Magnet Therapy Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More
What is this page for?
First and foremost: how Magnet Therapy interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Magnet Therapy is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.
But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Magnet Therapy is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy
Check Magnet Therapy against your medication
Add one medicationDrugs that interact with Magnet Therapy
0 medications have a known interaction with Magnet Therapy, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.
We don’t currently list any known drug interactions for Magnet Therapy. This doesn’t guarantee none exist — always confirm with your pharmacist before combining supplements with your medications.
What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean
Severity — How Serious It Can Be
- Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
- Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
- Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
- No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.
Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented
- Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
- Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
- Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
- Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.
Where This Data Comes From
- Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
- Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Magnet Therapy combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
- Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
Magnet Therapy: Uses, Safety & Side Effects
Magnet therapy involves placing static magnets near the body in hopes of easing pain, but high-quality studies have not shown that it works better than fake (placebo) magnets. It is generally low-risk for most people, but it should never replace proven medical care.
- Part used
- Not applicable (uses static or electromagnetic magnets)
- Common forms
- Magnetic bracelets, insoles, mattress pads, wraps, necklaces, and patches
- Joint and arthritis pain
- Back and neck pain
- Muscle aches
- Fibromyalgia and chronic pain
- General wellness and circulation
Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.
Static magnets are low-risk for most people but may be unsafe for those with implanted electronic devices.
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full pregnancy detailInsufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Read the full breastfeeding detailPregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.
Overview
Magnet therapy is a type of alternative medicine that uses magnets placed on or near the body. People use it in hopes of relieving pain, improving circulation, or boosting general health. It is not a plant or herb, but a device-based therapy.
Magnets come in many forms, including bracelets, rings, insoles for shoes, wraps, belts, mattress pads, and adhesive patches. Most products sold for self-care use static (permanent) magnets, which produce a steady magnetic field. This is different from medical procedures like transcranial magnetic stimulation, which use strong, pulsed electromagnetic fields under professional supervision.
Magnet therapy has been promoted for centuries in many cultures and remains popular today as a do-it-yourself remedy, especially for aches and pains.
How it works
Supporters of magnet therapy suggest several possible ways it might help, such as increasing blood flow, changing how nerves send pain signals, reducing inflammation, or affecting iron in the blood. These are proposed ideas, not proven mechanisms.
Scientifically, the small static magnets in most consumer products produce a fairly weak magnetic field that does not reach deep into body tissues. There is no strong, consistent laboratory or clinical evidence showing that these magnets meaningfully change blood flow or nerve activity in a way that relieves pain.
Does Magnet Therapy work?
How to read these evidence grades
Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.
Possibly Ineffective Carpal tunnel syndrome
Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a 1,000 Gauss magnet over the carpal tunnel area for 45 minutes does not improve pain when compared with placebo in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome. Other preliminary clinical research in patients with mild to moderate carpal tunnel syndrome shows that wearing a 2,976 Gauss magnetic wristband for 6 weeks does not improve symptoms or nerve conduction when compared with wearing a 16 Gauss wristband.
Possibly Ineffective Exercise-induced muscle soreness
Some clinical research shows that applying a static magnet of 350 Gauss for 45 minutes/day for 5 days after exhaustive exercise of the elbow flexor muscle group does not significantly reduce delayed-onset post-exercise muscle soreness when compared with placebo. Other clinical research shows that continuous use of a magnetic armband of 2,250 Gauss for 7 days after maximal eccentric elbow flexion exercises does not improve pain, elbow range of motion, or strength when compared with placebo. Additional clinical research shows that two 1-hour treatments with a magnet placed 5 cm proximal to the superior patellar border does not improve pain or knee extensions when compared with placebo after 10 minutes of downhill treadmill running.
Possibly Ineffective Foot pain
Some clinical research shows that wearing a specific shoe insole containing a bipolar magnet of 2,450 Gauss (Active Comfort, Spenco Medical Corp) for at least 4 hours daily and for at least 30 days does not significantly reduce non-specific foot pain compared to sham therapy.
