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If you’re an athlete sidelined by a stubborn injury or someone who’s battled chronic pain for years, you know how frustrating the search for relief can be. Perhaps you’ve tried painkillers, cortisone shots, or even surgery – yet you still hurt. You’re not alone, and it’s not “all in your head.” Conditions like sciatica nerve pain or degenerative hip pain can linger despite conventional treatments. The good news is a new therapy is offering hope. It’s called Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT), delivered by a device known as the Magnetolith®. Athletes and chronic pain patients in Edmonton are increasingly turning to EMTT as a non-invasive way to finally break the pain cycle and promote real healing. This article will explore why EMTT is generating so much buzz – from understanding your pain, to what the research shows, to how we use it at Unpain Clinic alongside other therapies to get you back to living life. Results may vary; always consult a healthcare provider to see what’s right for you.
Chronic pain is complex. Whether it’s a marathoner’s knee that still aches months after an injury, or sciatica that sends shooting pain down your leg every time you sit, persistent pain often has deeper roots. In many cases, the true cause of pain isn’t just “in the spot that hurts.” For example, sciatica (sharp, radiating leg pain) usually stems from a pinched nerve in the back or hip, and hip joint pain might actually be worsened by muscle imbalances in your core or old injuries elsewhere. Over time, your body compensates for these issues – often in ways you don’t notice – until the wear-and-tear reaches a tipping point. Then the pain hits, and it can become a constant, nagging companion.
Traditional treatments often fall short because they focus only on symptoms. An athlete with chronic hip or knee pain might be told it’s just arthritis and to “rest and take anti-inflammatories.” A chronic back pain patient might cycle through repeat cortisone injections or rely on strong pain meds. These can give short-term relief, but the underlying dysfunction remains. Weak gluteal muscles, scar tissue from an old surgery, poor movement patterns – all can keep feeding the pain. As a result, many people get stuck in a loop of temporary fixes. The pain keeps returning because the root cause hasn’t been fully addressed. Worse, chronic pain can sensitize your nervous system over time – like an alarm system that starts misfiring – making you feel pain more intensely than you should for a given issue.
This is especially true for athletes and active individuals. Years of high-level training or repetitive strain can lead to micro-injuries that never completely heal. Tendons, cartilage, and spinal discs have limited blood supply, so they mend slowly. A competitive runner or hockey player may push through pain, unintentionally causing more damage or compensation elsewhere. Eventually, what started as a minor tweak becomes a chronic problem. And yet, athletes are often hesitant to rely on pain medications (due to side effects or anti-doping rules) and want to avoid surgery unless absolutely necessary. They need a solution that helps them heal and keeps them in the game.
Why does pain persist? Often because the body’s natural healing needs a boost. Chronic inflammation in an achy hip or a scarred tendon can smolder for months. Nerves that were irritated can remain hyper-sensitive even after the original injury has “healed.” And without addressing contributing factors (like tight muscles, weak stabilizers, or biomechanical issues), the cycle continues. In short, lasting relief requires breaking the cycle of inflammation and sensitization and correcting the root causes of stress on the tissues. This is where innovative therapies like EMTT come into play – by targeting pain and tissue healing at the cellular level, without drugs or invasive procedures.
EMTT may sound high-tech, but it’s actually a straightforward concept: using high-frequency electromagnetic pulses to stimulate healing in the body. If you’ve heard of PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) therapy, think of EMTT as its next-generation cousin with a much higher oscillation frequency and field strength. In an EMTT session, a special applicator (loop or paddle) is placed over the painful area – say, your hip or lower back – and it emits pulsating magnetic fields that penetrate deep into the tissues. You typically feel little to nothing during treatment, maybe a gentle warmth or slight tapping, but no pain. There are no needles and no electrical shocks – the therapy is delivered extracorporeally, meaning from outside the body, without breaking the skin. You even stay fully clothed and simply relax while it’s happening.
So, what does EMTT actually do inside your body? Research suggests these magnetic pulses influence your cells in several beneficial ways. They induce tiny electric currents in the tissue, which can reduce inflammation and modulate pain signaling at the cellular level. It’s a bit like whispering to your cells to “calm down and start the repair process.” Studies show EMTT can encourage an anti-inflammatory effect and tissue regeneration by affecting ion channels and cell metabolism. Laboratory research has even found that EMTT boosts activity in tendon cells and bone cells – increasing the expression of growth factors and collagen needed for repair. In other words, it’s prompting a healing response.
