The development of PEMF technology has given both humans and animals a much more dynamic range of possible treatment options. In this guide, you’ll learn the basics of PEMF therapy for horses, benefits of equine PEMF, and how PEMF treatments are proven to be effective for horses.
If you are currently the owner of a horse, then you are well aware of just how loyal and loving these magnificent creatures can be. Horses have long been a source of human fascination. For those of us that are lucky enough to own an equine companion, it will be well worth it to invest in extra care and treatment.
PEMF therapy for horses has become an increasingly popular selection for many veterinarians and horse owners around the world. When compared to alternative treatment options, such as intensive (and expensive) medications or dramatic operations, PEMF therapy for horses can offer a tremendous array of benefits with seemingly no apparent downsides.
PEMF therapy can be used to treat many different kinds of horses, including young competitors as well as older horses that are suffering from common conditions, such as arthritis. However, before deciding whether PEMF treatment will be appropriate for your horse, it will be important to understand what these treatments involve.
What is PEMF Therapy?
PEMF is an abbreviation for pulsed electromagnetic field. PEMF therapy is a treatment that uses the naturally occurring electromagnetic field to improve cellular development and recovery.
A typical PEMF therapy session will involve a PEMF device which, for humans, is a device that is roughly in the shape of a yoga mat (and usually weighs about 5 pounds). Through the use of low field magnetic stimulation, the damaged cells can be stimulated to the point of recovery.
PEMF devices have been tested and approved by the FDA since 2007. In humans, these devices have been used to treat arthritis, chronic pain, depression, and many other issues. Leading PEMF devices provide users with the benefits of reduced inflammation, increased circulation, faster healing, pain relief, and improve mobility. Because these devices have been proven to be so effective for humans, vets have begun using them with horses and other mammals.
What is PEMF Therapy for Horses?
Structurally, human cells and horse cells (both mammals) are nearly identical. As a result, the electromagnetic treatments that can be used for humans can also be used for horses. Despite a horse’s large size, the benefits of low field magnetic stimulation remain similar. These sorts of treatment options have proven themselves to be very beneficial, especially because horses are among the domestic animals that are most likely to develop arthritis.
As you might expect, PEMF devices for horses are significantly larger. These machines come in several different forms. Some resemble a “jacket” for the horse that will cover the core parts of their body. Horses, even those that are not suffering from a diagnosable medical condition, often use these devices to be very relaxing (which is why they are often used by Olympic horse trainers).
Other PEMF devices for horses will be smaller and are often designed for treating abscess in the hooves and other very targeted areas. Healthy cell production is one of the most important components of keeping a healthy horse. For hooves, joints, bones, and muscles, PEMF therapy for horses has proven to be very effective.
How Does PEMF Therapy Work On Horses?
PEMF Therapy for horses is non-invasive, does not require the use of sedation or other drugs and will not generate any side effects. This therapy produces improvements quickly and can simultaneously educate the caregiver about the injury while providing relief for the equine.
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy is the process of sending a low-energy electrical current to a specific area of a horse’s body. This therapy has the ability to reach deep below the surface and address concerns on a cellular level. As the controlled electrical current flows through the designated area, it gently expands and relaxes the damaged cell membranes. Through this process, the body can now begin to release unwanted waste, toxins, and inflammation. Upon the release of these undesirable substances in the equine’s body, we can then introduce a healthy flow of oxygen and nutrients in the designated area to recharge the cells.
What are the Benefits of PEMF Therapy for Horses?
As suggested, the benefits of PEMF therapy for horses will be very similar to the benefits of PEMF therapy for humans. Because these devices are capable of providing a cellular-level impact, they can promote healthy treatment and effectively treat a wide variety of conditions.
The primary benefits of PEMF therapy for horses include:
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- Reduced pain and inflammation
- Increased circulation
- Accelerated healing
- Improved Performance
- Increased Range of Motion
- Enhanced Speed & Strength
There are many potential injuries and diseases that can affect horses; because of their size and massive consumption rates, medical issues for horses can quickly begin to worsen. PEMF therapy not only helps address conditions that have already occurred, but it can also help prevent a horse from becoming sick or injured to begin with.
Is PEMF Therapy for Horses Effective?
Horses are athletes and should be treated as such. There are many aspects related to a horse’s performance and overall well being that require consistent care. Things like injuries, illness, and mental health are just a few on the list.
Injuries:
Equine injuries can produce variant levels of pain and stress to the animal. Several different studies have proven PEMF therapy to be measurably effective for horses. Treatments used to address abscess in the horse’s hoof saw improved hoof health in less than three days. Furthermore, horses that suffer from arthritis and other conditions were able to move considerably better following a PEMF therapy session.
Illness:
Similar to injuries, illness takes a toll on the body’s energy levels and performance. PEMF Therapy works directly with the natural healing process of the horse’s body on a cellular level. The use of PEMF on an ill equine can help boost the immune system to reduce the longevity of the sickness so they can get back to their routine sooner.
Mental Health:
While horses are traveling, it is not uncommon for them to experience emotional distress. Just like humans, they can miss home or become overwhelmed by new environments. PEMF Therapy is known to be neuro-regenerative which means that it can improve the overall health of the brain, which will help to boost the equine’s mood.
By all indications, PEMF therapy for horses is not only medically effective, but it is also something that horses actually like. By most accounts, horses do not mind the PEMF machine and many horses find the machine to be relaxing. Horses that are frequently working, racing, or otherwise exerting large amounts of energy can especially benefit from regular PEMF therapy sessions.
What Kind of Equine Conditions can PEMF Therapy Treat?
There are many different ways that a PEMF machine can be used to improve a horse’s health. Some of the common conditions addressed include:
- Certain Union Bone Fractures
- Various Joint Conditions
- Nerve Damage
- Tendon Injuries
- Ligament Injuries
- Arthritis
- Hoof Abscess
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Illness or Low Immune System
- Anhidrosis
- Digestive Problems
- Surgical Wounds
- Low Health/Performance
- Behavioral Concerns
General muscle soreness, stifle injuries, and laminitis can all be treated with a PEMF device. As is also the case with humans, there is a considerable amount of research about PEMF therapy for horses being completed every year. These treatment options offer a pain-free treatment alternative that, in some cases, can be just as effective as surgery or medications. As time goes on, the number of known uses for PEMF devices can be expected to continue increasing.
Conclusion – PEMF for Horses
While PEMF devices were originally designed for humans, these devices have also proven to be very useful for treating horses. When used under the proper settings, these devices can help treat arthritis, various different bone and muscle issues, and many other conditions that are likely to affect horses.
Pulsed Harmonix is a premier distributor of PEMF therapy devices for at home or professional use. For more information, visit our website or contact us.