PEMF- Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy- is another method of utilizing a magnetic field, somewhat like static magnets, which have been used for centuries. PEMF systems are composed of loops of copper wire, through which a current of electrical energy is delivered. The current is turned on and off a number of times per second, surging through the loop. The magnetic field expands around the loo
p and then collapses, expands and collapses again with the pulse current. One of the benefits for PEMF versus static magnets is that the fields are typically much larger, so you do not have to place the PEMF loop precisely on the area needing therapy. Over the last several years, the equine industry has seen the introduction of PEMF systems into the race tracks, stabes, and barns. By strategically placing the loops in known problem areas like joints and magor muscle groups it is easy to treat equine patients. The beneficial effects are harnessed to treat equine tendon and ligament injury, sore backs, sore stifles, chronic hock soreness, sore shoulders, non-union fractures, laminitis, stone bruises, and non-healing wounds. Owners, trainers and riders have seen and felt an improvement in the way the horse moves after short treatments over several days. Treatments typically last 30-45 minutes, and are not stressful; rather they are ; calming and relaxing. Treatment goals are to restore normal motion and neurological firing patterns to the affected spinal joints, release adjacent tight and unbalanced muscles, break up scar tissue and adhesions, disperse lactic acid and other metabolic waste products. PEMF technology is used to facilitate rapid removal of waste products from the treated tissue and draw in new blood flow, nutrients and oxygen. PEMF also enhances circulation of synovial fluid through joint capsules that have been mobilized. While one will see some significant improvements after a single treatment, more severee or chronic soreness may take multiple treatments to achieve optimal results. Regular weekly treatments are recommended for competitive horses and will result in a horse that feels good all the time and eliminates the peaks and valley of the typical training regiments.
