phYsiotherapy

magnetotherapy

Therapeutic application of pulse magnetic field is a historically very old and empirically tested therapeutic
method. However, in many countries it is still not much known and its use has not had a strong tradition.
First reports of the therapeutic use of natural magnets have been known since the antiquity, the oldest
being of the Etruscan origin. One of the first written references of geomagnetism and its influence on
human health is a book by W. Gilbert, the personal physician to Queen Elizabeth of England, dated 1600
(De magnete magnetiuisque corporibus et magno magnete tellure, physiologia nova). Austrian physician
F. Mesmer tested the influence of magnets on articular diseases as early as 1774 (i.e. when the electricity
had not been discovered yet and virtually nothing was known of the effect of magnetic fields). He found out
that the influence of a magnetic field results in significant alleviation of not only spontaneous, but, in many
patients, even palpation pain. In the 18th and 19th century the interest in electromagnetic phenomena
was increasing rapidly thanks to the discoveries by Galvani, Ampère, Coulomb, Oersted (who was the first
to prove the connection between magnetic and electrical phenomena, which up to that time had been
considered completely different and separate mechanisms), Lorentz and other scientists. The experiments
of Italian physicist Volta, who constructed the first electric power source in 1739, were crucial for the
further development. The results of these experiments were fundamental for monitoring and research of the
influence of electricity on animal tissues. This led to the discovery of the piezoelectric effect. In 1957, Fukada
and Yasuda proved the direct relation between elastic deformation of tissues and their electrical polarization.
As early as 1812, London surgeon Birch started treating fractures with the help of electric current which was
applied “invasively” to the point of the fracture by means of electrodes connected directly to the periosteum.
Direct irritation of the skeleton was indeed very successful (and supported also by many contemporary works
from 1977 – 1997 – Masurek, Lipenský, Jakobs, Brighton), but introduction of infection along the applied
electrodes used to be a relatively frequent, serious complication. That is why contactless application of pulse
magnetic field (Basset, Jeřábek, Poděbradský, Chvojka et al.) seems to be effective and almost risk-free - of
course under the condition of selecting the adequate intensity, dosage etc.

Magnetotherapy is a so far little known but fully adequate member of the group of physical therapy
methods, which includes classical modalities such as:
electrotherapy, ultrasound therapy, phototherapy, laser therapy

Each of the physical therapy methods has its own specifics, proven effects and contraindications. They are
mutually substitutable to a certain extent, but each of them has therapeutic effects (especially analgesic,
vasodilatation and myorelaxation) on 60 – 80% of patients. 100% successful therapy has not been discovered
yet. Therefore it is necessary to seek and develop all sorts of alternatives and offer the physicians and
patients as wide therapy possibilities as possible.

What are the predominant effects of individual types of physical therapy:

electrotherapy- vasodilatation, hyperaemic, analgesic, optimization of the muscle tonus
laser therapy – biostimulation, analgesic, antiphlogistic, bactericide, viricide, antiedematous,
vasodilatation, increase of permeability of cell membranes
ultrasound therapy – analgesic, spasmolytic, cavitation and pseudocavitation, transformation of gel into
sol, alkalization of tissues
magnetotherapy and its effects:
analgesic
stimulation of healing of bone tissue
acceleration of healing of soft tissues
trophic
myorelaxation, spasmolytic
vasodilatation
antiedematous
antiphlogistic

Individual effects - especially vasodilatation, analgesic, antiedematous and myorelaxation - are of course very
closely mutually connected and potentiate and support each other.
PHYSIoTHERAPY
 magnetotherapy

contents
02 nazev

Mechanism of the Effect of Magnetotherapy

The magnetic field’s ability to penetrate through the tissue is physically explained by the laws of Maxwell As
early as 1863 Maxwell mathematically proved that variable magnetic field is accompanied by electric field
and described the properties of electromagnetic field by four equations.
Biophysical principles of penetration and influence of pulse magnetic field are very complicated. They are
accounted for mainly by the following mechanisms:

cyclotron effects - there is influenced exchange of Ca ²+ and other important ions between the cell and its
surroundings
electron interaction which should affect radical reactions
magnetic induction which affects especially receptors. Influence on the potential of tissues is unlikely,
because of relatively low intensities and generated voltage.
magnetomechanical effects

Biophysical principles are not sufficiently defined yet. The explanation of specific effects of PMF and
reactions of tissues are usually based on experience.