Possibly Ineffective Plantar heel pain
Some clinical research shows that wearing a specific shoe insole containing a bipolar magnet of 2,450 Gauss (Active Comfort, Spenco Medical Corp) for at least 4 hours daily and for 8 weeks does not significantly reduce heel pain compared to sham therapy. Additional clinical research shows that wearing a specific molded insole (PPT/Rx Firm Molded Insole, Langer Biomechanics) with a magnetic coil inserted inside does not improve pain compared to the same insole without a magnetic coil in patients with heel pain.
Possibly Ineffective Postoperative pain
Clinical research shows that placing a static magnet over a surgical wound during the post-anesthesia recovery period does not reduce pain or opioid requirements compared to sham treatment.
Also studied for 29 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Athletic performance
Preliminary clinical research shows that wearing magnetic shoe insoles of 125 Gauss or 600 Gauss during practices and games for seven weeks does not improve vertical jump, bench squat, 40 yard dash, or other soccer-specific fitness tests in male collegiate soccer players.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Back pain
Evidence on the benefit of magnet therapy in low back pain is mixed. Some preliminary clinical research shows that a bipolar magnet of 400 Gauss (Master Magnetics, Colorado) applied to the back for 6 hours daily 3 days weekly for one week, followed by a one-week washout and then repeated, does not reduce chronic low back pain when compared to sham therapy. Other preliminary research in patients with chronic lumbar radicular pain shows that there is no difference in pain reduction between applying 50 Gauss or 200 Gauss static magnets to the back using a standard lumbosacral elastic corset for two 5-week periods.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Breast cancer-related hot flashes
Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a magnetic device to six acupressure sites associated with hot flashes for three days does not reduce hot flash frequency in breast cancer survivors. In fact, the placebo device reduced hot flash frequency and interference with daily activities and improved quality of life when compared with magnet therapy in these females.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetic neuropathy
Some preliminary clinical research suggests that pulsed or static magnet therapy given for 3-4 months improves symptoms of diabetic neuropathy when compared to placebo. However, a more recent meta-analysis shows that magnet therapy is not effective for alleviating pain in diabetic neuropathy.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Dysmenorrhea
A small, post-intervention survey shows that placing a specific static magnet of 2,700 Gauss (LadyCare, Magnopulse) over the pelvic area might reduce pain to a greater extent than a lower strength magnet of 140 Gauss. Similarly, a small clinical study in patients with moderate primary dysmenorrhea shows that placing a concentric neodymium-iron-boron magnet of 0.4 Tesla on the area of greatest abdominal pain for 40 minutes reduces pain scores by at least 35% in 58% of patients, compared with only 18% of patients using a sham magnet. Both studies excluded patients with secondary dysmenorrhea.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fibromyalgia
A small clinical study in females with fibromyalgia shows that sleeping on a magnetic mattress pad for 16 weeks might decrease pain and fatigue and improve sleep and physical functioning compared to non-magnetized mattress pads. Additional preliminary clinical research in patients with fibromyalgia shows that sleeping on a magnetic mattress pad for 6 months improves pain but not the number of tender points compared to non-magnetized mattress pads or usual care. However, these studies have been criticized because of inadequate blinding.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Fractures
Evidence on the use of magnet therapy for healing non-union fractures is mixed. Some preliminary clinical research shows that electromagnetic stimulation for 6-12 weeks improves assimilation or progress to fracture union in patients with delayed union tibial fractures or those undergoing interbody lumbar fusion. Additional clinical research shows that use of pulsed electromagnetic therapy for more than 3 hours daily is more effective for improving fracture healing in non-union fractures than using this therapy for less than 3 hours daily. However, other preliminary clinical research shows that treatment with pulsed magnetic fields (1.5 mT or 75 Hz at 1.3 msec) does not improve bone fusion over 8-12 months in patients with tibial fractures or those receiving a graft after a bone tumor resection.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Migraine headache