What matters most, of course, is clinical evidence: does EMTT help people feel and function better? According to growing research, yes. A number of peer-reviewed studies and trials have been conducted:
Chronic Joint and Back Pain: A 2025 randomized double-blind trial on 126 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain (due to knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff tendinopathy, or lumbar spine degeneration) found that EMTT significantly improved physical function and reduced pain compared to a sham (placebo) treatment. After 6 weeks of weekly EMTT sessions, patients reported better quality of life scores and nearly half the pain levels on average (VAS pain dropped to ~2.8 with EMTT vs 4.3 in the placebo group), with improvements still present at 12 weeks. Notably, these benefits persisted well after the treatment course ended, indicating EMTT isn’t just a fleeting pain mask – it jump-starts a healing process that keeps going. Mental health scores in that study were similar between groups, but physically patients were functioning much better with EMTT. Only minor side effects were noted (like mild discomfort or skin redness in the treated area) and those were transient.
Shoulder Tendon Injuries in Athletes: One high-quality study in 2023 focused on chronic shoulder pain (degenerative rotator cuff tendinopathies) in 43 patients who hadn’t responded to other conservative treatments. They underwent 8 EMTT sessions over four weeks versus a placebo group. The results, presented at an orthopedic sports medicine conference, were impressive. In the EMTT group, shoulder pain levels fell dramatically – from an average VAS 5.0 (moderate pain) down to 2.0 (mild pain) at 12 weeks post-treatment. The placebo group also had some improvement (a placebo effect is common), but their pain only went to 3.7, and some of that crept back by 12 weeks. Functionally, patients’ shoulder scores (SF-12 physical component) improved significantly more with EMTT as well. No clinically relevant adverse events occurred. The researchers concluded EMTT is an effective non-pharmacological treatment for degenerative joint disease and enthesopathies (tendon/ligament attachments) – and they highlighted this is especially important for top athletes concerned about doping, since EMTT involves no drugs.
Synergy with Shockwave Therapy: EMTT is often used alongside other therapies. A 2018 study looked at difficult chronic shoulder tendinopathy cases (rotator cuff) and tested EMTT combined with extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) versus shockwave alone. Eighty-six patients were randomized to get 3 shockwave sessions plus either 8 EMTT sessions or a sham EMTT. Both groups improved, but the combination group had significantly greater pain reduction and better shoulder function. By 24 weeks, the EMTT+ESWT group had markedly lower pain scores and higher Constant shoulder scores than the shockwave-only group. In fact, adding EMTT roughly doubled the pain relief, demonstrating a synergistic effect. This makes sense – shockwave provides a mechanical stimulus to break up scar tissue and increase blood flow, while EMTT provides an energetic stimulus that soothes inflammation and promotes cellular repair. For patients, that meant better outcomes than either therapy alone.
Chronic Low Back Pain: One of the earlier studies on EMTT (2017) targeted nonspecific chronic low back pain, a condition that plagues many people. In that trial, patients received standard physiotherapy treatments over 6 weeks, with half also getting 8 EMTT sessions in that period. The group that added EMTT had significantly greater reductions in pain and disability scores compared to physio alone. In fact, the combination was deemed “significantly superior” to conventional therapy by itself. This suggests that even for complex, multifactorial pain like lower back pain, EMTT can enhance the results of exercise and manual therapy.
Overall, research is painting a consistent picture: EMTT can help reduce pain and improve function in a range of hard-to-treat musculoskeletal conditions, from arthritic joints to tendinopathies to chronic back pain. It’s not magic or instant – typically a series of treatments is needed, and it works best as part of a comprehensive rehab plan – but it offers a drug-free, safe modality to speed up recovery. And speaking of safety, studies so far are reassuring. No serious adverse effects have been reported in the clinical trials. Unlike medications, there’s no risk of systemic side effects like stomach ulcers or drowsiness. Unlike surgery, there’s no downtime. The most you might experience is temporary soreness or a bit of skin warmth where the treatment was applied, which is minor. One study did note a little skin redness in some patients after EMTT, but that resolved quickly. In our experience, patients usually just feel a reduction in pain and sometimes an immediate ease or lightness in the area after a session.
Important: EMTT is very safe for the vast majority of people, but there are a couple of standard precautions. Because it involves magnetic fields, EMTT is not used on people who have certain electronic implants like pacemakers, and it’s generally avoided during pregnancy out of caution. Always let your provider know your full medical history. Otherwise, for athletes, older adults with chronic pain, and everyone in between, EMTT represents a promising advancement – grounded in evidence – to help where conventional therapies alone have failed.
