EMTT (Magnetotransduction Therapy) | The Back Pain Doctor Brisbane

Extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) is an emerging, non-invasive treatment that applies high-intensity, rapidly alternating magnetic field pulses to musculoskeletal tissue. It is often used alongside shockwave therapy.

STORZ MAGNETOLITH extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy (EMTT) device — We use the STORZ MAGNETOLITH for EMTT.

What it can help with

Chronic low back pain
Rotator cuff tendinopathy
Osteoarthritis-related joint pain
Used as an adjunct to shockwave therapy

Suitability depends on your individual diagnosis and is assessed at consultation.

EMTT (extracorporeal magnetotransduction therapy) applies high-intensity, rapidly alternating magnetic field pulses to musculoskeletal tissue. It operates at a substantially higher field strength and frequency range than conventional pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices, with the aim of stimulating cellular processes involved in tissue repair.

In practice, EMTT is most often used as an adjunct to shockwave therapy rather than on its own. It is non-invasive and does not require needles or anaesthetic.

Because the evidence for EMTT is still developing, we are deliberately cautious about how we describe it. It may be a reasonable option as part of a broader plan for certain chronic conditions, but it is not a guaranteed or established treatment. Whether it is suitable for you is assessed at consultation, with a clear discussion of the current evidence, the expected benefits and the alternatives.

What the evidence shows

EMTT is an emerging therapy with a smaller and less mature evidence base than shockwave therapy, and it should not be considered an established or proven treatment. Some randomised controlled trials have reported reductions in pain and improvements in function — for example in chronic low back pain and rotator cuff tendinopathy, including when EMTT is combined with shockwave therapy. A 2026 single-centre, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 126 patients with knee osteoarthritis, rotator cuff enthesopathy or lumbar spondyloarthrosis reported improvements in physical function and pain. Importantly, many EMTT studies are small, frequently single-centre, and a number originate from researchers affiliated with the device manufacturer, which is a limitation when interpreting the results. EMTT is best understood as a treatment with promising but still developing evidence, used as part of a wider plan and most often as an adjunct to shockwave therapy.

Sources: PubMed Central (mechanism review) , SAGE Journals (2026 RCT)

What to expect

EMTT is non-invasive and applied over the affected area without needles or anaesthetic. It is commonly delivered as a course of sessions and is frequently combined with shockwave therapy. The number of sessions and whether EMTT is appropriate for you are determined by your diagnosis and discussed at consultation, along with the current evidence and cost. We use the STORZ Medical MAGNETOLITH.

Frequently asked questions

Is EMTT a proven treatment?

No. EMTT is an emerging treatment with a developing evidence base. Some trials are encouraging, but the research is still limited and a number of studies have links to the device manufacturer. We will be honest with you about what is and is not known for your specific condition.

How is EMTT different from shockwave therapy?

They are different technologies. Shockwave uses acoustic pressure waves, while EMTT uses high-intensity magnetic field pulses. EMTT is often used as an adjunct alongside shockwave rather than as a replacement for it.

Does it hurt?

EMTT is generally well tolerated and is applied over the area without needles or anaesthetic.

Is it covered by Medicare or private health insurance?

EMTT is generally an out-of-pocket cost and not covered by Medicare. We will confirm the current cost with you before proceeding.

Ready for a clearer plan for your back or musculoskeletal pain?

Book an assessment with Dr Joshua Hatch.

Your assessment focuses on understanding the likely source of your pain and the most appropriate non-surgical options for your diagnosis, with the aim of reducing pain and improving function.

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