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See: Jeřábek, Chvojka, Capko

ANALGESIC EFFECTS

The analgesic effect of magnetotherapy applies in most algesic states, not only muscular but also articular.
Detailed description of this effect is quite complicated; its physiological effects have been specified in recent
years. According to the recent findings, the analgesic effect of magnetotherapy is accounted for by increased
creation of endorphins, inducing of myorelaxation, antiphlogistic and antiedematous effect and maybe also
the impact on so called Melzack’s gate (Pain Gate Control).
The treatment should be combined with aimed medicamentous (analgesic) therapy, manual treatment and
relaxation therapy, at least in the initial stage. In case of simultaneous administration of antibiotics, PMF
potentiates their effect.

One of the most frequent groups of diagnoses for which PMF is applied very successfully, especially
thanks to its significant analgesic effect, are vertebrogenous algesic syndromes and degenerative articular
diseases – arthroses, spondylarthroses etc.

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ANTIPHLOGISTIC EFFECT 02 nazev

This effect has not been convincingly explained so far, but recent studies agree on the following principle:
The antiphlogistic effect is induced by increased phagocytosis of neutrophils and increased production of
hyperoxide. This is followed by induction of hyperoxide dismutase bound to endothelium, which all probably
leads to higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the exposed area. Owing to the fast that hyperoxide
inhibits the activity of catalase, the hydrogen peroxide is not degraded and thus it is able to destroy
leucotriens, which belong to the strongest activators of phagocytosis.
This mechanism also explains the initial controversial acting of the magnetic field in sterile inflammations
as well as in the microbially induced inflammations. This effect also accounts for temporary impairment
of rheumatic conditions during the first two or three expositions, when the inflammatory symptoms are
intensified by increasingly produced hyperoxide (Jeřábek J.)

ACCELERATION OF HEALING OF BONE TISSUE, TROPHIC EFFECT

Modeling and remodeling of bone tissue is a process which lasts virtually for all life.
The speed and quality of remodeling depends on many circumstances (genetic predispositions, age, level
of steroid hormones, eating habits etc.) but particularly on the load on the skeleton. At static load on tissues
and pull of muscles by the periosteum (which is present only at active movement) the bone formation is
stimulated, while during immobilization (in old age, by plaster fixation, at long-lasting cosmic flights) the
activity of osteoclasts, i.e. osteolysis, predominates. There only remain bone trabeculae which keep the
shape and stability of the bones. The magnetic field accelerates modeling and healing of the skeleton and
soft tissues. It is caused by better blood circulation in the irradiated area and by irritation of cytoplasmatic
membranes. This activates the metabolic chain, the key point of which is the change of the cAMP/cGMP
(cyclic adenosinmonophosphate and guanosinmonophosphate) ratio. The basic cause of this effect is the
increase of concentration of intracellular superoxide, probably thanks to the activation of membrane-bound
NAD(P)H-OX. PMF increases the permeability of cytoplasmatic membrane for H+, reduces the intracellular
pH, increases the efflux of protons. In these ways it increases the activity of the respiratory chain which is the
source of intracellular superoxide. (see Capko 1998).
The increased activity of osteoclasts in case of healing of bones is also an important mechanism (see Capko
1998). Healing of the bone tissue is probably supported by higher production of fibronectin in osteoclasts.
There should occur significant acceleration of creation of ligamentous tissue (see J. Jeřábek, Poděbradský).
The bone healing process can be markedly accelerated by simultaneous application of e.g. calcium
iontophoresis.

It is very important that the presence of metal implants and internal fixations is not a contraindication to the
application of PMF. It has been proved by long-standing experience that when using inductions they almost
are not heated at all. On the contrary: the remission of edema and pain and especially the stimulation of
healing of the damaged bone tissue and regeneration of soft tissues are faster.

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 The basic difference between magnetotherapy and other physical therapy modalities is its contactless,
distance application and proven penetration of PMF through plaster fixation of the affected joint or bone.
Timely application of PMF thus enables to support modeling of bone tissue and healing of the fracture and
reduce the natural atrophy of immobilized muscular structures even at a time of fixation.

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 02 1963,
Acceleration of healing especially of the skeleton is described in great detail in the literature (Basset nazev
Friedenberg 1974, Jirásek 1982, Chvojka, 1985, 2000, Janovec 1987, Aaron 1993, Poděbradský, Capanna
1994, Eyres 1996).

