Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) is an electrophysical treatment modality, where pulses of electromagnetic fields are created & directed at specific parts of the horse’s body, resulting in physiological changes, psychological benefits & a therapeutic effect.

    PEMF for horses has been safely used throughout Europe, for more than 50 years now.

    The technology uses electromagnetic fields, to create electrical currents within the tissues. These devices function by using coils of wire, to produce an electromagnetic current. By running electricity through the wires, the travelling electrons produce a magnetic field, resulting in many therapeutic benefits.

    For this modality we are concerned with extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF’s), which are at a lower frequency than radio waves, on the electromagnetic spectrum. These extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields are in the band right at the bottom of the electromagnetic spectrum, between 1-300Hz and extremely low frequencies of between 1-30 Hz.

    The gently pulsing magnetic fields that are created, help to restore health at a cellular level, by stimulating cell metabolism.

    PEMF provides an effective, pain-free, drug-free and non-invasive electrophysical modality, that can help to address numerous ailments, both acute and chronic.

    It can be used to treat the whole body, or specific areas, or injuries.

    If you think your horse could benefit from PEMF Therapy, we would love to hear from you!

    Let us give your horse a voice!

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    Clinical Applications

    PEMF therapy is a very effective, soothing and comfortable treatment, that can aid in the treatment of horses suffering from a wide range of musculoskeletal conditions, including, but not limited to the following:

    • Delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS)
    • Soreness in the body e.g. the back, stifle, joints, neck, poll, TMJ, shoulder, or hooves
    • Muscle injuries
    • Tendon and ligament injuries e.g. deep digital flexor tendon, superficial digital flexor tendon injuries, suspensory injuries, check ligament, or collateral injury ligament injuries
    • Joint injuries e.g. carpal injuries
    • Overriding dorsal spinal spinous process i.e. kissing spines
    • Hoof abscesses
    • Stone bruises
    • Performance stress
    • Age related musculoskeletal conditions in geriatric horses
    • Osteoarthritis
    • Post-surgical wounds, or non-healing wounds
    • Bone issues – normal and non-union fractures
    • Laminitis
    • Neurological conditions
    • Poor health, or poor performance
    • Behavioural issues, associated with stress, mental tension & pain

    Clinical Benefits

    • Acts as an analgesic i.e. pain-reliever
    • Modulates inflammation
    • Enhances blood circulation and tissue oxygenation
    • Increases cellular nutrient uptake, detoxification and regeneration
    • Increases bone production (osteogenesis) and enhances bone healing
    • Increases the regeneration of cartilage cells
    • Proliferation of stem cells
    • Boosts healing at a cellular level
    • Reduces oedema
    • Reduces stress
    • Enhances immune function
    • Relaxes muscles
    • Improves mobility and flexibility
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    How does it work?

    Although the exact mechanism of action for PEMF, that leads to a therapeutic benefit for horses, is not completely understood, it is accepted that the site of action is the cell membrane.

    A common description of how this works, is that it ‘recharges’ cells that have a low, or a flat battery. The animal’s body is electrically charged and electrical currents produce electromagnetic fields.

    The use of PEMF can promote the healing of many musculoskeletal injuries, such as soft-tissue injuries, osteoarthritis, to improve range of motion and to aid in the repairing of neurological damage.

    Research suggests that PEMF can improve bone healing rates for fractures, regenerate and protect cartilage cells, reduce pain and modulate inflammation.

    PEMF can be used to promote relaxation and enhance mood, before going into the show ring, for example, as the parasympathetic nervous system is activated and endorphins, such as serotonin and dopamine are released. These are natural pain and stress fighters, that induce relaxation.

    It can also be used as part of an ongoing wellness routine for performance horses, to help them stay in peak condition and to recover quickly from the stress of competition, as equine athletes.

    The benefits and minimal side-effects of PEMF, make it a very desirable treatment modality, to support healing and recovery, as part of a multimodal approach.

    This therapy does not require sedation and there is no requirement for down time for the horse post-treatment.

    PEMF is the wave of the future for health, wellness and enhanced performance for horses!

    Contraindications

    Although PEMF is well known to be safe, non-invasive and non-thermal, there are some contraindications, as follows:

    • Implanted electrical devices e.g. pacemakers – PEMF should not be used in the same room
    • Pregnancy – this is always an absolute contraindication for all electrophysical agents. We do not have enough evidence to confidently say with absolute certainty that it is safe.

    Warnings & Precautions

    PEMF has not been proven to be unsafe, however, in the absence of absolute certainty, PEMF should be avoided in the following circumstances:

    • Severe arrhythmias
    • Malignancy
    • Active growth plates
    • For animals with bleeding disorders, or for tissue in the active bleeding stage
    • Acute inflammation
    • Systemic, or local infection


    Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy is safe to use in the following circumstances:

    • Over fixators and plates
    • Has the ability to penetrate dressings and casts
    • Can penetrate bedding, rugs, clothing etc. and is well tolerated by animals

    Supportive Veterinary Evidence Links:

    If you think your horse could benefit from PEMF Therapy, we would love to hear from you!

    Let us give your horse a voice!

    CONTACT ME