PEMF: A Call for Informed Use

As a Veterinary Physiotherapist, I pride myself with keeping up to date with new additions to the treatment & rehabilitation world🐴 

Recently I have noticed a significant increase in the use of high-intensity PEMF devices within the equine community💥

In general, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy) is becoming increasingly popular within the equine community, and I think it is extremely important that we continue to have honest conversations about how and why we use it. 

When I add any new modality to my business, I make sure I do plenty of research  about it📚 

In terms of high-intensity PEMF devices, there is some research, but in horses, it is still developing, and there isn’t enough research to confidently say that it is beneficial for every horse, condition or stage of rehabilitation🐎

My concern isn’t with the treatment itself. It is how it is assessed, prescribed and applied. 

Using any modality safely requires a good understanding of the anatomy, condition, tissue healing, contraindications and of course, how the horse is responding🧠

When studying to become a Veterinary Physiotherapists, these things are covered over a number of years and is not something you can learn in a day or two🎓

Any treatment should compliment the rehab plan, not simply become the plan. 

So, if you’re considering PEMF for your horse, ask these questions:

1. Why has it been recommended for my horse?

2. Is there evidence for its use with my horse’s particular condition? 

3. Are there any reasons or risks that it might not be appropriate for my horse? 

4. How will it fit into the overall rehab plan? 

New treatments can be exciting, but new and popular doesn’t automatically mean they have been scientifically proven📑

Our horses deserve a treatment that is based on good clinical reasoning and the best evidence available❤️‍🩹

I made sure to thoroughly research this PEMF machine before I purchased and used on any of my clients