Magnetic Wrist Bracelets May Be Useless

A small study published in the Journal of Complementary Therapies in Medicine indicates that magnetic wrist bracelets may be useless in relieving the pain of osteoarthritis.  The study was headed by Dr. Stewart Richmond of the University of York, England.  Participants in the study wore a variety of bracelets over a about a four month period.  At times they wore a non-magnetized bracelet.  Participants were not aware of which bracelets were magnetized or made of copper.  There was no correlation between pain reduction and which bracelet worn.

Quote:

"It appears that any perceived benefit obtained from wearing a magnetic or copper bracelet can be attributed to psychological placebo effects," said study leader Dr. Stewart Richmond, BBC News reported.

"People tend to buy them when they are in a lot of pain, then when the pain eases off over time they attribute this to the device," he said. "However, our findings suggest that such devices have no real advantage over placebo wrist straps that are not magnetic and do not contain copper." 

U.S. Department of Human Health and Services

End Quote

While psychological or placebo effect seems evident as a result of this small study, for some sufferers any relief is a plus.  However, to imagine that a copper bracelet will effect a miracle is probably unrealistic.