Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy (EMTT)

Extracorporeal Magnetotransduction Therapy, or EMTT, is an advanced non-invasive treatment that uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate healing in deeper foot and joint structures. Building on the principles of shockwave therapy, it delivers energy below the skin to reach areas that other treatments struggle to access.

This page covers what EMTT is, how it differs from shockwave, and whether it is right for you.

What is EMTT?

EMTT uses a high-energy magnetic field to generate focused pulses that pass through the skin and into deeper tissues. These pulses stimulate cellular repair, improve blood flow, and promote bone and soft-tissue regeneration, all without needles, surgery, or medication. Because the magnetic energy penetrates deeply across a wider area, it is well suited to larger or deeper pain sources.

How EMTT Differs from Shockwave Therapy

EMTT and shockwave are often mentioned together, but they target the tissue differently:

Feature

ESWT

EMTT

Energy type

Acoustic (sound) waves

Magnetic (electromagnetic) pulses

Depth of reach

More superficial

Deeper, wider field

Typical targets

Tendons, plantar fascia, elbows

Deep joints, bone, large muscle groups

Sensation

Sharp, tapping pulses

Deep, thumping or vibrating feel

Where each wins

Cost-effective for surface tendon pain

Deeper, harder-to-reach pain like the hip, knee, or heel bone

The two sometimes work well together. Your podiatrist will advise which suits your condition, or whether a combined approach is best.

How EMTT Differs from Shockwave Therapy

EMTT and shockwave are often mentioned together, but they target the tissue differently:

The two sometimes work well together. Your podiatrist will advise which suits your condition, or whether a combined approach is best.

Conditions EMTT Treats

EMTT is commonly used for chronic, deeper pain that has not responded to other treatments:

Heel pain / plantar fasciitis — inflammation of the heel's connective tissue; deep pulses reach the heel bone and fascia.
Knee osteoarthritis — degeneration of the knee joint; stimulates cartilage and joint regeneration.
Hip and low-back pain — joint and muscle strain around the pelvis; penetrates deep muscle and joint structures.
Tendinopathies — degeneration of tendons (e.g. Achilles); promotes tendon repair and collagen growth.

This approach preserves the nail completely. It means no cutting, stitching, or permanent removal.

The initial application takes around 20–30 minutes, and a typical course involves several follow-up visits, usually a month or more apart, as the nail regrows. Most people return to normal activity immediately, with minimal discomfort.

Who Should Consider EMTT

EMTT is a good option if your pain is deep, chronic, or located in a joint or bone, especially where shockwave has been tried with limited success, or where surgery is being considered, and you want to try a conservative option first. Your podiatrist will determine suitability at your assessment.

What to Expect During a Session

Each session is quick and typically comfortable. A handheld applicator is moved over the target area, delivering a deep, thumping, or vibrating sensation as the intensity is adjusted to your tolerance level.

Sessions usually last 15–20 minutes, and a short course of treatments, spaced about a week apart, is typically recommended for best results.

A Powerful, Non-Invasive Treatment for Deep Foot and Joint Pain

We provide EMTT at our clinic, starting with a full assessment to confirm it is the right treatment for your condition. Every session is non-invasive and requires no downtime, so you can resume your day immediately while the treatment works beneath the surface.