Magnetotherapy: Complete guide by physiotherapists
What it is, what the studies say it is used for, how to use it at home and who should not use it.
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Magnetotherapy is a non-invasive physiotherapy treatment that applies pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to the affected area to reduce pain and inflammation and support bone and tissue recovery.
It is mainly used for:
- Joint pain and inflammation
- Osteoarthritis and arthritis
- Fractures and bone edema
- Sprains and ligament injuries
- Post-surgical recovery
- Duration
- 2-3 h a day, in 1-hour sessions
- Results
- For pain, 1-3 weeks of daily use
- Where
- At home (rental) or at a clinic
What is magnetotherapy?
Magnetotherapy is a physiotherapy treatment that applies pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) to the injured area. The field is generated by a device through applicators called solenoids. It is painless, does not heat and can be applied over clothing, a bandage or a cast.
It complements physiotherapy and exercise rather than replacing them. Its most studied use is bone (fractures that are slow to heal and bone edema); in osteoarthritis, persistent low back pain or shoulder tendinopathy it can help with pain. Because it takes several hours a day for weeks, it is usually done at home with a rental device and a physiotherapist's guidance.
Static magnetotherapy
Fixed magnets (bracelets, insoles, mattresses) that create a constant field. There is little evidence that they work and they are not what physiotherapy uses.
Pulsed magnetotherapy
Devices that emit a field that changes in intensity and frequency, with programmes for each injury. It is the type studied in clinical trials and the one we use in clinic and rent out.
What is magnetotherapy used for?
These are the situations where it is used most, from more to less evidence. Where we have a detailed guide, we link to it.
Slow-healing fractures and bone edema
This is the most studied use. In fractures that are slow to heal (delayed union or non-union), adding magnetotherapy to usual care leads to more fractures uniting and less pain [1, 2]. It can be applied with the cast on. In a recent fracture that is healing well, studies do not show a clear advantage [3].
In bone edema (fluid and inflammation inside the bone, seen on MRI), the studies are small but point to less pain with daily use over several weeks [7].
How it helps: Stimulates bone-forming cells and relieves pain; its most studied use is the fracture that is slow to heal.
Osteoarthritis
In osteoarthritis, meta-analyses of placebo-controlled trials find that it reduces pain and stiffness somewhat and improves function [4]. It does not regenerate cartilage or slow its wear: it complements exercise, which remains the basis of treatment.
How it helps: Can relieve pain and stiffness alongside exercise.
Persistent low back pain
In low back pain lasting more than 3 months, a meta-analysis of 14 trials found moderate pain relief; in acute pain there was no difference and function did not clearly improve [5]. Guidelines make exercise the basis [11], so we use it as a complement with a 15-day trial.
How it helps: Can relieve persistent low back pain alongside exercise.
Recovery after surgery
After bone surgery (a fracture fixed with a plate or screws, a hip or knee replacement) it can be used as a complement once the wound is fine, usually from the second week and if the surgeon agrees.
How it helps: Supports bone healing, helps reduce post-surgical edema and supports functional recovery.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is treated with medication, strength and balance exercise, calcium, vitamin D and fall prevention. Magnetotherapy is not in the clinical guidelines [10] and does not replace any of these. Some studies see bone density improvements when it is added to medication, but it has not been shown to reduce fractures [9].
Where it makes most sense is as support for pain after a vertebral fracture, to help the person get moving again [8].
How it helps: Can relieve pain after a vertebral fracture, alongside medication and exercise.
Sports injuries and tendinopathies
In tendinopathies the treatment is loading exercise. Magnetotherapy can help with pain, especially in the shoulder (subacromial pain syndrome) [6], with less data for the elbow, knee or Achilles tendon. In muscle tears and bruises it is used alongside return-to-sport rehabilitation.
How it helps: Helps control pain and inflammation, alongside active rehabilitation.
Sprains
In an ankle or knee sprain it is used in the first weeks for pain and swelling, alongside progressive loading and exercises. The usual guidance is 2-3 sessions of up to 1 hour a day for 2-4 weeks.
How it helps: Helps reduce edema and pain in the acute phase, alongside progressive exercise.
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The same professional magnetotherapy clinics use, at home. Start by renting to try it, or buy it if you already know it.
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- 4 outputs: 2 high and 2 low
- 20 therapeutic programmes
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Not sure yet? Start by renting. If you decide to keep it, we deduct 100% of what you paid in rent from the purchase price.
How does magnetotherapy work?
The mechanisms are known mainly from laboratory studies [12]. In people, what counts is the effect measured in clinical trials, summarised below.
What happens in the cells
The changing magnetic field induces small currents in the tissues that influence how ions, such as calcium, cross the cell membrane. In the lab, this activates bone-forming cells (osteoblasts) and cartilage cells.
What happens in the tissues
Experimental models show an effect on local inflammation and blood flow in the area. This is the basis for its use in bone edema and osteoarthritis pain.
