Published June 24, 2020
Updated July 3, 2020
I was talking to my neighbor Jay one day. He was telling me that he had a torn rotator cuff in each shoulder, and his doctor had said to him that it would take surgery to repair them properly and that physical therapy was not going to help in his situation. He went on to tell him that because of his age and a pre-existing heart condition, he would not be able to have his shoulders surgically repaired. He said the doctor could prescribe pain relievers, but that they may create more health issues with long-term use.
Jay had always gone to the gym every morning around 5:30. With his shoulders so painful and significantly reduced range of motion, his gym visits were now mainly to talk with other early morning regulars at the gym and maybe some stationary bike use.
After telling me everything about his shoulders, I thought of an old and trendy remedy here on Earth Clinic, Magnesium Chloride Oil for topical application, which is also referred to as Mag oil or MO.
I mentioned it to Jay to see if he would be interested in trying it or asking his doctor about it. I told him it may help reduce the pain and possibly slightly increase his range of motion. I told him that if he was interested in just trying it, I would go home and make some Magnesium Oil for him right then so he could try it, and he seemed delighted with that idea so I told him I would be back in a half-hour with some Mag Oil for him to try. I made a two-ounce spray bottle for him to carry around in his pocket to apply to his shoulders as needed. I gave him the bottle, and he told me he would try it that day.
I didn't see Jay for about two weeks, and when I did, I asked him if the Magnesium Oil offered him any relief for his shoulders? He got a big smile on his face and said look at this, and he raised both arms straight up in the air and started rotating both arms in a circular motion and making other motions that he said he had not been able to do for a long time and he said he calls Magnesium Oil his "secret sauce"! We both smiled at that, and I was very happy for him!
He continued telling me that he couldn't believe the difference that Magnesium Oil had made for him and asked If I could make him more, which I agreed to do. He also told me that he had let a friend try it and wanted to know if I could make some for his friend even because whatever his health issue was, it helped him too!
This time I made Jay a mason jar full of Magnesium Oil to give some to his friend and keep refilling his spray bottle. After that, every time I would see Jay outside, he would raise his arms in the air and make different motions with both arms, and then he would smile, and I would smile too! Everyone can appreciate the relief from pain!
Benefits of Magnesium Oil
So if you are not yet familiar with Magnesium Oil, there are probably at least a hundred mentions on Earth Clinic of people using it for muscle cramps, sprains, muscle tension, especially in the neck and shoulder area, mild to moderate arthritis pain, joint pain and tension headaches. Some people find it helpful for Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), but this aspect seems very individual.
According to one study, it can also give some limited relief for Fibromyalgia pain.
Magnesium Oil Alleviated Nerve Pain After Stroke
There are other potential uses for MO, and I should mention that topically applied Magnesium Oil can reach localized tissue levels that oral magnesium products can not, without likely causing diarrhea.
Magnesium Oil applied topically is also absorbed right through the skin reasonably rapidly and will add to your total magnesium intake.
Even if you are already taking an oral magnesium product, it cannot do everything that Magnesium Oil can, so Magnesium Oil is an excellent thing to have at the ready in your medicine cabinet.
If you apply Magnesium Oil to a very large area of your body, some people can get diarrhea, but I can't imagine why you would ever need to use that much. Epsom Salt can also work but is not as well absorbed as Magnesium Oil. However, Epsom salt (aka Magnesium Sulfate) is perfect for a bath soak!
Where to Buy Magnesium Oil
Inexpensive and Large Size Magnesium Oil
Here is a link to an inexpensive large size (12 ounce) Magnesium Oil spray bottle on Amazon that will be plenty to do all the testing you want to see if it is helpful for you or your family. It's currently retailing for $14.
Magnesium Oil Spray by Essential Mineral Source
Large 12oz Size - Extra Strength - 100% Pure for Less Sting - Less Itch - Natural Pain Relief & Sleep Aid - Made in USA
Most Popular Brand of Magnesium Oil on Amazon
Ancient Minerals is a popular magnesium oil product on Amazon that sells for a few dollars more, but they have many other brands to choose from. I recommend that you read some of the Amazon reviews to get an idea of all the things that people use MO for and what type of results they get from it. You quickly see the variability from person to person.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil Spray Bottle of Pure Genuine Zechstein Magnesium Chloride
8 Fluid Oz
Topical Magnesium Supplement for Skin Application and Dermal Absorption
Magnesium Oil Flakes
If you decide that magnesium oil works well for you, you can make your own from Magnesium Chloride flakes, and it will cost less than half the price of the commercial products!
Here is a link to the magnesium chloride flakes if you decide to make your own instead of using a commercial product.
Another advantage of using MO at around 50% is that you can also add Methylsulfonylmethane or MSM to the mix right up to saturation for potentially more relief. Still, MO can be effective on its own.
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes of Pure Genuine Zechstein Chloride - Resealable Magnesium Supplement Bag That Will Outperform Leading Epsom Salts (8 lb)
How To Dilute Magnesium Oil So It Doesn't Cause Stinging
I would also like to mention that if Mag Oil works well for you, but you don't like the feel it on your skin, which is sometimes the case, there are a couple of options that you can consider. Many of the commercial products are stronger at about 70% magnesium and can take longer to dry.
I have found that a 50% Magnesium Oil mixture is just about the same effectiveness and is a little better of a feel on the skin and dries a bit faster.
Another option is to use vodka when you mix your Magnesium Oil instead of distilled water, which makes it dry a bit quicker and offers a little better feel on the skin.
A basic MO mix using magnesium chloride flakes is 50% MO flakes with 50% distilled water and shake well until the flakes are completely dissolved. You can substitute vodka for the distilled water for faster drying and a slightly better feel on the skin.
Magnesium Oil Video Instructions
Here is an Earth Clinic video that shows magnesium oil and witch hazel for those who prefer visual instructions.
Alternatives to Magnesium Oil
If you like Magnesium Oil, but are not happy with the feel on your skin, there is a homeopathic product that works about the same, but with an even nicer feel on the skin. Amazon carries that product also, and it comes at a price premium, but is a nicer feeling on the skin. Some Walmarts also carry it. Here is a link for that product :
Theraworx Relief Fast-Acting FOAM for Leg Cramps, Foot Cramps and Muscle Soreness
Theraworx is a proprietary blend of ingredients includes magnesium sulfate, colloidal silver, citrus grapefruit extract, aloe, allantoin and vitamin E.
I have no idea if Magnesium Oil will work the same for others in my neighbor's situation, but it may be worth a try!
If you try the magnesium oil remedy for a torn ligament, please come back and share your experience! We are all different, and things affect each of us differently, including supplements, herbs, prescription medications, and alternatives.
Related Links:
Collagen Supplementation for Torn Ligaments and Tendons
Maximize Health with Magnesium Oil: Benefits & Uses
Maximize Health with Magnesium: Key Benefits & Sources