The theory of PMF supporting osteogenesis is also established by the results of its application on
osteoporotic areas. The osteoporotic process is characterized by loss of bone mass and defects of
microarchitecture of the bone tissue. Its fundamental cause is the predominant activity of mast cells
- osteoclasts - over osteoblasts. That causes reduction of overall firmness of the bone and its increased
fragility. After long-lasting expositions (approximately 12 weeks) there occurs temporary increase of bone
density in women suffering from decalcification which is caused especially by physical inactivity (see F.
Tabrah, M. Hoffmeier, F. Gilbert Jr., S. Batkin and C. A. L. Bassett, “Bone Density Changes in Osteoporosis
prone Women Exposed to Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields (PEMFs)”, Journal of Bone and Mineral Research,
5, 5, 1990, pp. 437-442.). Besides improvement of bone density there is also significant subsidence of
pain which accompanies osteoporosis (probably because of irritation of nociceptors by such substances as
prostaglandin, histamine etc.) and makes the patients’ life unpleasant.

The following practical application of PMF on a large group of patients was not, unfortunately, adequately
documented. However, its results are convincing to such an extent that we will take the liberty of including
its description and the opinion of an excellent physiotherapist Dr. Kříž, who led the therapy and has long-
standing experience with the use of PMF, as well as other therapeutic techniques:

Dr Vladimír Kříž, Medical Rehabilitation Centre, Kostelec n.Č.lesy

In 1992-3 I was the senior consultant at the children’s rehabilitation ward of the hospital in Kostelec n.Č.lesy,
where, besides other diagnoses, were treated patients with innate defects of locomotive organs, who had
been operated on by Dr Ivo Mařík and his colleagues at the Orthopaedic Clinic in Motol, Prague.
From the patients with various defects of locomotive organs I take out 2 groups on which we have tested the
effectiveness of pulse magnetotherapy.

The first one was a group of children of small build in which the lower extremities had been surgically
extended. The extension was based on application of an external fixator (according to Ilizarov in most cases)
and surgical interruption of the bone (femur or tibia and fibula) between Kirschner wires which were fixating
the parts of the bone above and below the cut. Such artificial fracture tended to unite. However, by means
of the external fixator both parts were moved away from each other every day, so the callus forming on both
ends of the cut bones and trying to bridge the bone edges moving away from each other could not unite
and in the effort to grow and connect both bones it created the foundation of a new bone. As soon as the
removing of the bones from each other stopped, the callus bridged between both of the removed part and
connected them. During further fixation the callus was remodelled into the bone and thus the original cut
bone was extended by 5-10 cm.
In the postoperative period and during the stay at the rehabilitation ward the edges of the cut bone were
moved away from each other by daily turning the nuts on the threaded rod, connecting the proximal and
distal part of the fixator. On the basis of repeated X-ray picture, the surgeons had already had experience how
fast to remove the bone. In case of removing too slowly, the callus would have bridged the gap and the bones
would have united; in case of removing too fast, the callus would have lost the reason for overgrowing and a
pseudo-arthrosis would have been created.
Experimentally we started to apply pulse magnetic field at the place of operation over the external fixator,
expecting that the coaptation would be accelerated. This happened indeed and it was necessary to extend
the daily removal of both parts of the fixator up to twice. Before we had found the correct way of faster
removal, in several cases there had occurred premature uniting of bones which than had to be surgically
interrupted again.
In this way the effect of pulse magnetic field on the acceleration of formation of the callus and thus also the
acceleration of coaptation of fractures (artificial in this case) was proven.
We than utilized this discovery also in normal fractures where the coaptation was faster and of better quality
(i.e. more solid). It was also noteworthy that at application of magnetotherapy on fractures treated by plaster
fixation there occurred, besides the acceleration of healing of the fractures, an improvement of trophics
of the immobilized muscles and joints, so after the removal of plaster the limitation of movements of the
immobilized joints was surprisingly low and the time of subsequent rehabilitation for recovery of the scope of
motion and the muscle strength was reduced down to a third of the normal time.

The other group included children suffering from fragilitas ossium (brittle bone disease). These children
suffered from breaking of bones at any violence or attempt of movement with load, no matter how little
(e.g. an attempt of standing up and walking). Long bones were surgically fixed by means of internal fixators,
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medicaments supporting ossification were administered as well. Many children could not be mobilized
because of recurring fractures, because at the attempts of practising of walking there occurred repeated
or new bone fractures and/or bending or snapping of the internal metal fixation. After supplementing the
therapy by pulse magnetotherapy the coalescence of pathological fractures improved, so it was possible to
achieve standing up and practising of walking by means of rehabilitation without complications. Several of
the children stood up on their own legs and walked for the first time in their lives, sometimes at an age of 10-
14. (Before that time the children had been immobile and confined to bed, at the best they had been moving
by means of a wheelchair, and were under permanent treatment of recurring fractures and refractures by
means of external and internal fixation of extremities.