Why pain improves first
Part of the relief may come from changes in how pain signals are transmitted. That is why the effect is usually felt sooner in pain (weeks) than in bone (months).
Benefits of magnetotherapy
What it can offer, without exaggeration:
Pain relief
This is the effect people notice first. In osteoarthritis, persistent low back pain or shoulder tendinopathy, trials find an improvement in pain [4, 5, 6] that usually appears between the 1st and 3rd week of daily use.
Support for bone healing
It is the most researched use. A review of 22 trials found more fractures uniting (80 % vs 64 %) and less pain with magnetotherapy. It makes most sense in fractures that are slow to heal or at risk of not uniting.
Non-invasive and painless
No needles, no heat and nothing to feel. It is applied over clothing or a bandage, and the side effects reported are rare and mild.
Compatible with rehabilitation
It does not interfere with medication or physiotherapy. It works better as part of a plan with exercise than on its own.
Can be done at home
Because it takes 2-3 hours a day for weeks, doing it at home is more practical and cheaper than clinic sessions. A physiotherapist gives you the guidance.
View rental equipmentWhat contraindications does magnetotherapy have?
It is safe for most people, but there are situations where it should not be used or where you should ask first.
Absolute contraindications
Situations where magnetotherapy should NOT be used under any circumstances:
- Pacemaker, defibrillator (ICD) or other electronic implants, such as insulin pumps or neurostimulators
- Pregnancy
- Active cancer in the area to be treated
- Acute infection in the area to be treated
- Loose metal fragments in delicate areas (for example, the eye) or vascular clips in the brain
Relative contraindications
It can be used, but ask your doctor or physiotherapist first:
- Epilepsy
- Severe loss of skin sensation
- Fever or general infection: better to wait until it passes
- Poorly controlled diabetes or high blood pressure
- Active bleeding, haemophilia or anticoagulant treatment
If you have a chronic condition, take medication or have an implant, ask before starting. Side effects and borderline cases are explained in detail in our contraindications guide.
Consult our team
Our physiotherapists can advise you — no commitment — on whether magnetotherapy is right for your case.
Read more: contraindications and side effects of magnetotherapy
See scientific evidence and sources
What does the scientific evidence say?
A summary of the most recent systematic reviews and clinical trials. Numbers in brackets refer to the sources at the end.
Most consistent evidence
Systematic reviews pointing in the same direction:
- Fractures that are slow to heal (delayed union, non-union): more fractures uniting and less pain [1, 2]
Moderate evidence
Trials showing benefit, with a modest effect or variable quality:
- Pain, stiffness and function in osteoarthritis [4]
- Persistent low back pain; not acute pain [5]
- Pain in shoulder tendinopathy (subacromial pain syndrome) [6]
Limited or unclear evidence
Small studies or unclear results:
- Bone edema [7]
- Pain after an osteoporotic vertebral fracture [8]
- Bone density in osteoporosis: not shown to reduce fractures and not in the guidelines [9, 10]
- Recent fractures that are healing well [3]
- Fibromyalgia, migraine and other uses: not enough data
Sources
Studies and guidelines cited on this page:
- [1] Peng L, Fu C, Xiong F, et al. Effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic fields on bone healing: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Bioelectromagnetics. 2020;41(5):323-337.
- [2] Griffin XL, Costa ML, Parsons N, Smith N. Electromagnetic field stimulation for treating delayed union or non-union of long bone fractures in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2011;(4):CD008471.
- [3] Hannemann PFW, Mommers EHH, Schots JPM, et al. The effects of low-intensity pulsed ultrasound and pulsed electromagnetic fields bone growth stimulation in acute fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg. 2014;134(8):1093-1106.
- [4] Yang X, He H, Ye W, Perry TA, He C. Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain, stiffness, physical function, and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Phys Ther. 2020;100(7):1118-1131.
- [5] Sun X, Huang L, Wang L, et al. Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field on pain and physical function in patients with low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 2022;36(5):636-649.
- [6] Wang HY, Chen YJ, Huang IC, et al. The effectiveness of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy in patients with shoulder impingement syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. PLoS One. 2025;20(5):e0323837.
- [7] Martinelli N, Bianchi A, Sartorelli E, et al. Treatment of bone marrow edema of the talus with pulsed electromagnetic fields: outcomes in six patients. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2015;105(1):27-32.
- [8] Liu W, Jin X, Guan Z, Zhou Q. Pulsed electromagnetic field affects the development of postmenopausal osteoporotic women with vertebral fractures. Biomed Res Int. 2021;2021:4650057.
- [9] Lang S, Ma J, Gong S, et al. Pulse electromagnetic field for treating postmenopausal osteoporosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Bioelectromagnetics. 2022;43(6):381-393.
