How PEMF Works
PEMF (pulsing electromagnetic field) therapy has been used since the 1970’s on performance horses, such as show horses and thoroughbred race horses, to treat fractures and injuries and to help in pre and post competition to aid in both warm up and recovery.
Respond Systems has sold therapy systems to over 8,000 veterinarians, owners, therapists, trainers and riders world-wide, and is now used by the U.S.E.T. as well as internationally.
Effective, Powerful and Safe
1. What is pulsing electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) and how does it work? ►
Many people are familiar with PEMF, since it has been in human use since the 1970’s to heal non-union fractures. Although products manufactured by RSI Equine are not for human use, Bio-Pulse PEMF systems have been in use for over 30 years on some of the most decorated performance horses in the world.
Magnetism is a fundamental force that is essential for life on Earth. PEMF uses pulsing electromagnetic fields to jumpstart and accelerate normal biological cellular reactions.
Very simply, cells contain electrically charged particles called ions that govern all cellular processes. When the body is stressed by illness, competition, environmental factors or age, the cellular membrane that conducts the essential ions in to and out of the cell becomes comprised and is unable to efficiently do its job of managing the transport of these ions. When the PEMF generated by the Respond Systems PEMF products penetrates the horse’s body, a magnetic field in motion is created that immediately and positively directly impacts these ions and membrane potential to stimulate them into action. The result is an increase in cellular communication and circulation, a decrease in inflammation and pain and a resulting acceleration of healing.
There are no side effects and many times PEMF can be used in place of pharmaceuticals to treat long-term, degenerative conditions.
2. Why is it called “pulsing” magnetic field therapy? ►
The most effective form of signaling cells is to send a series of magnetic pulses, of the proper frequency and wave form to stimulate cellular action. The Bio-Pulse systems generate a frequency and wave form which was recommended as the most effective by Dr. C.A. Bassett in his landmark work at Columbia University Hospital.
Pulsing Magnetic therapy penetrates completely through the joints and muscles. The strength of a magnetic field is directly related to the size and the composition of the magnet, and determines the depth of penetration. When you pulse battery current through the coils of the RSI Equine Bio-Pulse systems, you are turning each coil of wire into a large, pulsing magnet. You can feel the pulsing up to 12 inches away from the coil by holding a test magnet in your hand.
3. Why not just use normal North-South magnets, or “bi-polar” (static) magnets? ►
Couldn’t I expect the same results? You can’t expect the same results. Without the on/off, expanding, collapsing magnetic field, which is what characterizes the pulsing of the Bio-Pulse system, you cannot influence the ions in the same manner. Static magnets are unchanging; their magnetic fields remain permanently placed. They cannot impact the ions and change the pumping action. Effects from static magnets are confined to the specific area on which they are placed, most only affecting tissue within half an inch of the magnet.
The Bio-Pulse systems, with coils located at strategic locations on the horse, provide a strong, pulsing magnetic field that penetrates completely through joints and muscles for a complete therapy in just 30 minutes.
4. What can I expect from PEMF therapy? ►
PEMF therapy is a relaxing, healthful therapy than can reduce or eliminate the need for pharmaceuticals if your horse suffers from an injury, stiffness, soreness or other painful conditions. You will usually see a difference in 1 to 2 weeks of therapy, a difference in the way they rise, walk and run. They may also eat and sleep better with PEMF therapy.
What do the experts say?
PEMF therapy has been approved by the United States FDA for non-union fractures. Thousands of studies have been conducted over the past 40 years in both veterinary and human medicine reporting the effectiveness of PEMF therapy to treat not only non-union fractures but also improved tendon repair, nerve regeneration and accelerated healing.