Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) Clinical Evidence

Clinical governance statement

All treatments undertaken by MansMatters (Shockwave Clinics Ltd) are subject to clinical review before they are introduced into practice and at regular intervals thereafter. This review considers the safety profile of each intervention, including contraindications and adverse effects as specified in the manufacturer’s instructions for use or the Summary of Product Characteristics; the regulatory status of each medical device and medicinal product; the position of current UK and European clinical guidance, including the European Association of Urology (EAU), the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) and the British Association of Urological Surgeons (BAUS); the qualifications and scope of practice of the treating clinicians; the stage and severity of the condition being treated; and the requirements for informed consent. Each patient is assessed individually, and treatment is offered only where it is clinically appropriate.

The basis of clinical evidence

Clinical evidence is derived from several sources, which carry different weight. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses pool the results of multiple studies and provide the highest level of evidence. Randomised controlled trials, including sham-controlled trials, compare a treatment against a control group under defined conditions. Prospective and retrospective cohort studies, published in peer-reviewed journals, describe outcomes in defined groups of patients over time, and the replication of results by independent research groups in different countries strengthens confidence in a finding. Laboratory and mechanistic studies explain how a treatment is thought to act. In-clinic observational studies and structured outcome audits record the results achieved in routine practice and contribute to the developing evidence base, particularly for newer and combined treatments. Long-term follow-up establishes the durability of results and the safety of a treatment over time.

The evidence relevant to this treatment is summarised below. All citations are hyperlinked to the original source.

Is it safe?

Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT) is non-invasive and delivered without touching the skin. Our Magnetolith devices are made by Storz Medical AG and received US FDA 510(k) clearance in 2021 for musculoskeletal and circulatory indications, including increasing local blood circulation (FDA K203710). Erectile dysfunction is not a listed indication, and we explain this in our consent process. We never use EMTT on its own for erectile dysfunction. In a double-blind trial of 126 patients, the only side effects were temporary skin redness and discomfort during treatment, with no serious adverse events (Hollander et al., J Back Musculoskelet Rehabil 2026). As set out by the manufacturer, it isn’t suitable if you are pregnant or have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device (Storz Medical).

What the evidence shows

EMTT has a growing evidence base in musculoskeletal conditions, and we also use it in our clinics for joint, tendon and back problems. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of 126 people with knee, shoulder and back conditions, it reduced pain and improved physical function at 6 and 12 weeks (Hollander et al. 2026). A 2026 review of 28 studies reported consistent short-term benefit (Leyva Martínez et al., Biomedicines 2026). In a randomised trial in rotator cuff tendinopathy, EMTT added to shockwave gave greater improvement than shockwave alone (Klüter et al., Electromagn Biol Med 2018), which is why we combine the two. Research into EMTT in erectile dysfunction is continuing.

Guidelines and regulation

Our devices are manufactured by Storz Medical, treatment is delivered by HCPC- and NMC-registered clinicians, and our clinic is registered with the Care Quality Commission. Urological guidelines do not yet cover EMTT for erectile dysfunction, and we use it only alongside focused shockwave therapy within our programmes.

Independent research

EMTT research has been published in peer-reviewed journals by university teams in Germany and Italy. Laboratory studies show that EMTT raises the release of VEGF-A, the growth factor that drives new blood-vessel formation, from human stem cells without toxicity (Gerdesmeyer et al., Electromagn Biol Med 2022), increases collagen production and repair activity in tendon cells (Mancini et al., Int J Mol Sci 2025), and upregulates bone-forming genes (Gerdesmeyer et al., Biomedicines 2024).

How EMTT compares

EMTT is not a replacement for focused shockwave therapy, which has the larger evidence base in erectile dysfunction. We use it as a complementary technology, on the basis of the trial in which the combination outperformed shockwave alone and the shared effect on blood-vessel growth factors. EMTT uses high-frequency magnetic pulses and much stronger fields than pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) devices, so the two should not be confused.

How EMTT is thought to work

EMTT delivers magnetic pulses oscillating at 100 to 300 kHz, reaching up to 18 cm into tissue. The rapidly changing field is thought to open ion channels in cell membranes and trigger calcium signalling, leading to growth-factor release and tissue repair. The proposed chain in erectile dysfunction is growth-factor release, blood-vessel repair and improved blood flow to the erectile tissue.

Long-term results and our experience

The controlled musculoskeletal trials followed patients for 12 to 24 weeks, and longer-term research is continuing. We have used EMTT for five years and record outcomes for every patient on our programmes.

Who is most likely to benefit

We include EMTT for men on our Multimodal or ED360 programmes, as a complementary technology alongside focused shockwave therapy. Suitability is assessed individually at consultation. It is not suitable for men with the conditions listed under "Is it safe?".

Before your treatment

Before treatment, your clinician will check your medical history, any implanted devices or metalwork, and your erectile function, explain that EMTT is used as part of your programme, and answer any questions. You will be asked to give your consent before treatment begins. Sessions last 5 to 20 minutes and take place in the same appointment as your shockwave therapy.

Further clinical trials and reviews

The following peer-reviewed studies of EMTT are also relevant. Each is linked to the original source.

• Krath A et al., J Orthop 2017
• Gerdesmeyer L et al., J Foot Ankle Surg 2017