Magnesium in ion therapy is best described as which of the following?

• A. Negatively charged, used as muscle relaxant and vasodilator
• B. Neutral, used to promote healing
• C. Positively charged, used to promote healing
• D. Positively charged, used as muscle relaxant and vasodilator

Answer: (D)

Magnesium in ion therapy is a positively charged ion (Mg2+) that, when delivered to tissues, acts as a muscle relaxant and causes vasodilation. Its effect comes from blocking calcium entry into smooth muscle and nerve cells, which reduces contractility and nerve excitability, leading to relaxed muscles and increased blood flow. The positive charge is essential because ion therapy targets the delivery of cations into tissue. That’s why this option—the positive charge with muscle relaxation and vasodilation—best describes magnesium in ion therapy.