Summary
Highlights
Magnetotherapy is defined as a therapy utilizing magnetic substances, typically generated by an electric current to create a magnetic field. Magnetism is one of the two forces forming electromagnetic energy. A moving electric field or circulating electrons generate a magnetic field, and a moving magnetic field induces an electric current, provided both fields are variable.
Magnetic fields primarily affect bipolar, ferromagnetic, and ionic substances in the body. For bipolar elements, the North pole attracts negative parts, and the South pole attracts positive parts, orienting molecules. Ferromagnetic substances, like the iron in hemoglobin in red blood cells, are attracted by the magnet, leading to an accumulation of red blood cells in the application area.
Variable magnetic fields generate movement in ions, facilitating their entry or exit from cells and influencing cellular metabolism. The North pole attracts negative charges and repels positive ions, while the South pole has the inverse effect. These interactions are referred to as the Hall effect.
The North pole is relaxing, causing muscle detensioning and spasmolysis in smooth muscle fibers. The South pole is primarily analgesic, reducing pain, and anti-inflammatory, contributing to the reduction of edema.
Magnetic fields influence bones by interacting with magnetite deposits. A variable magnetic field creates a piezoelectric effect, aiding in calcium fixation. It also normalizes action potential by affecting sodium and potassium ions. The South pole, by attracting sodium, helps remove water and reduce edema, explaining its anti-inflammatory effect. Magnetotherapy also increases oxygen metabolism and partial pressure of oxygen by dissolving more oxygen in water and attracting red blood cells to the tissues. This leads to increased microcirculation, enhanced nutrient delivery, and regenerative action on collagen, promoting healing and reducing the sympathetic tone, leading to muscle relaxation.