Magnetotherapy — what does it help with and who cannot use it?

Magnetotherapy is a treatment in which a variable low-frequency magnetic field, usually up to 100 Hz, acts on the tissues. It is used as a supporting treatment for osteoarthritis, back pain and after injuries. The scientific evidence is limited. It is not suitable for, among others, people with a pacemaker, pregnant women and people with cancer. In Rydułtowy a session costs PLN 15.

Below we explain how magnetotherapy works, which complaints it is used for and what research says, who cannot have the treatment, what it feels like and how it is combined with other methods.

Contents

How does magnetotherapy work?

During magnetotherapy, the treated area is placed in an applicator, e.g. a coil or on a flat pad, which produces a variable magnetic field. The field passes through clothing, skin and bone. It is thought to affect cell processes, microcirculation and the transmission of pain signals, which may reduce pain and swelling. However, these mechanisms are not fully understood.

The physiotherapist chooses the treatment settings, such as frequency, field strength and pulse shape, to suit the complaint. The magnetic field used in magnetotherapy is much weaker than in an MRI scanner and does not noticeably heat the tissues. At the “W zdrowym ciele” clinic the treatment is carried out with a BTL-4920 Magnet Topline device.

What does magnetotherapy help with and what does research say?

Magnetotherapy is used as a supporting treatment for osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, after sprains and bruises, for fractures that are slow to heal, osteoporosis and swelling after injury. The scientific evidence is limited: a 2013 Cochrane review pointed to a possible reduction in pain in osteoarthritis, but without a clear improvement in function. For other indications the results are inconclusive.

That is why magnetotherapy does not replace exercise or manual therapy, but can only complement them. We do not promise any effect from the treatment – the physiotherapist assesses whether it makes sense after the examination and at follow-up visits. Examples of complaints for which it may be considered are described in our guide to joint pain and injuries and guide to back pain.

Who cannot have magnetotherapy?

Magnetotherapy is not carried out in people with a pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, insulin pump, cochlear implant or other implanted electronic devices, during pregnancy, with cancer, active tuberculosis, an overactive thyroid, a tendency to bleed, serious heart disease, fever or acute infections. Epilepsy and type 1 diabetes call for caution. The physiotherapist makes the decision after a medical interview.

Full list of contraindications:

• pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator, insulin pump, cochlear implant, neurostimulator;
• pregnancy;
• cancer;
• active tuberculosis;
• overactive thyroid;
• bleeding and a tendency to bleed, including bleeding from the digestive tract;
• serious heart and circulatory diseases, e.g. uncontrolled heart failure, serious heart rhythm disorders;
• fever, acute bacterial, viral and fungal infections;
• epilepsy – decision after consulting a doctor;
• type 1 diabetes – with caution, especially if prone to low blood sugar.

You will find an overview of contraindications to other treatments in the post contraindications to physical therapy modalities.

What does magnetotherapy feel like?

During magnetotherapy most people feel nothing; sometimes there is a gentle warmth or tingling. The treatment is painless and is usually carried out lying down or sitting, fully clothed. Before the session you need to take off your watch and jewellery and put aside your phone and payment cards, as the field can damage them. After the session you can go straight back to your normal activities.

If you feel dizzy, have palpitations or feel unwell during the treatment, tell the physiotherapist immediately. The physiotherapist chooses the duration and settings of the treatment individually.

Can magnetotherapy be combined with other treatments?

Yes, magnetotherapy is often combined with exercise, manual therapy and other physical therapy modalities, e.g. laser therapy or TENS currents. At the “W zdrowym ciele” clinic in Rydułtowy magnetotherapy costs PLN 15, spot laser therapy PLN 20 and manual therapy PLN 180. The physiotherapist decides the combination and number of treatments individually after a consultation, which costs PLN 180.

Parameter	Magnetotherapy
Indications	supporting treatment: osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, after injuries, fractures slow to heal
Contraindications	including pacemaker and electronic implants, pregnancy, cancer, tuberculosis, overactive thyroid, bleeding (full list above)
What it feels like	usually nothing, sometimes gentle warmth
Combining	exercise, manual therapy, laser, currents
Price	PLN 15
Home visit

Magnetotherapysupporting treatment for chronic joint and back pain and after injuries15 PLN

Prices valid from 08.2026. We write about another physical therapy modality in the post laser therapy – indications and contraindications.

Summary

Magnetotherapy uses a low-frequency magnetic field and is sometimes used as a supporting treatment for osteoarthritis, back pain and after injuries, although the scientific evidence is limited. The treatment is painless, costs PLN 15 and is contraindicated, among others, with a pacemaker, in pregnancy and with cancer.

Frequently asked questions

Is magnetotherapy safe with metal implants?

Metal orthopaedic implants, e.g. plates, screws or joint replacements, are usually not a contraindication to low-frequency magnetotherapy, but you should always tell your physiotherapist about them. Implanted electronic devices, such as a pacemaker or an insulin pump, are different – in that case the treatment is not carried out.

Does magnetotherapy speed up bone healing?

Magnetotherapy is sometimes used when fractures are slow to heal, but research results are inconclusive and do not confirm that it clearly speeds up healing. How a fracture is treated is decided by the orthopaedic doctor in charge. A physiotherapist may suggest magnetotherapy as a supporting treatment if the doctor sees no contraindications.

Is magnetotherapy safe for older people?

Magnetotherapy is often used in older people because it is painless and you do not need to undress. However, older people more often have a pacemaker or heart disease, or take anticoagulants, so a thorough medical interview before the treatment is particularly important. It is worth bringing a list of your medicines and medical records.

Can I buy a magnetotherapy device for home use?

Such devices are available to buy, but it is worth consulting a doctor or physiotherapist before using one. Home devices differ in their settings, and using one on your own without ruling out contraindications, e.g. a pacemaker or cancer, can be dangerous. A device will not replace exercise or a diagnosis of what is causing the pain, either.

How many magnetotherapy sessions are needed?

The physiotherapist decides the number of sessions individually after the consultation, taking into account the type of complaint, how long it has lasted and how you respond to the first sessions. Magnetotherapy is usually part of a broader plan with exercise or manual therapy. If there is no improvement, the treatment plan is changed rather than repeating the same treatment.

Do I need a referral for magnetotherapy?

A referral is usually not required for a private treatment at the “W zdrowym ciele” clinic, but before the first session the physiotherapist takes a medical interview to rule out contraindications. The clinic has no contract with the NFZ (the Polish public health fund). Magnetotherapy costs PLN 15. It is worth bringing a list of your medicines and information about any implanted devices.

Sources

• Li S. et al., Electromagnetic fields for treating osteoarthritis, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2013.
• Griffin X.L. et al., Electromagnetic field stimulation for treating delayed union or non-union of long bone fractures in adults, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2011.
• Mika T., Kasprzak W., Fizykoterapia, PZWL.
• BTL-4920 Magnet Topline user manual.