" magnetic effect, kneading motion instead of vibration, broad application.
Disadvantages: Expense, weight of unit and reported "The motor end of the unit warms up" which is in the handle. Small area could not be worked as it can by using one magnetic sphere.
Recommendation:
Consider carefully the cost benefit ratio: Will you use the unit enough to justify expense? Is the area of pain smaller than the head of the unit will fit? Do you need the motorized application or can you be more effective by applying the magnetic sphere by hand?

What I use
I use an Oster hand vibrator in my work. To add magnetic kneading I put a neodymium sphere in the palm of my hand which I can role along as needed as I can feel with my fingers and heel of my hand. I was asked by a reader in the Philippines if he could use recycled magnets for therapy. The answer is yes! There is a very strong but small chevron shaped magnet in computer hard drives that is ideal because it concentrates the magnetic flux at the point of the chevron. It is a little work to disassemble them and unglue the magnet but some companies will pay to have them disassembled and the discs destroyed to prevent information theft.

A lady asked me "tell me please that magnets can be used for weight loss." Answer: Magnets will not directly help with weight loss but they can help indirectly in at least two ways.

If you do not get enough exercise due to pain and the magnets are properly used to reduce the pain that results from swelling in stressed muscles and joints then you may be able to burn more energy than you are taking in.

If your metabolism is not working properly because of pressure on the regulating nerves coming out of your spine then magnetic treatment of your affected area of the spine may help restore normal function. It has for me.

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