In practice, application of PMF has also proved very successful in loose total hip prosthesis.

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Owing to considerable increase of incidence of both juvenile and adult obesity, decrease of natural 02 nazev
movement activity, extension of lifespan, increasing number of autoimmunity diseases and other civilizational
factors, which result in the increase of (not only) the number of patients with arthrosis of weight bearing
joints, and, last but not least, owing to great progression in the development of surgical techniques and
new materials, the number of patients with artificial joint replacements, especially the total hip prosthesis,
has rapidly increased within the last three decades. Increasing number of performed operation is, naturally,
accompanied by the increasing number of the patients who after several years after the operation complain
about pain and discomfort in the operated area. The subjective feeling is often accompanied by a clinical
X-ray finding - loosening of the total hip prosthesis, i.e. loosening of the fixation and occurrence of clearance
between the hip joint socket and the femoral component. Timely and long-lasting application of PMF results,
even with remaining X-ray finding, in fast remission or subsidence of pain; in addition, with simultaneous
administration of calcium, vitamin D and calcitonin it is possible to achieve recalcination, so the risk of later
loosening of the socket is virtually eliminated! (see Jeřabek, K. Konrad, K. Sevcic, K. Fõldes, E. Piroska, E.
Molnár)

MYORELAXATION, SPASMOLYTIC EFFECT

Increased blood circulation in the area improves washing away of acidic metabolites which cause painful
irritation. In the muscles exposed to the magnetic field there also proceeds increased activity of LDH (lactate
dehydrogenase) and efflux of the Ca2+ ion from muscle cells.

The myorelaxation effect of pulse magnetic field is clear at PEMG examination.

PEMG – polyelectromyography - is a diagnostic method with high informative potential. It serves especially
for analysis and study of the muscle tonus and movement patterns. It is also effectively used at the evaluation
of effectiveness of rehabilitation for objective assessment of the condition of muscles before and after the
therapy. There are always examined several muscles or muscle groups at a time and evaluated the extent of
involvement of individual muscles and mutual relation of their activity in the particular movement patterns.
The basic unit is the action potential value (mean value). There is evaluated not only its value but also the
shape and number of potentials during contraction.
After one-off application of PMF (mag. field intensity 85mT, rectangular protracted pulses, pulse 20 ms,
pause 200 ms, 1 repetition, random frequency) at the area of L spine and SI articulation, the influence of PMF
on the “hip extension” movement pattern from the view of muscle relaxation was absolutely incontrovertible.
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The evidence is supported by the “mean value”. Its value immediately after the exposition is obviously lower
than before PMF application, which is a proof of the myorelaxation effect of PMF.
Movement pattern of hip extension with flexed knee before PMF

Movement pattern of hip extension

with flexed knee after PMF

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Movement pattern of hip extension with extended knee before PMF 02 nazev

Movement pattern of hip extension with

extended knee after PMF

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Muscle test of musculus glutaeus maximus dx before PMF

Muscle test of musculus glutaeus

maximus dx after PMF

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Muscle test of musculus glutaeus maximus sin before PMF 02 nazev

Muscle test of musculus glutaeus

maximus sin after PMF

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EVEN AFTER ONE-OFF APPLICATION OF PMF AT THE AREA OF LUMBAR SPINE AND SACROILIAC
ARTICULATION THE PATHOLOGICAL MUSCLE ACTIVITY OF M. GLUTAEUS MAX OBVIOUSLY REFLECTIVELY
DECREASES, ESPECIALLY ON THE LEFT SIDE, AS WELL AS THE TONUS OF OTHERWISE SIGNIFICANTLY
POSTURAL HAMSTRINGS.
VASODILATATION EFFECT

This effect is caused by the efflux of Ca2+ ions which causes relaxation of the tonus of the
vascular musculature and precapillary sphincters. Probably it is also directly influenced by activation of the
parasympathetic nervous system; the increased metabolic activity of cells in the exposed area results in
increased creation of EDRF (endothelium derived relaxing factor) and prostacyclins. Vasodilatation is probably
partially caused also by increased activity of mastocytes. There provably occurs not only vasodilatation but
also even neovascularization. This is one of the reasons of the success of magnetotherapy application e.g. in
osteochondrosis dissecans, where this mechanism leads to the incorporation of the dissecate, which after
mending is not seen on the X-ray picture anymore. (Chvojka, Poděbradský)

