PEMF stands for Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy. It is a well-tolerated and gentle treatment, which is widely used in various sporthorse disciplines for rehab and maintenance of both soft (muscles, tendons and ligaments) and bone tissue. We use a portable machine made by Equipulse, which is designed specifically for the equine client (although it’s wonderful for humans and pets too!). During the treatment, soft rubber loops which have magnets enclosed, are placed on the area of the body which is to be treated. The machine is turned on (to the intensity appropriate for the horse and treatment area) and a quiet clicking can be heard, which is the loops delivering the magnetic pulses. When the pulsing occurs the magnetic field will push and pull on the cell membranes causing them to become more permeable, which means the cells are more capable of releasing damaging toxins and cellular waste while bringing in good nutrients like oxygen. These pulses can reach as deep as 16 inches, making the therapy much deeper and effective than massage. Often, muscles which are sore or tight will “twitch” initially but then stop as they respond to the therapy and begin to release. Most horses learn to love the treatment, and will usually yawn, stretch out, and often fall asleep!