Preliminary clinical research shows that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation at active myofascial trigger points of the upper trapezius muscles during six sessions over 2 weeks reduces the self-reported number of migraine attacks by 2.6 headaches per month when compared with baseline. Migraine pain and disability were also improved. However, repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation at active myofascial trigger points might not be more beneficial than at the deltoid muscle, a non-trigger point, for reducing muscular pain or tension, frequency of migraine, or disability in patients with migraines. The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of a control group.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Different forms of magnet therapy have been evaluated for the management of MS-related symptoms. Preliminary clinical research in patients with MS shows that repetitive magnetic stimulation (0.7 Tesla) twice daily for 7 days might improve spasticity but does not increase the ease of daily living activities when compared to control. Additional preliminary clinical research in patients with MS shows that exposure to a magnetic pulsing device (Enermed) 50-100 millGauss for 10-24 hours daily for 2 months does not improve clinical symptoms when compared to control; however, magnet therapy might improve bladder control, cognitive function, fatigue, mobility, spasticity, and vision in some patients. Also, exposure to a magnetic pulsing device (MAGNETOMED 7200) 4 mT intensity and 15-Hz frequency for 20 minutes twice weekly for 2 months appears to improve paresthesia when compared with placebo. In patients with underactive bladder related to MS, repetitive cortical or sacral magnetic stimulation improves quality of life associated with incontinence by a small amount when compared with baseline. However, there was no benefit on overall quality of life in these patients.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Muscle strength
Preliminary clinical research shows that ten sessions of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation of the suprahyoid muscles for 2 weeks improves cervical flexor strength and tongue pressure when compared with baseline. These benefits were not seen in those doing head exercises. Additionally, there was no benefit of magnetic stimulation on jaw-opening force. Other preliminary clinical research shows that flexible static magnets of 700 Gauss do not increase hand muscle strength when compared to sham therapy. These differing findings might be due to the use of a control group, as well as to the variable forms of magnet therapy used.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Myofascial pain syndrome
Preliminary clinical research shows that placing a magnet with a static magnetic field of 500 Gauss on the affected shoulder for one hour improves pain in patients with myofascial shoulder pain due to spinal cord injury. The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of control group.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Neck pain
Research on the effect of magnet therapy for neck pain is conflicting. Small clinical studies show that wearing a neck unit that provides a pulsed high frequency electromagnetic therapy of 27 MHz for 8 hours daily decreases pain and improves range of motion when compared with placebo in patients with persistent neck pain or those suffering acute whiplash injuries. However, wearing a magnetic necklace for 24 hours daily for 3 weeks does not reduce pain in patients with chronic neck and shoulder pain when compared with placebo.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Osteoarthritis
Evidence on the use of magnet therapy for improving symptoms of osteoarthritis is mixed. Some research shows that static or pulsed magnetic therapy helps to reduce pain related to osteoarthritis. However, other research disagrees.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Parkinson disease
An exploratory study in 5 patients with mild to severe Parkinson disease with bilateral involvement and gait problems shows that using a specific device (MagVenture MagPro R20) to provide transcutaneous magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord at the level of the fifth thoracic vertebra over 3 sessions improves gait symptoms and the progression and severity of motor symptoms by 22% and 17%, respectively, after 7 days. The validity of this finding is limited by the very small size of the study and the lack of a comparator group.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Pelvic pain
Some preliminary clinical research shows that applying a 600 Gauss magnet to abdominal trigger points 24 hours daily for 4 weeks might decrease pain and disability compared to placebo in females with chronic pelvic pain; however, females in this study were able to correctly identify the therapy they received, potentially limiting the validity of these findings. Additional preliminary evidence shows that electromagnetic field application (Thelf Systems) on both iliac regions twice daily for 2 hours for 20-40 days decreases pain in females with chronic pelvic pain. The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of control group.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Periodontitis
Preliminary clinical research shows that electromagnetic stimulation does not have long term benefits, such as improved healing, in patients undergoing periodontal therapy after periodontal surgery.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Peripheral neuropathy
Preliminary clinical research shows that 9 one-hour sessions of pulsed electromagnetic therapy (20 Gauss at 30 Hz) might decrease pain in patients suffering from moderate-to-severe neuropathic foot pain from a variety of causes.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Post-polio syndrome
Preliminary clinical research shows that applying a 300-500 Gauss magnetic device to the affected area for 45 minutes significantly improves muscular and arthritic pain when compared with placebo in patients diagnosed with post-polio syndrome.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Postpartum complications
Postpartum pelvic floor dysfunction can lead to bladder or fecal incontinence or sexual dysfunction. Preliminary clinical research in patients with pelvic floor dysfunction following vaginal delivery shows that ten treatments with a high-intensity focused electromagnetic procedure (BTL EMSELLA, BTL Industries Inc.) of the pelvic floor muscles over 4 weeks improves pelvic floor activity and functionality when compared with electrical stimulation. A complete lack of distress related to quality of life was reported by approximately 36% of patients given the electromagnetic therapy compared with 12% of those using electrical stimulation.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Preliminary clinical research in patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the knee shows that taping four steep magnetic field gradients to the knees using a specific device (MagnaBloc) for one week does not improve pain when compared with a control device that is 1 steep magnetic field gradient. However, this device improves patient-rated assessment of disease activity.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sciatica
A small clinical study in patients with sciatica shows that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation once daily 5 times a week for 2 weeks, alone or in combination with physiotherapy and kinesiotherapy, reduces pain and improves peripheral nerve regeneration, as assessed by electromyography, when compared with baseline. The validity of this finding is limited by the lack of a comparator group.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sexual dysfunction
A small preliminary clinical study in females with stress urinary incontinence shows that receiving twice weekly pulsed magnetic stimulation for at least 8 weeks seems to improve sexual function and satisfaction compared to baseline as rated by the female patients and their partners.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Sleep apnea
Some preliminary clinical research shows that use of an appliance consisting of a maxillary and a mandibular occlusal acrylic splint with four cylindrical neodymium-iron-boron magnets embedded and oriented to pull the jaw forward might improve daytime sleepiness and snoring in males with severe snoring or sleep apnea. The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of control group. Additionally, one preliminary clinical report shows that magnet therapy may not be effective in patients with severe obstructive sleep apnea.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Stroke
Generally low-quality clinical research shows that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation after a stroke offers limited benefit for improving upper or lower extremity function or spasticity. One clinical study shows that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation for 29 minutes twice daily, five days weekly for 2 weeks, in combination with occupational therapy does not improve motor function, but modestly reduces spasticity in some areas, when compared with sham stimulation with occupational therapy. A small clinical study shows that a single 2-3 hour session of repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation at the tibialis anterior muscle improves ankle strength and mobility by a small amount when compared with baseline. However, muscle strength is not improved when compared with sham treatment. A small clinical study in hospitalized adults with severe upper extremity dysfunction following a recent stroke shows that repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation applied to the entire upper extremity along with standard care improves the progress rate of upper extremity recovery and motor ability, but not dexterity, when compared with standard care alone. Another small clinical study in 12 adults with acute stroke and resulting hemiplegia shows that a conventional rehabilitation program with repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation once daily for 5 days a week for 2 weeks attenuates stroke-induced loss of muscle mass in the paretic lower limb at 2 weeks, but not changes in muscle mass from baseline, when compared with a conventional rehabilitation program alone. The validity of these findings is limited by the lack of randomization and/or the differences in baseline characteristics between the groups.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tendinopathy
Some preliminary clinical research shows that wrapping magnetic coils set at 15 Hz with pulses lasting 200 microseconds around the elbow for 8 weeks does not improve symptoms in patients with lateral humeral epicondylitis, a type of tendinopathy commonly referred to as tennis elbow. However, other preliminary clinical research shows that placing pulsed electromagnetic field coils set at approximately 73 Hz on the shoulder might improve symptoms in patients with a type of tendinopathy known as persistent rotator cuff tendinitis.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Tinnitus
Evidence on the benefits of magnet therapy for tinnitus is mixed. Some preliminary clinical research shows that pulsed electromagnetic therapy placed over the mastoid bone 15 minutes daily for one week improves tinnitus when compared to control in patients with long-standing tinnitus. However, other preliminary research shows that magnet therapy with Theraband headsets (Audimax Inc.) or by placing rare earth magnets close to the tympanic membrane does not seem to improve tinnitus.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Urinary incontinence
