When I explain PEMF therapy to someone new, I often get asked if it’s similar to Shockwave or even TENS units. Let's explore the key differences and benefits of these popular therapies: PEMF therapy and Shockwave therapy.
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(If you’d like to read more about PEMF Therapy, check out the link to my previous blog post)
Study Highlights: Efficacy of PEMF and Shockwave Therapies
A recent study published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science compared the effects of PEMF and Shockwave therapies on equine athletes. The study found that:
- PEMF Therapy: Showed significant improvement in helping reduce inflammation and enhancing overall cellular function. Horses treated with PEMF therapy exhibited faster recovery times and better performance metrics. Notably, PEMF therapy helped provide pain relief without numbing the area, allowing for natural pain management and continuous assessment of the healing process.
- Shockwave Therapy: Was particularly effective in providing short-term pain relief and promoting tissue repair in targeted areas, especially for tendon and ligament injuries. The pain relief from Shockwave therapy comes from its analgesic effect, which temporarily numbs the area, masking discomfort.
These findings underscore the complementary nature of both therapies, with PEMF therapy excelling in holistic health benefits and Shockwave therapy providing targeted treatment for specific injuries. You can read more about the study here.
Comparing the Two Therapies
While both therapies are beneficial, PEMF therapy offers a more comprehensive approach to overall equine wellness:
- PEMF Therapy: PEMF can help enhance natural body functions and provide broad-spectrum healing. It is non-invasive, does not require sedation, and is suitable to help a wide range of conditions, promoting holistic health and peak performance. Its ability to help relieve pain without numbing allows for ongoing assessment of the healing process, ensuring that your horse's true condition is always known. Moreover, PEMF therapy can be used frequently without the need for recovery periods, making it a versatile and continuous treatment option.
- Shockwave Therapy: While effective for targeted treatment of specific injuries, particularly in the limbs, Shockwave therapy has limitations. The analgesic effect, while beneficial for short-term pain relief, can obscure the true extent of an injury. The potential discomfort and need for sedation can also make it less appealing. Additionally, the restrictions imposed by USEF on its use before competitions highlight the need for careful planning and management.
In summary, both PEMF and Shockwave therapies offer valuable benefits for equine health. However, PEMF therapy stands out for its comprehensive approach to enhancing overall wellness, supporting the body’s natural healing processes, and providing continuous, non-invasive care without the need for sedation. Understanding the unique strengths of each therapy can help you make informed decisions about the best care for your horse.
TO BOOK YOUR PEMF SESSION AND EXPERIENCE ITS BENEFITS FOR YOU, YOUR HORSE, AND YOUR PETS, DON'T HESITATE TO GET IN TOUCH WITH RACHEL AT 954.821.8966 TODAY OR FIND ME ON FACEBOOK AND INSTAGRAM.
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