Copper bracelets and magnetic therapy have been conclusively shown to have no significant therapeutic effect on arthritic pain, as evidenced by research indicating no improvement in pain, physical function, or medication use among patients with osteoarthritis. The perceived benefits are attributed to the placebo effect rather than any physiological impact of the bracelets. Medical authorities, including the NHS, do not recommend these devices for arthritis treatment.
PREREQUISITESIndividuals suffering from arthritis, healthcare professionals, researchers in pain management, and anyone interested in the efficacy of alternative therapies.
Nicola Summers said:Hi there,
I would like to know what PF's thoughts are on copper bracelets for the treatment of arthritic pain?
The researchers conclude that “magnetic therapy, involving the use of a magnetic wrist strap over a period of four weeks, had no statistically significant therapeutic effect among patients with osteoarthritis for the primary pain outcome measure”. They say that there was also no effect on physical function, stiffness or use of medication. Together these results can be taken “as evidence against the use of magnetic therapy”.
The researchers suggest that the reported analgesic benefits associated with the devices may therefore be due to the psychological effects of a placebo.