EMTT – What Should You Know?

Foot and ankle pain doesn’t always need invasive treatments to improve comfort or mobility. The EMTT system, called Magnetolith, delivers high-frequency electromagnetic energy to the body. It’s entirely painless, outpatient, and requires no downtime.

At Kalamazoo Podiatry, we’re delighted to offer this treatment to patients suffering from musculoskeletal problems, especially foot and ankle pain brought on by sports injuries. 

What is EMTT?

Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) is an FDA-approved treatment that helps treat pain in the body without requiring any direct skin contact. Using the same technology as an MRI, the Magnetolith system stimulates blood flow, allowing the body to absorb nutrients better, reduce inflammation, and heal soft tissue.

The magnetic energy moves back and forth rapidly at frequencies between 100–300 kHz, reaching tissues as deep as 18 cm below the skin’s surface. The Magnetolith’s ability to penetrate so deeply triggers a healing response in the body. Better blood flow means more nutrients reach impacted areas, allowing for faster healing and reduced inflammation and pain.

Treatments are short, non-invasive, and allow you to go back to your daily routine without any disruption or need for at-home care.

What Does EMTT Help With? 

At Kalamazoo Podiatry, we use EMTT to help patients recover from acute injuries and manage pain in chronic conditions. EMTT is a tremendous therapeutic intervention because it can be adapted to suit each patient’s body and needs. 

EMTT can help treat and manage: 

• Osteoarthritis
• Degenerative and subchondral level inflammation 
• Sprains
• Sports injuries
• Overuse injuries
• Ongoing joint inflammation and pain

EMTT can help accelerate the recovery of one-time or repetitive sports injuries, as well as alleviate pain and discomfort for people with underlying conditions.

Being a highly versatile treatment makes EMTT a great option for many patients. We’ll perform an assessment of your symptoms to decide if EMTT would benefit you. 

How an EMTT Session Works

When you arrive at the office, you’ll be taken to the treatment room. EMTT doesn’t require you to change into a gown or make any adjustments. It doesn’t involve any direct contact with your skin, either. Instead, the Magnetolith system is positioned above the treatment area, and all you have to do is relax while it helps your body heal.

There are many reasons patients and doctors alike love EMTT: 

• Fast treatments take no more than 30 minutes at a time.
• No downtime or aftercare is required.
• No need for any lifestyle changes before treatment.
• Quick results that are noticeable within two to three sessions.

Are There Any Side Effects With EMTT?

No, EMTT is completely safe and has zero side effects. Patients do not experience pain from the treatment or any discomfort caused by it afterwards. When performed correctly, EMTT has shown to pose minimal to zero risks to any patient.

During treatment, some patients report feeling a tapping sensation or muscle stimulation, but this causes no pain or discomfort. 

The only inconvenience might be putting away your smartphone! EMTT is a highly powerful magnet, so any sensitive devices (phones, keys, smartwatches, and credit cards, for example) must be kept away from the equipment. Ask for a magazine instead!

Some Patients Do Not Qualify

While EMTT is dynamic and widely applicable, patients who have a pacemaker or other inserted electronic devices are not eligible for magnetic treatments. For these individuals, we can offer safe alternatives.

How Many Treatments of EMTT Will I Need? 

Most patients see results after two or three short sessions, though some require four to eight. Dr. Bredeweg will make a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms and lifestyle. EMTT can also be used alongside other therapies, like physical therapy or medication. 

After your initial EMTT treatment, we’ll follow up with you around six to twelve weeks afterward to see how you’re doing. The great thing about EMTT is that it’s highly responsive — we can repeat sessions as needed to keep you comfortable.

Patients suffering from chronic conditions may want to incorporate EMTT into their ongoing pain management. In these cases, we’re happy to help you explore all your options. The goal is to find the least invasive treatments that offer relief with minimal disruptions.

Start EMTT at Kalamazoo Podiatry!

If you are curious about EMTT or wonder if it’s the right treatment for you, don’t hesitate to contact us today. We are here to answer any and all of your questions, so you can find the perfect treatment for your conditions. 

You can call our Kalamazoo office at (269) 373-1019 or our Allegan office at (269) 673-8757. If you prefer you can also contact us by filling out our online contact form and our office will be in touch soon!

Don’t put off getting treatment for your pain, but contact us today!