Page 76 - IDF Journal 2023

IDF – Webinar Series IDF News – Spring 2023
MRI Therapy (MBST)
Mr Jonathan Webb
Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Therapy (MBST) is a non- invasive procedure for treating a wide variety of musculoskeletal conditions.
It uses a combination of static and dynamic electromagnetic fields (based on the principle of a diagnostic imaging MRI) which induce changes in the cellular membranes resulting in a number of effects - increased ATP content, reduction in inflammatory pathways, and increased
cell turnover, in a number of different tissues.
The technology was developed in Germany and is operated exclusively by the parent company MedTek.
It has been in use for over
20 years and there are over 150 centres in Europe. For the last 10 years there have only been three centres within the UK, but in the last 18 months this has risen to 12.
Scientific Background
The field strength of the swept field
is between 0.3 and 3 mT. This is accompanied by a frequency of the alternating field of 10 to 100 kHz. The maximum field strength of the alternating field is between 0.1 and 3 mT. The orientation of the coils produces a field of varying sizes depending on the device used, but large enough to accommodate a torso in the ASF device. (shown here).
Intra cellular effect
• MRT influences cellular function by modulating cellular calcium inflow and/ or calcium release. In addition, NMRT- induced changes in MAPK activities such as the down-regulation of NF-ĸB and increasing intracellular ATP could help to stabilise chondrocytes and delay cartilage damage caused by osteoarthritis.1
• An increase in chondrocyte and osteoblast cell growth or proliferation2
• Altered protein synthesis and cross linking in fibroblasts3
Treatable Conditions
• Involving chondral cells o osteoarthritis
o bone bruising
o osteonecrosis
o fracture healing
• Involving fibroblasts
o tendonopathies
o skin healing
o partial ligament tears
o intervertebral disc disease
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