Several small clinical studies show that short-term magnet therapy may improve some symptoms of urinary incontinence in females with stress incontinence, urge incontinence, or overactive bladder. Several meta-analyses show that magnet therapy offers benefit to patients with urinary incontinence when compared with sham treatment. In one meta-analysis, those receiving magnet therapy had a 2.3-fold increased chance of improved continence when compared with those receiving sham treatment. Another meta-analysis shows that magnet therapy over at least 2 months has a moderate effect on symptom improvement and frequency of incontinence when compared with sham treatment. Furthermore, the odds of cure, based on a subjective cure rate, was over 8-fold higher than with sham stimulation. In the third meta-analysis, magnetic stimulation near the pelvis reduced the number of leaks over 3 days by about 1.4 and reduced urine leakage by about 5 grams over 24 hours when compared with sham stimulation. However, most of the studies included in these analyses have been low-quality and lacked appropriate blinding. Furthermore, the optimum frequency and pulse duration for magnet therapy has not been established.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Venous leg ulcers
Evidence on the benefits of magnet therapy for venous stasis ulcer healing is mixed. Some preliminary clinical research shows that low frequency magnetic field therapy might improve wound healing success when compared to placebo in patients with venous skin ulcers. Additional preliminary clinical research shows that 8-12 weeks of magnet therapy with magnetic leg wraps or a portable pulsed electromagnetic limb ulcer therapy device appears to reduce ulcer size in patients with leg ulcers. However, these devices do not seem to improve quality of life, and their effects on pain reduction are mixed. Conversely, some preliminary clinical research shows that magnet therapy (Magnetoplus 1500) twice weekly for 5 weeks does not improve ulcer healing, ulcer size, pain, or infection rates in patients with chronic varicose ulcers.
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Wound healing
Preliminary clinical research shows that placing magnets in the form of patches over cosmetic surgical wounds might reduce pain, edema, and discoloration.
Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.
Safety & precautions
For most healthy people, wearing or sleeping near a static magnet is considered low-risk. However, there are some important cautions.
People with implanted electronic medical devices should be careful. Strong magnets can interfere with devices such as pacemakers, implanted defibrillators, and insulin pumps. If you have any implanted device, talk to your doctor before using magnetic products and keep magnets away from the device.
Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid magnet therapy unless a doctor approves it, because its safety in these situations has not been well studied. Small magnets are also a serious swallowing hazard for children, especially if more than one is swallowed, so keep all magnetic products away from kids.
Remember that magnet therapy is not a substitute for proven medical care. Always consult your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it.
Side effects
Static magnet products rarely cause direct side effects. Some people may notice mild skin irritation, redness, or a rash where a magnet or its strap touches the skin.
The bigger safety concern is not a side effect but a hazard: small, strong magnets can cause serious internal injury if swallowed, and they can disrupt implanted electronic devices. The main "risk" of magnet therapy is relying on it instead of effective treatment for a real medical problem.
Magnet Therapy: Reported Adverse Effects
Documented safety reports on Magnet Therapy from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.
Magnet therapy seems to be generally well-tolerated. Some side effects reported in clinical trials include more painful menstrual periods, heavier periods, nausea, diarrhea, an abnormal sensation in the arms, and a feeling of "fuzzy headedness". However, it is unclear whether these side effects are attributable to the magnet therapy. Also, extensive exposure to high electromagnetic fields has been linked to adverse outcomes such as an increased risk of leukemia, breast cancer in males, and chromosomal abnormalities.
- Eccles NK. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of stat magnet to relieve dysmenorrhea. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:681-7.
- Renner T, Sollmann N, Trepte-Freisleder F, et al. Repetitive peripheral magnetic stimulation (rPMS) in subjects with migraine-setup presentation and effects on skeletal musculature. Front Neurol. 2019;10:738.
- Eccles NK. A critical review of randomized controlled trials of static magnets for pain relief. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:495-509.
Breast cancer Other
Extensive exposure to high electromagnetic fields has been linked to adverse outcomes, including an increased risk for leukemia, breast cancer in males, chromosomal abnormalities at birth, and other potential problems. However, a clear correlation and additional details are lacking.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal
Magnet therapy has been reported to cause nausea and diarrhea in clinical trials.
Pain Genitourinary
Magnet therapy has been reported to cause heavier periods and increased pain with menstrual periods in clinical trials.
- Top 200 Generic Drugs by Units in 2006. Drug Topics, March 5, 2007. Available at: http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/data/ articlestandard/drugtopics/092007/407652/article.pdf.
Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
Dosing
There is no established or standardized "dose" for magnet therapy. Products vary widely in magnet strength, size, and how they are worn.
