PEMF vs. Other Therapies

PEMF vs. Magnetic blankets and boots?

While the therapy is similar, the difference is in the delivery method and the ability to focus the right level of power to the specific area that needs it. While the blankets provide a low, uniform level of power, it may not be adequate for deeper injuries or in denser parts of the body. 


The power of PEMF is measured in Gauss, like distance is measured in Feet. The cells need at least 25 Gauss in order to effect cellular repair, while it is believed that 50 to 85 Gauss is considered an optimal level. As the magnetic field travels away from the blanket or loop, through denser tissue such as bone, the power diminishes. So it is important to be able to deliver the right level of power to the damaged areas. So the main areas of difference are as follows:

 

  1. Pulse Centers PEMF Systems give the ability to detect where a horse is sore and pulse that specific area.
  2. Our Pulse Centers PEMF systems are easily adjustable, high-powered devices. This ability to adjust the intensity provides the optimal level of power needed to a specific area and receive immediate results.
  3. Our Pulse Centers PEMF systems can provide the optimal level of power to a very specific point ANYWHERE on a horse. This is particularly useful when pulsing areas like: the poll and jaw, the psoas muscles, hamstrings, stifle, necks, legs, abscess in hoofs and specific acupressure points for a wide variety of issues such as colic and calming points.

PEMF vs. Shockwave?

The cellular exercise that rehabilitates cells is unique to PEMF. The following are the main points of differentiation: 

  1. PEMF has the ability to detect where a horse is sore or injured. Shockwave has no ability to detect soreness. 
  2. PEMF can be used anywhere on the whole body. Shockwave can only be done on a very specific point on certain areas of the body.
  3. PEMF is Non-invasive, gentle and painless. NO sedation is required, while horses quickly relax and enjoy the treatment. Shockwave is invasive and painful as it creates energy by concussion and sound waves. 
  4. PEMF does not "Mask Pain" . Shockwave can increase healing but it has a side effect that can prove useful for those looking to skip the healing process: Shockwave treatments can act as on-site analgesia in the area where energy waves are targeted. Scientists don't know for certain how long that pain relief lasts, but it's generally thought to be about 48 to 72 hours. That may make the therapy an attractive band-aid for cheaters. Dr. Mary Scollay, Equine Medical Director of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission estimates that the analgesia is strong enough to successfully mask certain types of fractures in the cannon bones for the first two to three days after treatment. RMTC guidelines suggest trainers be required to report the use of Shockwave on a horse to racing officials, who should put the horse on the veterinarian's list for ten days after treatment. There is no need to report use of PEMF and a horse can be raced or ridden right after a treatment with no ill effects.
  5. PEMF does not require sedation and has no potential to damage cells. Shockwave usually requires sedation and due to the damaging potential and required sedation, the treatment must be performed by a Veterinarian. 
  6. PEMF has a wide focal area and the wave area. Shockwave has a small focal area of a couple of inches wide at the skin that goes down to a point at it's deepest penetration.
  7. The PEMF magnetic field can travel up to 16 inches into the body. Shockwave has a maximum penetration of about 4 inches.

PEMF vs. Laser Treatments?

While both the laser and PEMF deliver increased energy to areas of need, the following are the main points of differentiation:

  1. PEMF has the ability to detect where a horse is sore or injured because only the sore areas will twitch or pulse. Laser has no ability to detect soreness, just treatment of a specific point. 
  2. PEMF has a wide focal area and the wave area does not diminish as it penetrates the body. Laser has a very small focal area of less than in inch.
  3. PEMF magnetic wave can travel up to 16 inches into the body. Laser has a limited penetration of less than 2 inches, unless the power is increased, which increases the potential to damage the cells at the surface. 
  4. PEMF can be used on the whole body and takes 45 to 60 minutes for a full body session. Since laser has such a small focal point, it takes a long time to treat a larger area, making full body treatments not likely.