How to Compare the Types of Equine Magnetic Therapy

Magnetic therapy has been used for over 25 years in horses. Magnetic therapy works by increasing the electric potential in the cells and dilating blood vessels, allowing for improved circulation and speeding healing in the treated areas. Because magnets do not produce heat, they do not increase inflammation. Magnets can be used for traumatic wound healing, post-surgical healing, age-related conditions such as arthritis, fractures, tendon injuries and chronic muscle soreness in horses (Focke, 2009).

Things You'll Need

  • Leg wrap
  • Blanket
  • Helper
  • Battery
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Instructions

  1. Comparing Equine Magnetic Therapies

    • 1

      Acquaint yourself with the two types of magnetic therapies available. Bipolar magnets are passive and work by shifting magnetic fields between north and south poles when magnets are laid side by side. Electromagnets, usually called PEMFs for Pulsating Electromagnetic Field, require a battery (housed in a rolling case) to operate. By rapidly activating and deactivating the current as it runs along a wire, a pulsing field is created.

    • 2

      Locate the area that requires treatment. With PEMF a wand or loop can be used anywhere on the body it's needed. However, it requires cross ties or another handler to hold the horse during treatment. Bipolar magnets are typically enclosed in wraps, such as pastern, hock, shin and knee boots, or in blankets (rugs) or sheets. Some blankets and wraps have slots that allow you to move the magnets around to the spot(s) most needing therapy. If the injury you are treating is in an area easily covered by a blanket or wrap, bipolar magnets may be the best treatment method.

    • 3

      Determine the extent of therapy needed. PEMF allows for adjustment in therapy by varying the time of the treatment, the frequency (Hertz) and the strength (Gauss). This means you can provide greater duration and intensity during an acute phase of treatment, and then decrease that as healing takes place. Bipolar magnets are not as strong as PEMF, and the only way to increase the intensity is to place more polar opposite magnets in proximity to one another. Bipolar magnets may be better suited to chronic conditions.