What Are Magnetic Bracelets Used For?

Magnetic bracelets are used to alleviate a range of conditions, especially arthritis, chronic pain, sprains and swelling. Magnets have long been used to aid race horses' recovery from injury and exertion. Increasingly, magnetic therapy is being applied in human sports medicine. While evidence of their effectiveness is largely anecdotal, a growing body of scientific evidence suggests magnetic bracelets have real benefits, according to the "Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine."

Healing

• How magnets helpt to heal is unclear. Subjecting the body's cells to a magnetic field is thought to influence ion exchange within the cell. Speeding the transfer of calcium ions stimulates healing in bones and nerves. A second theory is that magnets improve blood flow. A magnetic bracelet lies adjacent to arteries in the wrist. Blood contains charged ions and an iron-rich hemoglobin. The magnetic field, generating a small electrical current, speeds the movement of these elements within the blood. Enhanced circulation reduces inflammation, delivers oxygen and removes toxins. Additionally, magnets constrict blood vessels that have been dilated by inflammation, reducing swelling. Possibly magnetism also stimulates the body's melatonin levels -- melatonin is a natural sleep aid.

Pain Relief

• Magnets appear to block pain. This may be because nerves subjected to magnetism produce endorphins -- the body's natural pain killers. The action of magnetic fields attracting and repelling charged blood particles releases soothing heat. By being positioned at the wrist, a magnetic bracelet may be stimulating the wrist's acupressure points. These acupressure points are thought to alleviate headaches, stress, digestive disorders and insomnia, as well as relieve pain in the arms, shoulders and neck. A study published in the British Medical Journal in 2004 found that magnetic bracelets reduced pain in osteoarthritis of the hip and knee. Copper magnetic bracelets are thought especially good for arthritis pain.

Sports Medicine

• Magnets are increasingly used in competitive sports where speed of recovery impacts career success. Magnetic bracelets are used for their anti-inflammatory effect and to enhance athletes' general health. Magnets are used to treat sprains, tendonitis and tennis elbow. For tennis, golf, squash and badminton players, wrap-shaped magnetic bracelets reduce inflammation, while providing physical support to the wrist joint, reports the North South Magnetic website. The covering is made from neoprene, a synthetic rubber. Similar wraps are available for the elbow, knee and ankle.

Medical Conditions

• Any condition of which chronic pain is a symptom may benefit from magnetic bracelets. Magnets are widely used by arthritis, headache and back pain sufferers. Patients with chronic fatigue or fybromyalgia find they alleviate pain and increase energy. Repetitive strain injury, carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle aches and joint injuries are candidates for magnetic treatment. Stress-related insomniacs and people with circulatory problems may also benefit.

Advantages

• Magnet therapy is drug-free and non-invasive. It is a complementary therapy -- there is no need to discontinue conventional treatments. Unless you have an electronic device -- for example a pacemaker -- trying these bracelets will do no harm, and might do some good. This is a self-help therapy, requiring no medical supervision. For some patients, self-help provides a feeling of control over the condition and its treatment. Bracelets are portable, making this a flexible, go-anywhere treatment. With a wide range of magnetic fashion jewelry available -- hematite beads, titanium, or stainless steel -- this treatment is inconspicuous.