At Unpain Clinic, we believe that getting you pain-free requires looking at the whole puzzle – not just one piece. That’s why our treatment plans often combine multiple modalities to address pain from all angles. EMTT is one of our exciting tools, but it works even better when paired with other therapies as part of a comprehensive approach. Here are some of the key treatments we blend to help you heal:
Shockwave Therapy: We are experts in True Shockwave Therapy, which uses acoustic sound waves to trigger your body’s repair mechanisms. Shockwave therapy can break down scar tissue and calcifications, increase local blood circulation, and stimulate the release of growth factors for tissue healing. It’s especially great for stubborn tendon pain (like Achilles tendinitis or golfer’s elbow) and even helps with bone healing and chronic muscle tightness. Shockwave gives a powerful mechanical “kick” to jump-start regeneration in targeted tissues. Unlike cortisone injections that just mask pain (and can weaken tissues over time), shockwave aims to fix the problem by remodeling damaged tissue and reducing pain long-term.
EMTT (Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy): As we’ve discussed, EMTT is a perfect complement to shockwave. If shockwave is the “hammer” breaking up the problem, EMTT is the gentle “encourager” that soothes and settles the area afterward. The Magnetolith EMTT device emits high-frequency magnetic pulses that penetrate deep without any discomfort. This helps calm down overactive nerves and inflammation, creating an optimal environment for healing. In our clinic, we often perform shockwave on an injured area and then immediately follow it with an EMTT session in the same visit. Patients love this combo – shockwave might cause a little soreness as it does its work, and then EMTT comes in like a cooling wave, often leaving the area feeling notably less irritable. By using EMTT to reduce inflammation and pain signaling after mechanical stimulation, we maximize your relief and recovery. Early evidence and case reports support this synergy – for example, one case by Dr. Knobloch used combined shockwave+EMTT to heal a meniscal tear non-surgically, with the patient’s knee pain resolving and stability returning within months. The combination is powerful indeed.
Neuromodulation Techniques: Chronic pain can cause your nervous system to go into overdrive. The term “central sensitization” means the brain and nerves amplify pain signals even after tissues have healed. To address this, we incorporate neuromodulation therapies – treatments that help “reset” and desensitize an overactive nervous system. This can include gentle electrical nerve stimulation, often using modern devices far more sophisticated (and comfortable) than old-school TENS units. For example, we may use Scrambler Therapy, which sends non-pain signals through the nerves to retrain them, or low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to reduce nerve excitability. Even specialized acupuncture or dry needling can have neuromodulatory effects. These therapies are usually painless and relaxing; patients often report that the treated area feels calmer or “lighter” afterward. By diminishing the volume of pain signals your nerves are broadcasting, we make it easier for movement and therapy to proceed without kicking up a flare. It’s like telling your nerves, “Hey, it’s okay to ease off now.” This is a crucial piece for conditions like sciatica or post-injury chronic pain where the nerves keep shouting long after the injury whisper.
Manual Therapy: Despite our love of technology, we never abandon the human touch. Hands-on therapies – such as targeted massage, myofascial release, joint mobilization, and spinal adjustments – play a vital role in many treatment plans. If your hip pain stems in part from a pelvic alignment issue or tight lumbar fascia, our physiotherapists or chiropractors will work to correct that with manual techniques. Loosening tight muscles, improving joint mobility, and releasing adhesions can relieve pressure on nerves and joints. For example, if you have a lot of tension in your piriformis (a deep hip muscle) contributing to sciatica, manual release combined with shockwave might be used to relax it. Our team works together, so you might get a chiropractic adjustment to improve your back alignment and a massage therapist releasing tension in your legs, all coordinated around the same goals. Manual therapy complements EMTT and shockwave by addressing structural and soft tissue restrictions that those modalities can’t physically manipulate.
Targeted Exercise & Movement Retraining: Finally, any lasting pain solution must involve movement. We will guide you through specific exercises to strengthen weak areas (often core and glutes for back or hip issues) and improve flexibility where you’re tight. If years of improper running form gave you knee pain, we’ll retrain your gait or squat technique. These exercises are introduced at the right time – for instance, after EMTT and shockwave have reduced pain enough that you can exercise without agony. The goal is to correct the dysfunctional movement patterns that caused the injury, so that once healed, it doesn’t come back. We might teach you hip stabilization drills, nerve “flossing” exercises for sciatica, or stretches for your IT band and hip flexors – whatever is needed based on your unique assessment. This active component is critical because regaining strength, flexibility, and proper movement is what solidifies your recovery and prevents future flare-ups. We also educate you on posture and ergonomics (like how to set up your workstation or how to lift properly) so you’re not unknowingly aggravating your condition in daily life. By combining these therapies – advanced technologies like shockwave and EMTT, plus neuromodulation, hands-on care, and exercise – we truly address the root causes of your pain, not just the symptoms. That’s why even people who “tried everything” elsewhere often find relief with our approach: we leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of your healing.
