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What about magnets as therapeutic devices?
As a natural born doubter, with a strong scientific bias, I had trouble deciding what to do about carrying "therapeutic" magnetic products. With numerous athletes touting the benefits of magnetic therapy, the anecdotal evidence grew into a mighty roar. Well, that meant there would be demand for the products, but the scientist in me resisted. Then, besides the swelling anecdotal evidence, I came upon a decent study from Baylor University's College of Medicine. Drs. Vallbona, Hazelwood and Jurida performed a double-blind randomized clinical trial to see if the application of magnetic fields placed directly over painful trigger points were effective in reducing symptoms in postpolio patients.1
Well, although this was a small study of only 50 patients, the results were compelling. Then I came upon a study of the effects of magnetotherapy on neuropathic diabetic foot pain in the American Journal of Pain Management.2 This study by Dr. Weintraub, showed significant symptom reduction in 90% of the diabetic peripheral neuropathy patients studied. Although this too was a small study, I now feel comfortable to carry these products for my customers. Then I needed to decide which product line to carry. That was an easier choice. Dowling Magnets has been manufacturing magnetic products for over 50 years, and with me experience counts!
That's how I decided whether or not to carry magnetic products, and from whom to purchase them. I only ask you to read the manufacturer's precautions. Remember that magnets may effect numerous apparatus, such as pacemakers, metal detectors and all magnetic storage devices, (you wouldn't want to wipe out that memory disc!).
Be Well,
Dr. Donald M. Swartz
1. Vallbona C et al. Response of pain to static magnetic fields in postpolio patients; a double blind pilot study. Arch Phys Med Rehabil 1997; 78:1200-1203
2. Weintraub MI. Magnetic bio-stimulation in painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy: a novel intervention -
a randomized, double placebo crossover study. Am J Pain Mgmt 1999; 9(1): 8-17
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