Magnetic Field Therapy is a complete mystery to some. Adding to this is the invisible nature of magnetic fields and their poor understanding. As the prominent researcher in the field, Dr Janos Laszlo PhD observed.
Magnetic field therapy is a lot like sport. Few have adequate knowledge about it, while many have opinion or prejudice.
Very few people really understand the characteristics of static magnetic fields, but new research is helping us understand how they can have a therapeutic effect.
Once you understand that static magnetic fields can be optimized for therapeutic effects, it’s then a matter of directing the field so that it envelopes the target tissue so you can benefit from its pain relieving and healing effects. This “target tissue” could include a knee joint with mild osteoarthritis, a lumbar disc that’s causing back pain, hypersensitive C-fibre nerves or a minor strain of a tendon or muscle.
The image above shows the same knee on the left with the smaller QF20-3 magnet and the right with the QF28-3. See how the larger Q Magnet penetrates deeper and the width captures more tissue with its magnetic field. If the painful area in the joint is spread over a larger area, it just maybe that the smaller Q Magnet does not envelope a large enough area of tissue to have an effect.
The technical term for mapping static magnetic fields is called dosimetry. It requires a lot of patience with a gantry and gauss meter to painstakingly measure the field strength in 3 dimensions (the x, y, and z planes). We have spent many days on this task in the ongoing development of Q Magnets. The diagram below illustrates the dosimetry or field lines of the QF28-6 Q Magnet placed on the lower back. It demonstrates how Q Magnets are powerful enough to penetrate deep into the body with an inhomogeneous field (one containing magnetic field gradients).
As far as we are aware, Q Magnets are the most powerful and deepest penetrating multipolar static magnet medical device. Most competing products barely penetrate 10mm or 20% of the depth of the larger Q Magnet models. This might be OK where the target is a superficial trigger point, but it is unreasonable to expect a device to be effective for lower back pain when it does not reach the source of the pain. This principle is explained here with examples of published studies to illustrate the point.
The blue and red colours represent opposing fields, in this case, the red the North (+) and blue the South (-) pole. Notice how the colours flip on either end of the magnet corresponding to the alternate pole. You can also see the four distinct poles on each face of the quadrapolar magnet represented by the four alternating red/blue colour zones. The steep gradient exists where these coloured zones meet and transition sharply to the alternating pole.
Finally you can see the effects of the flux plate. This is the metal plate at the back of the magnet which acts as a shield to deflect the magnetic field from the magnet deeper into the tissue.
In this case you can see how the field penetrates deep enough to capture the spinal cord, nerve roots and part of the disc between the vertebrae. In the case of lower back pain from bulging discs, often the pain has a predominantly inflammatory origin. See the case of John for just one example.
Warnings:
- Do not wear Q Magnets near sensitive medical equipment or implants such as pacemakers, dorsal column stimulators, infusion pumps, or any other magnetically programmable medical devices.
- Always read the Information & Instructions sheet that comes with the product.
- This product is not a replacement for professional medical treatment.
- If you are uncertain if these contraindications apply to you, consult your health care professional prior to use.
- Use only as directed, if symptoms persist, see your health care professional.
- Do not use during pregnancy as there has not been adequate testing.