(Remember: every patient is unique. We customize this mix of treatments to your specific needs and goals. One person’s plan for hip osteoarthritis might emphasize EMTT and exercise, while another person’s chronic knee pain plan might involve more manual therapy and shockwave. We continuously assess and adjust to ensure you’re improving.)
A Magnetolith EMTT testimonial from a real patient at Unpain Clinic (knee pain case). This athlete experienced significant relief after just the second EMTT session, regaining pain-free mobility in a knee that had hurt for a long time.
Sometimes the best way to understand a treatment’s impact is through the story of someone who’s been in your shoes. Let’s share one inspiring example (with the patient’s permission, anonymously). Meet “J,” a recreational basketball player in his 30s who suffered chronic knee pain. He had tried physio exercises and wore a knee brace, but every time he played ball or did squats at the gym, his knee would swell and ache for days. An MRI showed early cartilage wear-and-tear but nothing severe enough for surgery. J was frustrated and starting to fear he’d never get back to the sports he loved.
After hearing about EMTT, he decided to give Unpain Clinic a try. We combined shockwave therapy to address some scar tissue in his patellar tendon with EMTT to calm the joint inflammation. After the second EMTT treatment, J was astonished – within a couple of hours, his knee pain was practically gone and the usual post-activity swelling didn’t come on at all. He cautiously played a full basketball game the next evening and expected to pay for it later. But the next day, no significant soreness, no puffiness. He told us excitedly, “I was able to do a deep squat at the gym with zero pain – something I haven’t done in so long. This is a big deal!” In fact, he was so encouraged by the progress he asked if he could continue periodic EMTT sessions “just to stay on top of this amazing result.”
Stories like J’s highlight what EMTT may do for people: in his case, just a couple of sessions essentially rebooted the knee’s healing process, providing relief that months of rest and medications hadn’t achieved. Now, everyone’s timeline and results are different – some feel improvement quickly like J, while others with more severe issues might need a full course of treatments to notice major changes. But seeing a patient go from chronic pain to pain-free squats is the kind of outcome that fuels our passion. It’s not magic; it’s the result of addressing the problem at its source (by treating his tendon and joint environment directly) and leveraging the body’s own capacity to repair when given the right stimulus.
We’ve witnessed other victories too. For example, we had a patient with persistent low back and sciatic pain who, after a tailored 5-week program including EMTT, shockwave, and some acupuncture, reported the best sleep they’d had in a year and the ability to walk farther without pain. They came to us barely able to go 100 yards before needing to stop and stretch; by the end, they were back to doing their morning walks with minimal discomfort. This person said, “It’s not 100% fixed – I never expected that at my age – but my quality of life and movement are so much better. It was achieved in a relatively short time frame.” Such outcomes show that even when we can’t turn back time or completely erase advanced degeneration, we can dramatically improve someone’s day-to-day function and pain levels.
The bottom line: EMTT offers a ray of hope where there was once resignation. It’s helping athletes get off the sidelines and back in the game. It’s helping chronic pain patients feel like themselves again – able to sleep, work, and move with less pain. These personal experiences, combined with scientific evidence, paint a compelling picture of why so many are turning to Magnetolith EMTT as a cornerstone of their recovery journey.
(Individual results vary, and we always set realistic goals with our clients. But if you’ve been stuck in the “try everything, feel nothing” cycle, these stories show that a different approach – the right combination of therapies – can finally make a difference.)
Healing doesn’t only happen in the clinic – what you do at home can make a big difference in your progress. We empower our patients with guidance on self-care and exercises to maintain improvements between visits. Here are some simple, safe tips to support your recovery from chronic pain or sports injuries:
Keep Moving, Gently: It might seem counterintuitive when you’re hurting, but relative rest is better than total rest. In fact, research shows that staying physically active (without overdoing it) can decrease pain severity and improve function in chronic pain conditions. Movement helps keep your muscles strong and joints flexible, which prevents the vicious cycle of pain -> inactivity -> more pain. So unless you’re in an acute injury phase, try to do gentle aerobic activity like walking, swimming, or cycling a few times a week. Even a 15-minute daily walk can loosen stiff hips and boost your mood with endorphins. The key is low-impact and moderate intensity – you don’t want to flare your pain, but a little discomfort is okay. If a certain activity consistently spikes your pain, scale back and consult your therapist for alternatives.
