High-Powered Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field Therapy and the Equine Athlete

By Henry Siegel, CEO/Founder of Magnus Magnetica

PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) Therapy is another method of utilizing a magnetic field, somewhat like static magnets, which have been used for centuries. The Yellow Emperor’s Canon of Internal Medicine describes treating acupuncture points with lodestone— a naturally occurring magnetic field— to relieve painful conditions.

In the Middle Ages, magnets were very popular as they were thought to cure almost any malady. Fast forward to the 20th century, when magnetic bracelets, beds, rings, belts, and blankets were sold to treat all manner of problems, from athlete’s foot to insomnia. Almost everyone has heard of using magnets therapeutically.

Today, PEMF devices are more sophisticated than simply placing a magnet on the tissue. PEMF systems use loops of copper wire through which electrical current is pulsed on and off several times per second. As the current surges, the magnetic field expands and collapses around the loop with each pulse.

One of the benefits of PEMF compared to static magnets is that the fields are much larger, so precise placement isn’t critical. With the right current and coil design, a high-powered PEMF device can emit a measurable field up to 18 inches from the loop’s surface. This makes it easy to use on equine patients by strategically placing loops over joints and major muscle groups.

PEMF patches and beds are also widely used in small animal rehabilitation centers to assist in therapy for degenerative conditions like arthritis and hip dysplasia. For thoroughbred horses, after short treatments over several days, owners and trainers can generally see and feel an improvement in the way the horse moves.

Scientific Studies on High-Powered PEMF

There is little formal scientific research on high-powered PEMF devices because they are relatively new. However, thousands of university-level case studies exist documenting PEMF use on hundreds of indications—from arthritis to edema to neuropathy in humans.

High-powered PEMF devices were developed under the theory that if a weak field provides benefit, a stronger field may yield faster and better results. These systems make a characteristic noise when the field peaks, often sounding like a crack or snap.

Equine Application

Over the past several years, high-powered PEMF systems have been introduced into race tracks, stables, and barns. The beneficial effects of PEMF are used to treat tendon and ligament injuries, sore backs, stifles, chronic hock soreness, sore shoulders, non-union fractures, laminitis, stone bruises, and non-healing wounds.

Treatments typically last around 30 minutes and are calming rather than stressful. Horses often visibly react to the large magnetic field charge. The operator holds the loop on or over the targeted area of the horse’s body.

Treatment providers are also exposed to the field, leading many to ask: “Can humans be successfully treated with this same device?” The answer is yes—many owners of high-powered PEMF systems also use them for themselves, family members, and friends.

Treatment Objectives

The main goals of PEMF therapy are to restore normal motion and neurological firing patterns to affected spinal joints, release tight or unbalanced muscles, break up scar tissue and adhesions, and disperse lactic acid and other metabolic waste products.

High-powered PEMF technology helps remove waste products rapidly from treated tissues while drawing in new blood, nutrients, and oxygen. It also enhances circulation of synovial fluid through mobilized joint capsules, supporting overall recovery and flexibility.

The Efficacy of a High-Powered PEMF Device

For PEMF to be effective, the magnetic field must completely penetrate the injured area at a therapeutic level. The challenge is that PEMF strength dissipates rapidly with distance from the loop. Injuries several inches below the skin can be difficult to reach if the device is not properly designed.

Greater magnetic intensity—measured in gauss—generally produces greater benefits. Deep blockages, scarring, and trauma in connective tissue or ligaments can further restrict magnetic penetration. Since the body’s skin, muscle, fat, and bone resist magnetic flow, achieving maximum penetration requires sufficient field strength.

High-powered PEMF devices overcome these challenges by allowing adjustable intensity and gauss levels to ensure the field reaches deep tissue effectively.

What Is a Typical Treatment Protocol?

PEMF delivery loops are positioned close to, or in contact with, the horse. Intensity is adjusted based on the horse’s comfort level and response. The loops may start by straddling the lower cervical muscles on one side of the neck for about one minute, then switch to the other side for another minute.

This process continues for 8–10 minutes. Next, a large loop is applied over the middle and lower back, hips, and gluteal regions. The intensity is set so that the back muscles visibly pulsate when the loop is about 1–2 cm above the surface.

The loop can be moved closer or farther away to vary the intensity. About 1–2 minutes are spent over the lumbar region, followed by the saddle region for another 1–2 minutes, slowly moving from upper to lower thoracic areas.

Finally, the loop returns to the lumbar and hip region, moving over the gluteal muscles first on one side, then the other, for about 1–2 minutes per side. Total treatment time for large-loop areas is roughly 10 minutes.

Two to four treatments (combined with other therapies) are recommended over 1–2 weeks, with increasing time between sessions as the horse improves. Regular weekly treatments are advised for competitive horses to maintain peak performance.