Thomas Skalak, a professor of biomedical engineering, and graduate student Cassandra Morris found that application of an acute, localized static magnetic field of moderate strength can result in significant reduction of swelling when applied immediately after tissue trauma.

The findings were published in the American Journal of Physiology.

"If an injury doesn't swell, it will heal faster -- and the person will experience less pain and better mobility," Skalak said Friday in a release.

The report suggested that magnets might be used the same way ice packs and compression are now used for sprains, bumps, and bruises but with more beneficial results.