Stretch and Mobilize: Regular stretching can ease tension in tight muscles that may be exacerbating your pain. For example, if you have sciatica or low back pain, gentle stretches for the hamstrings, hip flexors, and piriformis muscle can relieve pressure on the sciatic nerve. A simple figure-4 stretch (lying on your back and crossing one ankle over the opposite knee) can target deep gluteal muscles; hold it for 20–30 seconds per side if it feels comfortable. For chronic hip pain, hip flexor stretches (lunging forward gently while keeping your torso upright) and iliotibial band stretches can be beneficial. Always warm up a bit first (even a short walk or a warm shower to get blood flowing) before stretching, and avoid bouncing – use slow, sustained stretches. Mobility exercises like cat-camel (on hands and knees, gently arch and round your back) are great for spinal flexibility and can be done daily to keep your back from stiffening up. Remember, stretching should feel like a mild pull, not sharp pain. If a stretch hurts, ease off the intensity or skip it.
Strengthen Your Support System: Targeted strengthening exercises help address the root causes of pain by stabilizing areas that are overworking. For example, with knee or hip pain, often the gluteal (buttock) muscles and core need strengthening to take strain off the joints. Simple exercises like glute bridges (lying on your back, knees bent, lifting your hips) or clamshells (lying on your side, knees bent, opening and closing the top knee) can activate those glutes. If you have access to resistance bands, use them for added challenge. For chronic back pain, core engagement exercises like modified planks or bird-dogs (on hands and knees, extend opposite arm and leg) can build support for your spine. Do these exercises with proper form – quality over quantity. We typically demonstrate and practice them with you during sessions, so you know how to do them correctly at home. Start with a few repetitions and gradually increase as tolerated. Strengthening the right muscles will help correct imbalances (for instance, stronger glutes mean less pressure on the front of the knees and hips). It’s normal to feel muscle soreness when starting new exercises, but it should be the “worked out” kind of sore, not joint pain. If something causes sharp pain, stop and get guidance.
Mind Your Posture & Habits: Little daily habits can either help or hinder your healing. If you sit a lot for work, make sure your workstation is ergonomic – your feet flat on the floor, hips and knees at 90 degrees, and your monitor at eye level. Consider a lumbar support cushion for your chair to maintain a gentle arch in your low back, which can alleviate sciatic nerve tension. Set a timer to stand up and stretch every hour; even a minute of marching in place or touching your toes can prevent your hips from getting too stiff. Be mindful of how you move: when bending or lifting, practice using your legs and hinging at the hips (instead of rounding your back) – this protects your spine. If you’ve been given a corrective device like orthotics (for foot issues that affect your knees/hips) or a specific brace, use them as recommended. Good posture and body mechanics reduce undue stress on painful areas, allowing them to heal.
Modalities for Relief: For managing pain flares at home, heat and cold can be your friends. Use a heating pad or warm towel on muscular aches and stiff areas (like a tight lower back or neck) to relax tension and increase blood flow. Warmth before doing your exercises can make stretching easier. Conversely, if you have a fresh flare-up of inflammation (say your knee swells after a long day), icing for 10–15 minutes can numb pain and reduce swelling. Always wrap ice packs in a cloth and never apply heat or cold directly to bare skin for too long. Another tip: incorporate relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation. Stress can amplify pain, so calming your nervous system is important. Even just 5 minutes of deep diaphragmatic breathing (breathing into your belly) can reduce muscle tension. Finally, if appropriate, your therapist might show you self-massage or foam rolling techniques to ease tight spots. Gentle foam rolling along the quads or IT band, for instance, can complement EMTT’s effects by improving tissue mobility – but don’t go overboard to the point of bruising.
Stay Consistent and Listen to Your Body: Consistency is key in rehab. Doing your prescribed stretches and exercises regularly (ideally daily or as instructed) will yield the best results. That said, healing is not always linear – some days will be better than others. Listen to your body’s signals. Mild pain or soreness during exercise is okay and even expected, but if an activity causes sharp pain that doesn’t ease with modification, stop and let us know. It might need tweaking. Keep a simple log of your activities and symptoms; this can help identify patterns (e.g. “my sciatica is worse on days I skip my stretches” or “hip feels better after I walk”). Celebrate small improvements like being able to sit 5 minutes longer or walk an extra block without pain – these wins add up and keep you motivated. And make sure to communicate with your therapist – we’re here to adjust your program as needed and give you new exercises when you’re ready.
By integrating these at-home strategies with your in-clinic EMTT and other treatments, you create the optimal conditions for recovery. Think of it as keeping the momentum going between sessions. You have more power over your healing than you may realize! Over time, these healthy habits and exercises not only help get you out of pain but also build a stronger foundation so you’re less likely to get hurt again.
(Always consult your physiotherapist or doctor before trying new exercises, especially if you have any other health conditions. They can ensure the exercises are appropriate for you and teach you the proper form.)
