Pulsed Magnetic Therapy

Pulsed magnetic therapy, also known as pulsed electromagnetic field therapy or PEMF, is a controversial therapeutic technique that is claimed to be effective in treating a wide variety of conditions.

History

• The idea that magnetism could affect biological change, notes skeptically.org, dates back at least as far as the 16th century when a Swiss physician by the name of Paracelus used magnets to attempt to treat epilepsy. The use of magnets as a possible therapeutic measure continues to this day.

Theory

• The theory behind pulsed magnetic therapy, according to emersonww.com, is that the magnetic fields alter the electrical activity in cells and tissues to improve blood flow, calcium transport and uptake, and cell regeneration.

Scientific Evidence

• Advocacy website quackwatch.com reports that pulsed electromagnetic fields are known to provide some benefit to the healing of fractures and, notes skeptically.org, assist in healing some soft tissue damage. Quackwatch.com also notes that there is little or no evidence that magnetic fields improve circulation or provide systemic benefits.

Federal Response

• The Federal Trade Commission and the Food and Drug Administration have taken legal action against a number of manufacturers for making fraudulent or unsupported claims about the benefits of magnetic therapies, according to quackwatch.com.

Controvery

• Much of the controversy surrounding pulsed magnetic therapy, offers skeptically.org, is that the research studied in support of it has been of poor or flawed design. Until rigorous, double-blind studies are performed with pulsed magnetic therapy it is likely to remain controversial.