If you choose to try a magnetic product, follow the manufacturer's instructions for how to wear or place it. Do not use it as a replacement for prescribed medicines or proven therapies, and check with your pharmacist or doctor first—especially if you have any implanted medical device or a health condition that needs treatment.
Magnet Therapy & Pregnancy
Magnet Therapy & Breastfeeding
© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center
Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center
References & further reading
The 88 references that drive our Magnet Therapy monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.
- Cepeda MS, Carr DB, Sarquis T, et al. Static magnet therapy does not decrease pain or opioid requirements: a randomized double blind trial. Anesth Analg 2007;104:290-4.
- Eccles NK. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled pilot study to investigate the effectiveness of stat magnet to relieve dysmenorrhea. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:681-7.
- Eccles NK. A critical review of randomized controlled trials of static magnets for pain relief. J Altern Complement Med 2005;11:495-509. PubMed
- Reeser JC, Smith DT, Fischer V, et al. Static magnetic fields neither prevent nor diminish symptoms and signs of delayed onset muscle soreness. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2005;86:565-70. PubMed
- Harlow T, Greaves C, White A, et al. Randomized controlled trial of magnetic bracelets for relieving pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. BMJ 2004;329:1450-4.
- Wolsko PM, Eisenberg DM, Simon LS, et al. Double-blind placebo-controlled trial of static magnets for the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: results of a pilot study. Altern Ther Health Med 2004;10:36-43.
- Weintraub MI, Wolfe GI, Barohn RA, et al. Static magnetic field therapy for symptomatic diabetic neuropathy: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2003;84:736-46. PubMed
- Winemiller MH, Billow RG, Laskowski ER, Harmsen WS. Effect of magnetic vs. sham-magnetic insoles on nonspecific foot pain in the workplace: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. May Clin Proc 2005;80:1138-45. PubMed
- Winemiller MH, Billow RG, Laskowski ER, Harmsen WS. Effect of magnetic vs. sham-magnetic insoles on plantar heel pain: a randomized controlled trial. JAMA 2003;290:1474-8. PubMed
- Chaloupka EC, Kang J, Mastrangelo MA. The effect of flexible magnets on hand muscle strength: a randomized, double-blind study. J Strength Cond Res 2002;16:33-7. DOI
- Jacobson JI, Gorman R, Yamanashi WS, et al. Low-amplitude, extremely low frequency magnetic fields for the treatment of osteoarthritis knees: a double-blind clinical study. Alt Ther Health Med 2001;7:54-64, 66-9.
- Man D, Man B, Plosker H. The influence of permanent magnetic field therapy on wound healing in suction lipectomy patients: a double-blind study. Plast Reconstr Surg 1999;104:2261-6, 2267-8. DOI
- Collacott EA, Zimmerman JT, White DW, Rindone JP. Bipolar magnets for the treatment of chronic low back pain: a pilot study. JAMA 2000;283:1322-5.
- Top 200 Generic Drugs by Units in 2006. Drug Topics, March 5, 2007. Available at: http://drugtopics.modernmedicine.com/drugtopics/data/ articlestandard/drugtopics/092007/407652/article.pdf.
- Weintraub M. Magnetic biostimulation in painful peripheral neuropathy: a novel intervention--a randomized, double-placebo crossover study. Am J Pain Manage 1999;9:8-17.
- Weintraub MI, Cole SP. Pulsed magnetic field therapy in refractory neuropathic pain secondary to peripheral neuropathy: electrodiagnostic parameters--pilot study. Neurorehabil Neural Repair 2004;18(1):42-6. PubMed
- Borsalino G, Bagnacani M, Bettati E, et al. Electrical stimulation of human femoral intertrochanteric osteotomies. Double-blind study. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1988;(237):256-63. DOI
- Leclaire R, Bourgouin J. Electromagnetic treatment of shoulder periarthritis: a randomized controlled trial of the efficiency and tolerance of magnetotherapy. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1991;72(5):284-7. DOI
- Trock DH, Bollet AJ, Dyer RH Jr, et al. A double-blind trial of the clinical effects of pulsed electromagnetic fields in osteoarthritis. J Rheumatol 1993;20(3):456-60. DOI
- Pipitone N, Scott DL. Magnetic pulse treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Curr Med Res Opin 2001;17(3):190-6. DOI
- Trock DH, Bollet AJ, Markoll R. The effect of pulsed electromagnetic fields in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee and cervical spine. Report of randomized, double blind, placebo controlled trials. J Rheumatol 1994;21(10):1903-11.