Yes, EMTT can be beneficial for a wide range of musculoskeletal pain conditions – including nerve-related pain like sciatica and degenerative joint pain in the hips. In fact, Magnetolith EMTT is approved in Europe for treating issues of the muscles, bones, joints, nerves, tendons, and other tissues. For sciatica (which often involves inflammation of a nerve root in the back or irritation of the sciatic nerve), EMTT’s anti-inflammatory and pain-modulating effects may reduce the swelling and pressure on the nerve, thereby easing that shooting leg pain. It can also calm down the overactive pain signals from an irritated nerve. For hip pain, such as hip osteoarthritis or chronic bursitis, EMTT can help by reducing joint inflammation and promoting better tissue repair in the tendons and cartilage. Studies have noted that EMTT is particularly effective at relieving pain in degenerative joint diseases like knee and hip arthritis. Of course, every individual is different – EMTT works best as part of a comprehensive treatment plan (for example, alongside exercises to improve hip mobility or core strength). But if you’re struggling with sciatic nerve pain or an aching hip that’s not improving with standard care, EMTT is definitely worth discussing with your provider as a promising option.
Athletes are drawn to EMTT because it offers a non-drug, non-surgical solution for pain relief and tissue healing. This means no risk of medication side effects, no injections, and no downtime from surgery. Importantly, for competitive athletes, EMTT does not violate anti-doping regulations – it’s a purely physical therapy. In the shoulder study we mentioned, the authors pointed out that EMTT is a great option for top athletes concerned about doping, since it’s completely non-pharmacological. Athletes also appreciate that EMTT can be done even in the middle of a training season, as it doesn’t require significant recovery time. You can receive a session and continue with practice (with your therapist’s guidance on any temporary modifications). Moreover, because EMTT can accelerate the healing of tendons, bones, and other tissues, it may potentially shorten the injury recovery period – a huge plus when you’re eager to get back to your sport. For example, if an athlete has a chronic tendinitis or stress injury, EMTT can help reduce the chronic inflammation and stimulate repair, whereas simply resting might not actively improve the tissue quality. Many athletes use EMTT in conjunction with shockwave therapy and physiotherapy exercises to comprehensively rehab an injury. The bottom line: EMTT allows athletes to heal in a more natural way, enhancing the body’s own healing processes, so they can return to play faster and stronger, without relying on painkillers or risking surgical complications.
EMTT is generally very safe and well-tolerated. One of its big advantages is that it’s non-invasive and doesn’t involve any drugs. Most patients do not feel any pain during treatment – at most a gentle pulsing or warmth – and there’s no recovery downtime needed after a session. Side effects are minimal. Some people might experience mild skin redness or a slight temporary increase in sensitivity in the treated area, but serious adverse effects have not been reported in studies. In clinical trials, the only noted side effects were things like mild discomfort during the session for a few patients, or transient redness, and these resolved quickly on their own. There’s no radiation involved (unlike X-rays or MRIs), and the magnetic fields used are therapeutic and well within safe ranges. That said, there are a few precautions: EMTT is not recommended if you have an implanted electronic device such as a pacemaker or spinal cord stimulator, because the electromagnetic field could interfere with it. Likewise, it’s avoided in pregnant patients as a precaution, simply because it hasn’t been tested in pregnancy. If you have any metal implants (like joint replacements or hardware), be sure to inform your therapist – EMTT can usually be done, but they’ll keep the applicator a small distance away from very large metal implants to avoid any heat build-up in the metal. We also screen for conditions like active cancer in the treatment area (as with any therapy that increases cell activity, we wouldn’t apply it over a known tumor). Overall, for the typical person suffering from chronic pain or sports injuries, EMTT poses very little risk. Your provider will review your medical history to ensure you’re a good candidate. When applied correctly by a trained professional, EMTT is a safe modality that has been successfully used in thousands of treatments.
An EMTT session is quite comfortable and uneventful – in a good way! When you come in, the therapist will position you so you can relax (you might be lying down or seated, depending on the area being treated). They’ll place the EMTT applicator (which is a loop or pad connected to the Magnetolith machine) over the target area. For example, if we’re treating your hip, we might strap a loop around your pelvic area or set a paddle on the side of your hip. You do not need to undress; EMTT pulses pass through clothing easily. Once the machine is turned on, you’ll hear a clicking or tapping sound from the device, corresponding with the pulses. You’ll likely feel very little – most patients report just a mild tapping sensation or warmth at most. There’s no jolt, no vibration, and certainly no pain. Some people aren’t sure it’s “doing anything” until later when they notice their pain has diminished. If we are treating a very sensitive area, we can start at a lower intensity and increase it as you get used to it, but even at higher intensities EMTT remains quite tolerable. The session typically lasts about 10–15 minutes per region. You can breathe calmly, maybe even take a little nap – it’s that gentle. After the treatment, there’s no numbness or weird sensation; you can get up and go about your day normally. In fact, we encourage light movement after EMTT to let your body take advantage of the pain relief and increased circulation. Many patients say the area feels “looser” or less tense right after. In summary, an EMTT session feels like an easy, relaxing therapy – you sit or lie comfortably while the machine quietly does its work. If you’re nervous beforehand, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how simple and uneventful the process is.
