You have seen them on athletes like Dustin Pedroia and Curtis Granderson during their pro-sporting events. If you look around you may even see them on people that you know. I am talking about magnetic bracelets which are used for magnetic therapy or magneto therapy (MT), a treatment that involves placing magnetic material on the skin for prolonged periods of time. According to the American Cancer Society, some cells and tissues give off electromagnetic impulses. Some believe illness can disrupt the impulses and the magnets can restore the energy fields. Healing occurs by wearing a bracelet/necklace or applying it to a specific body part. The use of the magnets reportedly creates a magnetic field surrounding the area. This means that you are literally charged. The materials used to make the static magnets include copper, titanium and tungsten carbide and are put into everything from bracelets to necklaces and belts to shoes. Although, the primary use has been managing chronic pain associated with conditions such as arthritis, there have been other purported benefits. But the question is does it work?
First, let’s go over a short list of some of the reported wonders.
Pain Reduction
If you are an active individual consistently pushing your body to its limits, then this may be a reason to consider this form of therapy. Manufacturers state that the use of a static magnetic device will lead to a reduction in pain. This is especially true for chronic conditions such as heel pain, tendonitis, joint or back pain.
Circulation
Supporters of MT say that the magnetic field induced by the static magnets increases blood flow. Blood is made up or red and white blood cells. The red blood cells contain iron which is a charged molecule. So, wearing a magnetic bracelet would increase circulation by attracting or motivating those cells to move. This is especially true if there is inflammation caused by injury.
Energy Rebalancing
This claim is based on the assumption that illness is caused or causes an imbalance of energy. Proponents of this theory compare the human body to a giant battery. We constantly produce and use energy in different forms including electrical and chemical. Traditional Chinese medicine uses the ”chi” or “qi” model to represent and describe this flow of energy. In this form of medicine, a stoppage or accumulation of chi are the principle causes of everything from sickness to loss of strength to depression. MT is meant to rebalance the flow of energy. Once the balance of energy is restored, then so is your health.
Read on to see whether these benefits are true…
Does it work?
This question is often the first and last thing people ask about anything that can improve performance or heal aches and pains. However, this question is often hard to answer and you will find the positive responses are from anecdotal evidence and it’s tenuous at best. The case is no different when discussing magnetic apparel.
One hard research study used to support the efficacy of MT was a study done at Baylor University in 1997 that looked at the effects of MT on knee pain. Researchers found that when compared to a placebo, patients who underwent 45 minutes of contact time with a static magnet felt less pain. A multi-center study led by a doctor at New York Medical College looked at the use of magnetized insoles on foot and heel pain. The authors reported only moderate clinical improvement. Translation: we don’t really know if this stuff works.
So, why do so many athletes use MT bracelets and necklaces? Many are superstitious. When you make as much as they do, part of your everyday to-do list is to protect your investment, i.e. your body. Many take referrals from other athletes or coaches who swear by its effects. After that, it’s a ripple effect. Now you may be wondering if you should go out and buy one. Whether you believe it works or not, there’s no harm or foul from wearing them. So, if you decide to hit the pavement or internet highway, here are some places where you can start your search.
Where to Buy
Phiten USA www.phitenusa.com
Phiten has the corner on the athletes MT market. They are bursting at the seams with pro-athletes endorsing their products including Justin Verlander, Josh Beckett and Matt Hasselback. They are by far the most popular maker of athletic magnetic apparel which ranges from necklaces and insoles to magnetic dots you can place on specific parts of the body. They use a technology called Aqua-Titanium which is supposed to be best suited for high energy exercise and sports.
Colantotte www.trionz.com
This is a brand for those interested in some high end MT jewelry for outside the gym or off the field. This company also makes sports apparel, but they also specialize in stylish renditions of the magnetic craze. They also use Ti-22 titanium as the source of the magnetic charge. Take a look at the Magtitan Palette or the Magtitan Grange for two different yet wearable styles. If you are looking for a gift for your significant other or something nice for mom, take a peek at the Plantea and Fiora. Buyer beware, these are not inexpensive gifts.
Soho Five www.sohofive.com
If you want options, this site is the place for you. They feature jewelry made from different metals including titanium and hematite. They also feature an array of styles and colors. Prices start at $20 and climb all the way to $200.