title: Evolution of magnetic therapy from alternative to traditional medicine.
abstract: Static or electromagnetic fields have been used for centuries to control pain and other biologic problems, but scientific evidence of their effect had not been gathered until recently. This article explores the value of magnetic therapy in rehabilitation medicine in terms of static magnetic fields and time varying magnetic fields (electromagnetic). A historical review is given and the discussion covers the areas of scientific criteria, modalities of magnetic therapy, mechanisms of the biologic effects of magnetic fields, and perspectives on the future of magnetic therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Family and Community Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Vallbona
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Richards
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy / Q000379:methods; D004574:Electromagnetic Fields; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008280:Magnetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008519:Medicine, Traditional; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009422:Nervous System Diseases / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010146:Pain / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010810:Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine / Q000379:methods; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014481:United States