Equine PEMF information

Basic Application Information

  • Introduction Process:

    • Your technician or vet introduces themselves to the animal, letting the animal smell them and become accustomed to them, particularly if they are new to the animal.

    • Introduce the Loop by turning on the device at a low intensity setting and letting the animal smell the Loop.

    • Always avoid any and all surprises.

    • For a new animal, maintain contact with one hand and slowly bring the Loop toward the animal’s torso. The primary goal is to get the animal to relax.

    • With the device at a fast pulse rate (low intensity), your technician approaches application areas slowly and carefully, watching for signs of discomfort or alarm.

    • When the EquiPulse is working, discomfort eventually subsides. The technician will increase the intensity level for deeper penetration/application. There is no need to rush.

  • Avoid using the EquiPulse with fly spray, toxic agents, and liniment because PEMF creates more cell permeability. Because of this, toxic agents can then penetrate more deeply than intended and cause an adverse response.

    • DMSO is fine because it already penetrates the cells and works well with the EquiPulse.

    • Antibiotics are fine because the EquiPulse aids antibiotic performance and cellular mobility.

Frequently Asked Questions

+ When changing magnetic delivery loops, does the EquiPulse need to be completely off or can just the pulse part be off?

Yes, loops can be changed after pressing the red button and the pulse is turned off. To mitigate any chance of a problem, the power should be completely shut off prior to removing/changing the leads.

+ When doing an Application Cycle on a specific area, can one remain in one place for the full Application Cycle, or should the loop be moved around?

Good question! It depends on how large the application area is. Hindquarters and backs are large areas that need more application time for proper coverage. Horses generally like the stroking of the loop over these areas, so move the loop around. When doing an application on hocks, fetlocks, hooves, etc., leave the loop in place for the full 10-minute Application Cycle. At 5 minutes, rotate the loop 90 degrees so the magnetic field penetrates the body part from a different angle. This is a bit more challenging for stifles. When doing an application on a stifle, choose a loop that is based on the size of the horse’s stifle. A smaller stifle can be surrounded by a joint loop.

+ When moving the loop around, how long should the application actually remain in one spot?

For a complete application on one spot, 6-10 minutes is adequate. Horses are huge animals. When working on hindquarters, backs and shoulders, moving the loop around may be necessary in order to adequately address the area requiring attention. If the Vet knows the specific area requiring attention and that area can be covered by the loop, then 10 minutes on that area is adequate.

+ How often should a PEMF application be done? Can you do too many PEMF applications on a particular spot?

Applications can be administered two or three times daily with 4-5 hour breaks in between. There is no evidence that an animal can receive too many PEMF applications on one spot. However, if there is recent, extensive damage to tissues, then it is possible that a highly aggressive contraction could cause further trauma and hemorrhage. For example, for a human with a sprained ankle, the technology is applied at a low intensity setting for 10 minutes. The objective is to keep the lymphatic system open, keep the blood flowing and reduce the chances of swelling.

+ How many times/days should an area receive a PEMF application, and should this vary depending on the length of time of the applications?

Since there is no evidence of negative side effects for extended use of PEMF, the application limits would be based upon results. A human will tell you that they feel better and that a problem area feels good and no further treatment is required. Obviously, a horse cannot communicate this. Thus, it is a decision that needs to be made by the owner, vet or trainer. Many people and horses continue doing PEMF applications after an injury has been resolved as a matter of maintenance. This is more often the case with athletes, whether human or horse.

+ How high should the intensity level be? As long as it is tolerable, is it ok? Can it be set so low that it is not helping?

The Technician will look for imbalance in the horse’s carriage or for resistance when the horse is moving. Low settings do provide a benefit. A valuable test is accomplished by placing the delivery loop of the EquiPulse on the horse at a low setting. The Technician will look for twitching and pulsing directly beneath the loop. However, if the injury is deep within the muscle tissue or within a joint, more Application Cycles will be required. There are no formal studies or evidence as to the trade-off between the two. The threshold of discomfort can be a measure of intensity level. The stronger the intensity, the deeper the penetration will be. A Practitioner has specific application protocols as to when low and higher intensities are to be used. The EquiPulse PEMF Technician will generally find that as the state of the injury improves, there is less discomfort to a more intense (deeper penetrating) application.

+ If a horse is sedated should anything about the application change?

The PEMF will cause the drug to be metabolized much more quickly. If a sedative is required, experiment with a lower dose, and once an EquiPulse application commences, watch to see if the lower dose provides adequate sedation.

+ Can any damage be caused using the EquiPulse?

  1. Absolutely! Keep it away from water!
  2. Like most athletes and active people who feel amazing after a treatment, care should be taken not to push the athletic limits too quickly. Take time before attempting to run a horse hard or compete too soon, if they have received a PEMF application for an injury, etc.
  3. If a horse becomes startled or bolts, there is a high potential for damage to persons, property and the horse. Thus, the application of the loops and intensity settings are very important.