- [10] Riancho JA, Peris P, González-Macías J, Pérez-Castrillón JL. Resumen ejecutivo de las guías de práctica clínica en la osteoporosis posmenopáusica, glucocorticoidea y del varón (actualización 2022). Sociedad Española de Investigación Ósea y del Metabolismo Mineral (SEIOMM). Rev Clin Esp. 2022;222(7):432-439.
- [11] National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Low back pain and sciatica in over 16s: assessment and management (NG59).
- [12] Massari L, Benazzo F, Falez F, et al. Biophysical stimulation of bone and cartilage: state of the art and future perspectives. Int Orthop. 2019;43(3):539-551.
Magnetotherapy is a complementary treatment: it does not cure any disease on its own. It should be part of a plan that includes exercise and, depending on the case, medication or surgery, and it does not replace a professional diagnosis.
See step-by-step home use guide
Magnetotherapy at home: how to use it
The basics for using it well at home. Your physiotherapist will give you the exact guidance for your injury.
Before you start
Get a diagnosis and check the contraindications. Use a pulsed magnetotherapy device certified as a medical device, with programmes for each injury.
Placement
Place the solenoids over the area or on both sides of the joint, on the skin, clothing, bandage or cast. Remove watches, bracelets and rings from the area. Meanwhile you can read, watch TV or rest.
Treatment time
We recommend 2-3 hours a day split into sessions of up to 1 hour, every day. Consistency matters more than the length of each session.
Treatment length
Usually 4 to 8 weeks depending on the injury, and longer if a fracture is slow to heal. If you notice no change after 3 weeks, check with your physiotherapist.
Recommended protocols table
Below are standard protocols according to condition. These are reference protocols; your physiotherapist may adapt them based on your individual response:
| Condition | Duration per session | Frequency | Total treatment duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bone fracture | 60 minutes | 2-3 times/day | 30-45 days |
| Bone edema | 60 minutes | 2-3 times/day | 30-60 days |
| Osteoarthritis | 60 minutes | 2-3 times/day | 30 days (repeatable) |
| Chronic back pain | 60 minutes | 2-3 times/day | 15-30 days |
| Post-surgical recovery | 60 minutes | 2-3 times/day | 30-45 days |
If you are considering a home device such as the MAG 2000, keep in mind that its protocols require 2 to 8 hours of daily application. With professional equipment the protocol drops to 2-3 hours: compare both options on our MAG 2000 rental page.
When to expect results?
A rough guide; it varies with the injury and the person:
- Pain: usually improves between the 1st and 3rd week of daily use
- Swelling and edema: 2-4 weeks
- Bone: confirmed by imaging, not by how it feels
If you notice no change after 3 weeks, check with your physiotherapist.
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Frequently asked questions about magnetotherapy
What exactly is magnetotherapy?
Does magnetotherapy really work?
How long does magnetotherapy take to work?
Can magnetotherapy be used every day?
What is the difference between magnetotherapy and electrotherapy?
Do I need a medical prescription to use magnetotherapy?
What contraindications does magnetotherapy have?
What does magnetotherapy do for a sprain?
What is magnetotherapy used for?
Magnetotherapy articles
Dive deeper into the topics that interest you most with our specialized articles written by licensed physiotherapists.
My Opinion on Magnetotherapy: Does It Really Work?
Discover my professional opinion on magnetotherapy and its effectiveness in treating injuries.
Contraindicaciones y efectos secundarios de la magnetoterapia: cuándo NO usarla
Efectos secundarios y contraindicaciones de la magnetoterapia según un fisio: cuándo NO usarla y por qué la prótesis y la osteosíntesis casi nunca la impiden.
Magnetoterapia para hernia discal: qué puede hacer (y qué no)
Qué puede hacer la magnetoterapia en una hernia discal (dolor e inflamación) y qué no (curarla). Protocolo, banderas rojas y consejo honesto de un fisio.
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Qué aporta realmente la magnetoterapia en una rotura fibrilar, protocolo por grados y los errores que más retrasan la vuelta al deporte, explicado por un fisio.
Magnetoterapia para artrosis de rodilla: qué esperar según la evidencia
Qué puede aportar la magnetoterapia en la artrosis de rodilla según la evidencia: protocolo de sesiones, combinación con ejercicio y contraindicaciones.
Magnetoterapia para esguince de tobillo: protocolo, sesiones y resultados
¿Ayuda la magnetoterapia en un esguince de tobillo? Protocolo por grado, combinación con RICE/POLICE y cuándo no usarla, explicado por un fisio colegiado.
Ventajas y desventajas de la magnetoterapia: análisis honesto de un fisio
Análisis honesto de un fisioterapeuta: 7 ventajas y 4 desventajas reales de la magnetoterapia, con evidencia científica y contraindicaciones a tener en cuenta.
Bone edema: what it is, how long it lasts and how it is treated with physiotherapy
What bone edema is, why it occurs, and how physiotherapy and magnetotherapy can reduce pain and speed up recovery.
Do you need magnetotherapy at home?
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