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A comfortable walk. An easier flight of stairs. Getting back to the gym or out on the hills. When pain keeps interrupting the things you enjoy, another treatment option can be welcome—but it should come with a clear purpose.
At STEPS in Inverness, we consider Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) as part of a rehabilitation plan built around you. Here is what that could look like.
Start with what you want to get back to
The useful starting point is a goal you can recognise in everyday life: walking further, being more comfortable at work or progressing your exercises. We assess the problem, discuss what you have already tried and agree what improvement would mean for you.
EMTT may be considered for selected joint or tendon problems, including lower-limb osteoarthritis and some rehabilitation needs after surgery. Your diagnosis and stage of recovery guide the decision. After an operation, your surgical team's restrictions remain part of the plan.
What is treatment like?
EMTT uses magnetic pulses delivered through an applicator positioned near the area being treated. We use the STORZ MEDICAL MAGNETOLITH ultra+ system. Treatment is non-invasive, without injections or incisions, and can usually be delivered through clothing.
You sit or lie comfortably while the applicator is in position. You may notice pulsing, tingling or some discomfort; tell your clinician how it feels so treatment can be adjusted. Temporary redness or discomfort can occur. Before starting, we explain the proposed course and how we will review your response.
Why combine it with physiotherapy?
Your recovery involves more than the treatment session. Strength, movement, confidence and the demands of your usual activities all matter. EMTT can be considered alongside exercise and practical advice, with each part of the plan serving a clear purpose.
The aim is to make symptoms more manageable while you work towards those goals. Your exercises and activity are progressed according to your condition and response. We keep track of useful changes, rather than judging success simply by how many sessions you have completed.
How will I know whether it is helping?
Choose something meaningful to monitor with your clinician. That might be how far you can walk, your comfort on stairs or what happens when you increase activity. Review appointments help us decide what to continue, progress or change.
Research suggests EMTT may improve pain and function in some musculoskeletal conditions, but results vary. Evidence is still developing, particularly for specific foot and ankle conditions and post-operative use. We set realistic expectations and reconsider treatment if it is not providing useful progress.
Your next step at STEPS
Ellen Moore, Senior Physiotherapist, will assess your symptoms and movement, check suitability and discuss the options with you. An EMTT assessment is £85, followed by treatment charged per session.
EMTT is unsuitable during pregnancy or for people with pacemakers or other implanted electronic systems. Tell us about any implants and relevant health conditions so we can check safety.
Explore EMTT assessment at STEPS
Further reading, if you would like to explore the research: