Magnet Therapy Reduces Pain in Post-Polio Patients

A controlled clinical study conducted at Baylor College of Medicine and The Institute for Rehabilitation and Research (TIRR) in Houston found that brief exposure to static magnetic fields may reduce pain intensity in adults living with post-polio syndrome. Results were published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (November issue).

Study Design and Participants

Led by Dr. Carlos Vallbona, professor of family and community medicine at Baylor, the randomized, double-blind study enrolled 50 adults (39 women and 11 men) experiencing joint or muscle pain linked to post-polio syndrome. Most participants were in their fifties, having developed symptoms in their forties.

Each volunteer identified a “trigger point” representing their most painful area, rated it on a 1–10 scale, and was randomly assigned either an active magnet or a placebo magnet applied for 45 minutes.

Results: Pain Reduction Within 45 Minutes

• Active magnet group (n=29): average pain rating dropped from 9.6 to 4.4.
• Placebo group (n=21): average pain rating decreased modestly from 9.5 to 8.4.
• Response rate: 76% of participants using active magnets reported noticeable pain relief, compared to 19% in the placebo group.

No side effects were reported. However, the single-session design did not measure duration of relief beyond the initial 45-minute application.

Magnet Specifications

The study used low-intensity static magnets, less than half an inch thick and slightly stronger than typical refrigerator magnets. Formats included:

• Credit-card-size rectangle
• Six-inch strip (approx. two inches wide)
• Small disc (silver-dollar size)
• Large disc (CD size)

Possible Mechanisms

“We do not yet have a clear explanation for the quick pain relief observed,” Dr. Vallbona noted. “It’s possible that magnetic fields influence pain receptors in joints or muscles, or alter pain perception within the brain.”

While these findings are intriguing, the authors emphasized the need for larger, multi-session studies before recommending magnetic therapy as a substitute for standard pain treatments such as physical therapy, medication, or bracing.

Study Team

Dr. Vallbona’s co-principal investigator was Dr. Carlton F. Hazlewood, professor of molecular physiology and biophysics at Baylor College of Medicine. Their collaborative work remains one of the early controlled investigations into magnet therapy’s pain-modulating potential.

Where EvraCare™ Fits

The EvraCare™ Back Pain Relief & Support Brace applies similar magnetic field concepts in a wearable, ergonomic form. Combined with gentle compression and tourmaline fiber, it’s designed to support comfort for those managing muscular or postural tension—without medication.