MBST magnetic resonance therapy: what to expect
By Geoff Scott, Founder & Senior Physiotherapist, Hauora
By Geoff Scott, Senior Physiotherapist and founder of Hauora. Last updated 14 November 2026.
What is MBST?
MBST is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to apply magnetic resonance to one area of the body, such as a knee, hip, ankle or the spine. It’s based on the same physical principle as an MRI scanner, but it doesn’t produce images and its magnetic fields are far weaker. There are no needles, no heat and no pain.
MBST stands for molecular biophysical stimulation, and the devices are made by MedTec Medizintechnik in Germany. MBST is available at our clinic in Primrose Hill, and many of our patients ask us about it, from people living with arthritis and long-standing joint pain to athletes who want to explore every option during their rehab.
MBST at a glance
- What it is: a non-invasive treatment that applies magnetic resonance to a targeted area of the body.
- A session: about an hour, usually given on several consecutive days.
- The device: MBST devices are registered in Europe as Class IIa medical devices.
- The research: growing, but still varied, so we don’t make claims about results.
- At Hauora: something we’re happy to discuss with you after a full assessment, alongside your rehab rather than instead of it.
What does the research say about MBST?
Research into MBST is growing. A systematic review published in the British Medical Bulletin in November 2026 brought together 26 studies, including 11 clinical studies in people with osteoarthritis, low back pain and osteoporosis, and reported no treatment-related side effects. The authors describe the evidence as still varied and call for larger trials. That’s why we don’t make claims about results, but we’re always happy to talk you through the research at your assessment.
Why do patients ask about MBST?
Many of our patients ask us about MBST, often because a friend, a teammate or another clinician has mentioned it. Some are living with arthritis or long-standing joint pain and want to know about every option. Others are athletes who want to explore everything available during their rehab. We’re always happy to talk it through with you.
How we approach MBST at Hauora
- Assessment first: every patient has a full assessment with one of our HCPC-registered senior physiotherapists before any treatment is discussed.
- An honest conversation: if you ask about MBST, we’ll talk through whether it’s suitable for you and what to expect.
- Alongside your rehab: for most joint, tendon and sports injuries, exercise-based rehab is the foundation of recovery. MBST is never a substitute for it.
- Your decision: some patients choose to try MBST alongside their rehab and others decide against it. Either is fine, and we’ll support you whichever you choose.
- Safety checks: we go through your medical history, including any implants, before any treatment.
What happens in an MBST session?
You lie on a treatment couch and the part of the device that produces the magnetic field is positioned around the area being treated. There are no needles, no heat and no pain, and most people read, listen to music or rest. A session lasts about an hour, and a course is usually given over several consecutive days.
Who shouldn’t have MBST?
Because it uses magnetic fields, MBST isn’t suitable for everyone, for example people with some implanted metal devices. We’ll go through your medical history before any treatment and won’t offer MBST if it isn’t appropriate for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is MBST therapy?
MBST is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic fields to apply magnetic resonance to a targeted area of the body, such as a knee, hip or the spine. It uses the same physical principle as an MRI scanner but doesn’t produce images, and its magnetic fields are much weaker.
Does MBST work?
Research into MBST is growing, but the evidence is still varied and larger trials are needed, so we don’t make claims about results. We’ll talk it through honestly at your assessment and help you decide whether it’s worth trying alongside your rehab.
Is MBST painful?
No. There are no needles and no heat, and most people read, listen to music or rest during a session.
How long is an MBST session?
About an hour. A course is usually given over several consecutive days.
Is MBST the same as an MRI scan?
No. It uses the same physical principle, magnetic resonance, but it doesn’t take pictures, and its magnetic fields are much weaker than those of a diagnostic MRI scanner.
Can I have MBST at Hauora?
MBST is available at our clinic in Primrose Hill. We’ll discuss it with you after a full physiotherapy assessment and help you decide whether it’s right for you.
Related reading: MBST at Hauora, Achilles tendon injury treatment and return-to-sport testing.
Talk to us about MBST in Primrose Hill
If you’d like to talk through whether MBST is right for you, book an assessment at Hauora, an independent physiotherapy clinic at 44 Gloucester Avenue, Primrose Hill, London NW1 8JD. We’re close to Chalk Farm and Camden Town stations and easy to reach from St John’s Wood, Belsize Park, Swiss Cottage, Hampstead, Regent’s Park, Marylebone, Kentish Town and Maida Vale. Book online at hauora.com/book or call 020 4541 8924.
Finding us: Hauora is based inside the At The Core building, but we’re a separate business from At The Core. We share the building and the phone number, so when you call, please ask for Hauora.
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or a recommendation of any particular treatment. If you’re injured or unwell, see a doctor or physiotherapist.