BEFORE

AFTER

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Thermal Images 02 nazev

Date of therapy: 6 June 2006

Treated area: elbow joint
Protocol: series of magnetic pulses, mag. field intensity 90 mT/10, rectangular protracted pulses, pulse 5 ms,
pause 10 ms, 1 repetition, without random frequency, pulse 10 ms, pause 20 ms, 1 repetition, pulse 20 ms,
pause 40 ms, 1 repetition

Applicator type: disc

Scanning device:
Model: NEC San-ei Instr. 6 T 62 with HgCdTe detector
Temperature range:-50 ° C to + 2000 ° C
Sensitivity: 0.1 ° C
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 %

1. Before the therapy:

The elbow joint area is cold, microcirculation is limited.

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2. after the therapy
The blood circulation in the area of elbow joint and arm is considerably better after the application of PMF,
significant increase of microcirculation can be observed.

After the application of PMF at the area of the elbow joint, a part of the arm and the forearm, the overall
blood circulation and local microcirculation in the entire treated tissue noticeably improves.
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Date of therapy: 6 June 2006 02 nazev
Treated area: knee joint + thigh
Protocol: series of magnetic pulses, mag. field intensity 90 mT/10, rectangular protracted pulses, pulse 5 ms,
pause 10 ms, 1 repetition, without random frequency, pulse 10 ms, pause 20 ms, 1 repetition, pulse 20 ms,
pause 40 ms, 1 repetition

Applicator type: solenoid 60 cm

Scanning device:
Model: NEC San-ei Instr. 6 T 62 with HgCdTe detector
Temperature range:-50 ° C to + 2000 ° C
Sensitivity: 0.1 ° C
Accuracy: +/- 0.5 %

1. before the application of PMF

The area of the knee joint and the thigh muscle is obviously cold, blood supply and microcirculation are
limited.

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2. after the application of PMF

After the application of PMF at the area of the knee joint and the thigh, the overall blood circulation and local
microcirculation in the treated tissue noticeably improves.
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2. Echographic Examination 02 nazev
Date of treatment: 21 June 2006
Protocol: series of magnetic pulses, mag. field intensity 90 mT/10, rectangular protracted pulses, pulse 5 ms,
pause 10 ms, 1 repetition, without random frequency, pulse 10 ms, pause 20 ms, 1 repetition, pulse 20 ms,
pause 40 ms, 1 repetition
Applicator types: solenoid 60 cm, disc

Scanning device:
Sonograph Mindray DigiPrice DP – 9900 Plus

Description: the echographic examination was performed immediately before the application of PMF and
immediately after it at the below described areas:

1. poplitea before the application of PMF

2. poplitea after the application of PMF

2. poplitea after the application of PMF

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The width of vena poplitea changed from the original dimensions:
D1 – 2.01 mm
D2 – 1.93 mm
to the following:
D1 – 2.54 mm
D2 – 2.62 mm

The total cross section of the muscle is naturally the same before and after the therapy: 18.9 mm. However,
the blood circulation is much better after the therapy.

3. area of m. semitendinosus and semimembranosus approx. 4 cm above the insertion before PMF

4. area of m. semitendinosus and semimembranosus approx. 4 cm above the insertion after PMF

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Visible improvement of blood circulation in the treated area of knee flexors.

5. area of dx poplitei before the application of PMF 02 nazev

6. area of dx poplitei after the application of PMF

The width of arteria peronea changed from the original dimensions:

D1 – 1.55 mm
D2 – 1.68 mm
to the following
D1 – 1.8 mm
D2 – 1.91 mm
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6. arteria brachialis after the application of PMF

7. arteria tibialis posterior before the application of PMF

8. arteria tibialis posterior after the application of PMF PHYSIoTHERAPY

After the application of PMF there is apparent vasodilatation in the treated areas.
3. Color Doppler Measurement 02 nazev

Date of treatment: 4 July 2006

Protocol: series of magnetic pulses, mag. field intensity 90 mT/10, rectangular protracted pulses, pulse 5 ms,
pause 10 ms, 1 repetition, without random frequency, pulse 10 ms, pause 20 ms, 1 repetition, pulse 20 ms,
pause 40 ms, 1 repetition
Applicator types: solenoid 60 cm, disc

Examination equipment: Hitachi 5500

Probe: EUB

Description: The images were made immediately before and immediately after the application of PMF. The
blue and red points show the increase of the blood flow in the treated area as a result of exposition of the
tissue to PMF.