The number of EMTT sessions required can vary based on the condition and its severity, but usually a series of treatments is recommended to achieve lasting results. In both research and our clinical experience, it’s common to start with around 4 to 8 sessions, typically delivered one to two times per week. For instance, some clinical studies on chronic pain provided 6–8 EMTT sessions spread over several weeks and saw significant improvements by the end of the series. At Unpain Clinic, we often bundle EMTT into a treatment plan where we reassess after a set number of sessions. Many patients notice some improvement after the first 2–3 sessions – perhaps a decrease in pain flare-ups or the ability to move a bit more with less pain. If nothing at all is changing by, say, the fourth session, we would re-evaluate your plan (and possibly investigate further or try a different approach). But typically, by mid-way through an EMTT course, people report positive changes. For chronic conditions, we might do up to 8 sessions over about a month or two. A standard course is roughly 6 sessions for many joint or tendon issues, but again it’s personalized. After the initial course, we’ll see where you’re at. Some patients are good to go at that point, having achieved their goals. Others with more severe or multi-faceted issues might benefit from maintenance sessions – for example, a follow-up EMTT treatment once a month or when they feel a bit of regression. Because EMTT essentially jump-starts healing, its effects can continue even after you finish the series (as studies showed continued improvement at 3 months post-treatment). The goal is not to make you dependent on endless treatments, but rather to fix the issue. We’ll give you an idea up front of the anticipated number of sessions based on your condition. And rest assured, we monitor your progress closely – if you’re improving faster than expected, we won’t push unnecessary sessions. If you need a bit more, we’ll adjust accordingly. It’s all about what gets you the best outcome.
The durability of EMTT’s results can depend on the individual and the condition being treated, but improvements from EMTT can be long-lasting, especially when the underlying causes of pain are addressed. Clinical research has provided encouraging news on this front. In a high-quality trial, patients who responded to EMTT maintained their gains in pain relief and physical function even 12 weeks (3 months) after their last session, with no decline in benefits during that follow-up period. In another study on shoulder tendon pain, the EMTT group’s pain reduction was not only significant at the end of treatment, but pain levels stayed low at the 3-month mark compared to baseline. What this tells us is that EMTT isn’t just a temporary Band-Aid – it sets off biological processes (like tissue regeneration and inflammation reduction) that continue to unfold and keep pain down for some time after treatment. Many of our patients report that once their issue is resolved, the relief is ongoing as long as they keep up with preventative care (exercises, avoiding re-injury, etc.). Of course, chronic conditions can have ups and downs. Factors like your daily activities, posture, stress, and adherence to home exercises will influence how long you stay pain-free. Some patients choose to come in for an occasional “maintenance” EMTT or shockwave session, perhaps every few months, especially if they start feeling twinges that remind them of the old pain. Think of it similar to how you might see a dentist periodically to prevent cavities from returning – some folks get periodic tune-ups for their musculoskeletal health. But in general, once a course of EMTT has calmed down a chronic pain condition and you’ve strengthened any weak links, you can expect the results to hold. We aim for you to graduate from regular treatments and maintain your improvement via the exercises and knowledge we’ve provided. And if life throws you a curveball (like a new injury or the return of pain), we’re here to help get you back on track quickly.
Living with chronic pain or recurring injuries can be incredibly draining – physically and emotionally. But as we’ve explored, advances like Magnetolith EMTT are changing the game for athletes and chronic pain patients alike. By tapping into the body’s natural healing abilities with high-energy magnetic pulses, EMTT offers a chance to reduce pain and actually repair tissues, rather than just numbing the symptoms. Scientific studies and real-world success stories show that it can make a meaningful difference for conditions once thought to be “hopeless” or something you just have to “live with.”
At Unpain Clinic, we’ve seen firsthand why people are turning to EMTT: it works especially well when combined with a holistic approach. By addressing the root causes – whether that’s a misaligned hip, a weak core, or an over-sensitized nerve – and by using a blend of therapies (shockwave, EMTT, exercise, and more), we strive to not only get you out of pain but to keep you out of pain. There’s no one-size-fits-all solution in rehab, but EMTT has become a powerful tool in our toolkit for tough cases. It’s exciting to see an athlete recover faster without cortisone or surgery, or a chronic pain patient finally break free from a cycle of agony and start enjoying life’s activities again.
