"I used to ache all over," Liz said. "Every fibre of my being hurt and it restricted me from doing the things I love the most, like gardening. "I was even having difficulty sleeping. "But I can honestly say that using the magnets has been marvellous. "Even after just two weeks, after using them 24 hours a day, I could feel the difference." Liz says that her pain has been reduced by up to 30 or 40 per cent. She added: "When you feel you have suffered for a long time and you suddenly have freedom from it it is fantastic - and of course, getting back out in the garden and being able to use my secateurs has been great. "It has completely changed the quality of my life."

Debbie Shimadry, a pain nurse specialist at World of Magnets, said about 60 pert cent of magnetic therapy users are able to significantly reduce the amount of painkilling pills they have to take, while about 35 per cent no longer need any painkillers at all. "The treatment does not act like painkillers where the pain is blocked for around four to six hours and then returns," she added. "Magnets act on the cause of the pain reducing the swelling and increasing the body's own pain killers endorphins. "Magnets take a little bit of time to have an effect - usually around two to four weeks - but some people have benefits within a few day.

"On the other side, some people take around eight to 12 weeks to really notice a significant reduction. "And now, the NHS has said that for the very first time it will allow magnetic therapy treatment devices to be prescribed by GPs for the treatment of chronic leg ulcers." Debbie added that even though there are no harmful effects of magnetic therapy, anyone thinking of using it should always seek trained professional advice about the type of magnets, the placement and the strength before using them. There is a register of trained and qualified magnetic practitioners available from the Magnetic Therapy Council (MTC) - a non profit organisation, who offers advice, information and education on all aspects of magnetic therapy.