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Inhalte Verbergen
1 Many synonyms, one effect
2 The healing process is accelerated
3 Cell processes are stimulated by imitation sporting activity
4 Motion apparatus disorders benefit from PEMF
5 Conclusion
6 Sources

Magnetic field rugs or blankets are now available from many suppliers, and everyone wants to claim a unique selling point for their rug. The underlying mechanism is however, always the same.

Many synonyms, one effect

The abbreviations ynX, EMF, PST, PEMF and PEMFT are used synonymously to designate various low-frequency electromagnetic fields in therapy. The electromagnetic fields are always generated by a simple copper spiral. Like radio waves, these fields can easily penetrate the body. Correctly configured, a small portion of the electromagnetic energy is converted into an electrical effect of around 0.7 millivolts, which is comparable to the resting potential of cells. This process is also known as induction. With PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic fields), the magnetic field is switched on and off again in short pulses, hence the term ‘pulsed’ electromagnetic field.

The healing process is accelerated

It has been proven that such electromagnetic impulses stimulate the flow of ions in the tissue and thus promote the natural healing process. PEMF supports cell division and thus tissue regeneration. The supply of oxygen to the treated tissue is improved, blood vessels are regenerated more quickly and thus cells, tissue, muscles, bones, and nerves are better supplied, as a result of which treatment with pulsed electromagnetic fields accelerates the healing process and reduces the sensation of pain.

Cell processes are stimulated by imitation sporting activity

As these charges move through the tissue, they resemble the normal bioelectrical activity that occurs during exercise. By imitating these natural bioelectric patterns, specific cell processes can be stimulated, resulting in safe and effective treatment of musculoskeletal disorders.

In over 40 years of therapeutic use, no significant side effects have occurred with PEMF therapy. Research results over the last four decades, have confirmed that these bio-signals activate a number of repair mechanisms and anti-inflammatory processes.

Horse with magnetic rug
Magnetic field can promote healing processes and support problems in the musculoskeletal system
© Sanoanimal

Motion apparatus disorders benefit from PEMF

The magnetic field can have an additional positive effect, especially in areas where everything has already been exhausted medically.

For example, a pilot study at the University of Vienna showed that even chronic fatigue after Long Covid could be improved with magnetic field therapy (Wagner, B., Steiner, M., Markovic, L. et al. Successful application of pulsed electromagnetic fields in a patient with post-COVID-19 fatigue: a case report. Wien Med Wochenschr 172, 227–232 (2022).

Magnetic field therapy has also been shown to be successful for non-specific back pain (Kull P, Keilani M, Remer F, Crevenna R. Efficacy of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain and physical function in patients with non-specific low back pain: a systematic review. Wien Med Wochenschr. 2023 Nov 24).

Further successes can be seen with arthrosis, osteoporosis, nerve pain, etc. Hundreds of studies have already proven the effectiveness of PEMF, particularly in the human field.

Conclusion

In conclusion, it can be said that magnetic field therapy is definitely worth a try for orthopaedic problems such as tendon and ligament problems, arthritis, but also for muscle tension, strains and bruises or general poor performance.

However, if the animal is suffering from tumours, heart or thyroid problems, epilepsy, or an acute infection, it should be avoided. PEMF should also be avoided during pregnancy to be on the safe side.

Sources

Schlachter, C., & Lewis, C. (2016). Electrophysical therapies for the equine athlete. Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice, 32(1), 127-147.

Cadossi, R., Massari, L., Racine-Avila, J., & Aaron, R. K. (2020). Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation of bone healing and joint preservation: Cellular mechanisms of skeletal response. JAAOS Global Research & Reviews, 4(5).

Hyytiäinen, H. K., Boström, A., Asplund, K., & Bergh, A. (2022). A Systematic Review of Complementary and Alternative Veterinary Medicine in Sport and Companion Animals: Electrotherapy. Animals, 13(1), 64.

Story, M. R., Haussler, K. K., Nout-Lomas, Y. S., Aboellail, T. A., Kawcak, C. E., Barrett, M. F., … & McIlwraith, C. W. (2021). Equine cervical pain and dysfunction: pathology, diagnosis and treatment. Animals, 11(2), 422.

Evans, R. L., Foltz, D., & Foltz, K. (2001). Electrical stimulation with bone and wound healing. Clinics in podiatric medicine and surgery, 18(1), 79-95.

Story, M. R. (2022). Integrative Approach to Neck Pain and Dysfunction. Veterinary Clinics: Equine Practice, 38(3), 485-492.

Rostad, D. R., Adair, H. S., Strickland, L. G., Sun, X., Mclean, A., & Ivey, J. Z. (2023). 37 Short-term effects of a single pulsed electromagnetic field therapy session on lameness, gait quality, and stress in moderately exercising horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 124, 104339.

Dai, F., Dalla Costa, E., Giordano, A., Heinzl, E. U., Giongo, P., Pagnozzi, G., … & Minero, M. (2022). Effects of BEMER® physical vascular therapy in horses under training. A randomized, controlled double blind study. Research in Veterinary Science, 144, 108-114.

Ryang We, S., Koog, Y. H., Jeong, K. I., & Wi, H. (2013). Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field on knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review. Rheumatology, 52(5), 815-824.

Gaynor, J. S., Hagberg, S., & Gurfein, B. T. (2018). Veterinary applications of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. Research in veterinary science, 119, 1-8.

Ganesan, K., Gengadharan, A. C., Balachandran, C., Manohar, B. M., & Puvanakrishnan, R. (2009). Low frequency pulsed electromagnetic field—a viable alternative therapy for arthritis.

Yang, X., He, H., Ye, W., Perry, T. A., & He, C. (2020). Effects of pulsed electromagnetic field therapy on pain, stiffness, physical function, and quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled trials. Physical therapy, 100(7), 1118-1131.

Cadossi, R., Massari, L., Racine-Avila, J., & Aaron, R. K. (2020). Pulsed electromagnetic field stimulation of bone healing and joint preservation: Cellular mechanisms of skeletal response. JAAOS Global Research & Reviews, 4(5).

Andrade, R., Duarte, H., Pereira, R., Lopes, I., Pereira, H., Rocha, R., & Espregueira-Mendes, J. (2016). Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy effectiveness in low back pain: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Porto biomedical journal, 1(5), 156-163.

Elke Malenke
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