If you’re in Edmonton or surrounding areas and find yourself saying, “I’ve tried everything and nothing truly helps,” it may be time to experience what EMTT and a whole-body approach can do. We welcome you to reach out with questions or to schedule an assessment. In that one-hour initial assessment, we’ll dive deep into figuring out why it hurts, not just where it hurts, and we’ll create a tailored plan for you. There’s always hope for improvement – sometimes it just takes a fresh approach and the right combination of therapies. You deserve a life that isn’t dictated by pain, and we’re here to help you get there in a caring, evidence-based way.
Remember, results can vary from person to person, and no treatment is a guaranteed “cure-all.” But with safe options like EMTT backed by research, you have more avenues than ever to find relief. Don’t give up on getting better. A pain-free, active life might be closer than you think.
Book Your Initial Assessment NowAt Unpain Clinic, we don’t just ask “Where does it hurt?” — we uncover “Why does it hurt?”
If you’ve been frustrated by the cycle of “try everything, feel nothing,” this assessment is for you. We take a whole-body approach so you leave with clarity, not more questions.
✅ What’s Included
Comprehensive history & goal setting
Orthopedic & muscle testing (head-to-toe)
Motion analysis
Imaging decisions (if needed)
Pain pattern mapping
Personalized treatment roadmap
Benefit guidance
🕑 Important Details
60 minutes, assessment only
No treatment in this visit
👩⚕️ Who You’ll See
A licensed Registered Physiotherapist or Chiropractor
🔜 What Happens Next
If you’re a fit, we schedule your first treatment and start executing your plan.
🌟 Why Choose Unpain Clinic
Whole-body assessment, not symptom-chasing
Root-cause focus, not temporary relief
Non-invasive where possible
No long-term upsells — just honest, effective care
🎯 Outcome
You’ll walk out knowing:
What’s wrong
Why it hurts
The fastest path to fix it
Author: Uran Berisha, BSc PT, RMT, Shockwave Expert
1. Hollander, K. et al. (2025). Extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) for management of musculoskeletal disorders: A double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial. Journal of Back and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation, online ahead of print. DOI: 10.1177/10538127251400083
2. Gerdesmeyer, L. et al. (2023). High-energy EMTT for chronic shoulder tendinopathy: a prospective placebo-controlled trial. Presented at GOTS Congress 2023. Results summarized by Storz Medical (Sept 06, 2023) – showed significant pain and function improvements in EMTT group with no adverse events.
3. Klüter, T. et al. (2018). Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy combined with Shockwave Therapy in Rotator Cuff Tendinopathy: A RCT. Electromagnetic Biology and Medicine, 37(4), 175-183. PMID: 30183430. – Combined EMTT + ESWT yielded greater pain reduction and shoulder function gains vs ESWT alone.
4. Krath, A. et al. (2017). Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy in non-specific low back pain: A prospective RCT. Journal of Orthopaedics, 14(3), 410-415. PMID: 28736490. – Adding 8 EMTT sessions to standard care improved chronic low back pain and disability more than standard care alone.
5. Mancini, M. et al. (2025). Electromagnetic Transduction Therapy (EMTT) Enhances Tenocyte Regenerative Potential: Evidence for Senolytic-like Effects and Matrix Remodeling. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 26(15): 7122. – In vitro study showing EMTT upregulates tendon cell repair genes and reduces cell senescence markers.
6. Gerdesmeyer, L. et al. (2024). EMTT as a New Form of Electromagnetic Therapy: From Gene Upregulation to Accelerated Bone Healing. Biomedicines, 12(10): 2269. DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12102269. – Found EMTT significantly enhances osteoblast activity and matrix mineralization (implying faster fracture healing).
7. Unpain Clinic (2023). Meniscal Tears: Types, MRI Findings & Effective Non-Surgical Treatments – Unpain Clinic Blog. (See section on EMTT for meniscus tears: explains how EMTT reduces inflammation and pain at a cellular level, and its use alongside shockwave for healing).
8. Unpain Clinic Podcast (2023). Eliminate the Cause of Your Knee Pain with True Shockwave Therapy – Episode #5, hosted by Uran Berisha. (Highlights the importance of fixing root causes rather than just symptoms in knee pain).
9. Abbeyfields Clinic (2020). Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT®) – Patient Info. (Notes Magnetolith EMTT is CE-approved for muscle, bone, joint, nerve, tendon disorders; typically 4–6 sessions recommended; contraindications include pacemaker and pregnancy).
10. Harvard Health Publishing (2025). Exercise for chronic pain: How physical activity can help you feel better. Harvard Health Blog, Aug 15, 2025. (Emphasizes that regular exercise is safe and can reduce chronic pain severity while improving function).