- Hinman MR, Ford J, Heyl H. Effects of static magnets on chronic knee pain and physical function: a double-blind study. Altern Ther Health Med 2002;8(4):50-5.
- Segal NA, Toda Y, Huston J, et al. Two configurations of static magnetic fields for treating rheumatoid arthritis of the knee: a double-blind clinical trial. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2001;82(10):1453-60. PubMed
- Schall DM, Ishee JH, Titlow LW. Effect of magnetic therapy on selected physical performances. J Strength Cond Res 2003;17(2):299-302. PubMed
- Carter R, Aspy CB, Mold J. The effectiveness of magnet therapy for treatment of wrist pain attributed to carpal tunnel syndrome. J Fam Pract 2002;51(1):38-40. DOI
- Khoromi S, Blackman MR, Kingman A, et al. Low intensity permanent magnets in the treatment of chronic lumbar radicular pain. J Pain Symptom Manage 2007;34(4):434-45. PubMed
- Brown CS, Ling FW, Wan JY, Pilla AA. Efficacy of static magnetic field therapy in chronic pelvic pain: a double-blind pilot study. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2002;187(6):1581-7. PubMed
- Varcaccio-Garofalo G, Carriero C, Loizzo MR, et al. Analgesic properties of electromagnetic field therapy in patients with chronic pelvic pain. Clin Exp Obstet Gynecol 1995;22(4):350-4.
- Colbert AP, Markov MS, Banerji M, et al. Magnetic mattress pad use in patients with fibromyalgia: a randomized double-blind pilot study. J Back Musculoskeletal Rehab 1999;13:19-31. DOI
- Alfano AP, Taylor AG, Foresman PA, et al. Static magnetic fields for treatment of fibromyalgia: a randomized controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med 2001;7(1):53-64. PubMed
- Carpenter JS, Wells N, Lambert B, et al. A pilot study of magnetic therapy for hot flashes after breast cancer. Cancer Nurs 2002;25(2):104-9. PubMed
- Nielsen JF, Sinkjaer T, Jakobsen J. Treatment of spasticity with repetitive magnetic stimulation; a double-blind placebo-controlled study. Mult Scler 1996;2(5):227-32. PubMed
- Richards TL, Lappin MS, Acosta-Urquidi J, et al. Double-blind study of pulsing magnetic field effects on multiple sclerosis. J Altern Complement Med 1997;3(1):21-9. PubMed
- Panagos A, Jensen M, Cardenas DD. Treatment of myofascial shoulder pain in the spinal cord injured population using static magnetic fields: a case series. J Spinal Cord Med 2004;27(2):138-42. PubMed
- Foley-Nolan D, Barry C, Coughlan RJ, et al. Pulsed high frequency (27MHz) electromagnetic therapy for persistent neck pain. A double blind, placebo-controlled study of 20 patients. Orthopedics 1990;13(4):445-51. PubMed
- Foley-Nolan D, Moore K, Codd M, et al. Low energy high frequency pulsed electromagnetic therapy for acute whiplash injuries. A double blind randomized controlled study. Scand J Rehabil Med 1992;24(1):51-9. DOI
- Hong CZ, Lin JC, Bender LF, et al. Magnetic necklace: its therapeutic effectiveness on neck and shoulder pain. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1982;63(10):462-6.
- Barker AT, Dixon RA, Sharrard WJ, Sutcliffe ML. Pulsed magnetic field therapy for tibial non-union. Interim results of a double-blind trial. Lancet 1984;1(8384):994-6. PubMed
- Capanna R, Donati D, Masetti C, et al. Effect of electromagnetic fields on patients undergoing massive bone graft following bone tumor resection. A double blind study. Clin Orthop Relat Res 1994;(306):213-21.
- Mooney V. A randomized double-blind prospective study of the efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic fields for interbody lumbar fusions. Spine 1990;15(7):708-12. PubMed
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This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.
Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
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