The research has shown that magnets can also be too strong to have an effect. Obviously they can be too weak to have an effect, but not many people realise they can sometime be too strong. For instance…
Two studies illustrate the point (see references below). One by Morris showed that the application of a 10 or 70 mT static magnetic field resulted in a significant reduction in tissue swelling, but a magnetic field much stronger at 400 mT had very little effect. In another study (Okano), the opposite occurred, that is the weaker magnetic field had no effect.
There seems to be what’s known as a window of effectiveness. It’s like Goldilocks and the three bear – has to be just right!
What’s more, because Neodymium magnets are so powerful, there comes a point where they become dangerous. Aside from getting stuck to things that take super human strength to pull them off, if two large magnets (say 5x5cm or 2×2 inches) snap together, they can literally smash fingers and break bones!
So bigger and/or stronger does not necessarily mean better.
REFERENCES:
Morris et al. (2008) Acute Exposure to a Moderate Strength Static Magnetic Field Reduces Edema Formation In Rats. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol: 2008 Jan;294(1):H50-7. PMID: 17982018; doi.
Okano, et al. (2012) “The Effects of Moderate-Intensity Gradient Static Magnetic Fields on Nerve Conduction”. Bioelectromagnetics. 2012 Mar 16. PMID: 22430817; doi.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know which Q Magnet to use?
Choosing the right Q Magnet depends on the target area, tissue depth, magnet size, polarity pattern, and placement goal. This is the practical role of Field | Dose | Placement: The field design, exposure dose, and anatomical placement all need to work together.
Q Magnets come in different sizes, strengths, thicknesses, and polarity arrangements, including quadrupolar, hexapolar, octapolar, and other multipolar configurations. In general, smaller magnets are often used for more superficial or precise applications, while larger or thicker models may be used where deeper penetration or broader exposure is needed.
A useful way to learn the range is to review the Device Selection information and the Products page, especially the individual magnet descriptions, sizes, and penetration depth guidance. Strongest is not always best. The right magnet is the one whose field and dose best match the target tissue.
What is the strength of Q Magnets?
Magnet strength is often discussed in gauss, but gauss can be misleading if used by itself. Q Magnets are made from high-quality N45 grade neodymium material with an internal rating around 13,500 gauss, but surface readings vary depending on magnet size, location, direction of measurement, and field geometry.
Smaller Q Magnets may show lower surface field readings, while larger models may show higher readings. However, the strongest magnet is not always the most effective magnet for a given use.
The key question is not “Which magnet is strongest?” but “Which magnet provides the right field, dose, and placement for the target tissue?” A thinner or smaller magnet may work better for superficial soft tissue, while a larger or thicker model may be more appropriate for deeper joints or larger areas.
If you put two Q Magnets together, will it be a stronger application when putting it onto the injured area?
Stacking Q Magnets is not generally recommended as a way to make the application stronger.
With a simple bipolar magnet, stacking may increase overall field strength. Q Magnets are different because they use multipolar field geometry and a flux plate designed to create a specific localized field pattern.
Putting two Q Magnets together may interfere with the engineered field pattern rather than improving it. This is why Field | Dose | Placement is more useful than “more strength” thinking.
Use the recommended model and placement instead of stacking devices. If the target tissue is deeper, choose a magnet designed for greater penetration depth rather than combining magnets randomly.
