As a Personal Trainer Los Angeles i have noticed that magnetic wristbands have proliferated all over the athletic community, and you may have noticed that many pro athletes are sporting them. Many of us just wear them thinking that they are cool but don’t really know why, or if they even work. I have done some research and will give you a breakdown of the bottom line reasons, benefits or not that wearing one can give you.
Pros
There has been research documented that magnetic therapy can be a viable alternative remedy for various diseases, such as cancer and arthritis. The question as with all research is… ” How accurate is it, and what’s in it for me?”
Clinical trials in England showed that a form of magnetic wrap used in leg ulcers had a more than 60% success rate, and the medical profession as a result can prescribe this therapy.
There are several schools of thought as to how magnetic bands or wraps work, one being that it improves circulation by optimizing iron in the blood steam, thereby increasing the amount of oxygen to the affected muscle and aiding in the healing process. The other idea is that magnetic therapy works by improving the flow of electromagnetic fields in the affected cells and muscle tissues, that would otherwise be inhibited by the injury. This regulates balance and restores health. The American Cancer Society shows that magnetic therapy is used to reduce pain and ailments in various parts of the body, such as backache, and muscle soreness, with evidence that they gain some relief.
Cons
However the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) say magnets have no medicinal value. ( see my article “Pharmaceuticals v Natural Supplements”).
Supporters of magnetic bracelets and other types of magnetic therapy maintain the healing powers of magnets can speed up metabolism and produce a less acidic atmosphere in the body. The ACS says many proponents of magnets believe cancer cells cannot live in environment where acid is low, so magnetic therapy can therefore stop the spread of tumors. Proponents also maintain magnetic fields can adjust nerve impulses, reduce fatty deposits on artery walls, and even modify the thinking process to boost emotional well-being.
It was reported in Arthritis Research Campaign (October 2009 issue) that British Researchers at the University of York after a random placebo- controlled trial with 45 participants aged 50 years or over, that none experienced any improvement in their condition.
Overview
As with a lot of things that are researched there are differing opinions, as new research just leads to better newer research. It also depends on the individual interpretation of the body or organization conducting the research in the first place. Although hemoglobin, the blood protein that carries oxygen, is diamagnetic, the effect the use of magnetic therapy is trace. I would use them with an open mind, as research may surface tomorrow that finds that it “is the latest and greatest”.
Enjoy your training for what it is today!
-NicholasIf you are in the Los Angeles area and you would like a complimentary one-on-one assessment with Personal Trainer in L.A. Nicholas Barrett, please don't hesitate to get in touch! Personal trainer Los Angeles. Los Angeles personal trainer. Personal trainer marina del rey.