1. Medial side of the knee joint before the application of PMF

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2. Medial side of the knee joint after the application of PMF

Hamstrings dx BEFORE the application of PMF

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 02 nazev

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Hamstrings dx AFTER the application of PMF

Area of m. Biceps brachii dx BEFORE the application of PMF

Area of m. Biceps brachii dx AFTER the application of PMF

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 02 nazev

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ANTIEDEMATOUS EFFECT

This effect results from the accumulation of the above described effects - especially the vasodilatation and
the support of microcirculation, the improvement of nourishment of the tissue exposed to PMF, the provable
acceleration of healing of soft tissues and the antiphlogistic effect

Besides these well-known therapeutic effects, magnetotherapy has also the following positive impacts:
both qualitative and quantitative influence on the nerve tissue regeneration - faster return of innervation
into an experimentally cut nerve (Chvojka). A double-blind study was performed - after interruption of the
nerve in a length of 2 mm and subsequent suture and closing the wound, magnetotherapy was applied
in one half of the experimental animals (rabbits); the check group was without supplementary treatment.
Owing to the tested objects, the placebo effect was completely ruled out. Both groups were thoroughly
observed, both histologically and neurologically. In the group exposed to PMF the nerve regeneration
significantly accelerated - a nerve response to electrical stimulation was demonstrated as early as after
30 - 60 days. The check group did not show any response even after 60 days of stimulation by means
of the same electrotherapeutic current. Histological responses in both groups were very different too. In
the group exposed to PMF there were found minimum adhesions without the necessity of complicated
excision. In the check group many adhesions were found, excision was necessary and difficult.
Adaptation of the muscle tonus - support of normal muscle tonus and positive influence on natural muscle
contractility
Positive influence on overall immunity of the organism (lower number of viral diseases or their significantly
milder course)
Reduction of blood sedimentation which indicates the state of inflammatory processes in the organism
Inducing of overall euphoria. This proven effect is very important in conditions which are difficult to
influence organically, such as myopathy, Werdnig-Hoffmann disease, poliomyelitis. These diseases can be
very hardly aetiologically influenced and the patient’s overall peace of mind is crucial for the progression
of the disease and coping with it. In addition, improvement of the frame of mind enables more intensive
simultaneous rehabilitation.
Acceleration of epithelialization which results in faster healing of burns.
Stimulation of erythropoiesis.
Potentiation of the effect of administered antibiotics, calcitonin, vitamin D etc. (see above).
Positive influence on the vegetative nervous system (especially in case of a respiratory tract disease
- ventilation parameters in spastic bronchitis and asthma bronchiale are improved).
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Overall improvement of the recovery of organism.

Fields in which magnetotherapy is applied most often: 02 nazev
Rehabilitation
Orthopaedics
Sports medicine
Neurology
Rheumatology

Recently, application of PMF has been spreading extensively as an auxiliary therapeutic method also in
the following medical fields:
gynaecology
dentistry
urology
internal medicine and cardiology

Many orthopaedists, general practitioners, sports and rehabilitation physicians have been gaining trust
in PMF empirically, because there occurs relief and subsidence of troubles for which the patient sought
medical aid (pain, stiffness, movement discomfort). Earlier the provable therapeutic effects of PMF had been
accounted for, to a large extent, by the placebo effect. This effect naturally occurs in a certain percentage
of patients, as well as for any other therapy - whether physical or medicamentous. This effect cannot be
eliminated from any therapy. Moreover, it would be extremely undesirable. Positive mood of the patient is
fundamental for the success of any therapy.
However, the effectiveness of magnetotherapy solely on the basis of the placebo effect is a myth, because
it is often very successfully applied in veterinary medicine, where any placebo effect is completely out of
question. In animals it is applied, with great success, especially on inflammatory conditions of soft tissues,
joint distortions, muscle contusions (particularly after overload at work and external insults), arthritis and
periarthritis, bursitis, degenerative diseases of joints and spine, inflammatory diseases of cloven hooves (soft
parts of legs), paralysis of peripheral nerves and CNS, tendinitis and tendovaginitis, etc.

Like any other therapy, application of PMF also has its contraindications.

Absolute contraindications include:

active TB
pacemaker
extensive mycotic diseases
bleeding conditions
pregnancy
severe forms of ischaemic heart disease and ischaemic lower limb disease
carcinogenic diseases PHYSIoTHERAPY