Integrative Bodywork Solutions for the Performance & Pleasure Horse

What is PEMF? — The Basics

Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field Therapy uses a device that creates a relaxed pulsing magnetic field that restores health to the body at the cellular level.

All living cells generate a natural electrical charge as a result of ions moving in and out of cell membranes.  Any threat to the cell from injury to nutrient deficiency alters the movement of the ion and changes the charge of the cell membrane.  This altered charge enables the cell to properly absorb nutrients and oxygen as well as remove toxins and waste.  The result is a loss of energy, pain and inflammation, swelling and ultimately disease.

The pulsing magnetic field created by the machine essentially exercises, recharges and rehabilitates the cell back to optimal health.  Blood flow is increased to the affected and the cell is once gain able to receive oxygen and nutrients and discard of waste and toxins.  As a direct result healing will begin, pain reduction will occur, inflammation will begin to dissipate.  PEMF therapy optimizes cell function and enhances the bodies natural ability to heal.

Benefits to PEMF

 

WORKS TO INCREASE

  • Energy

  • Circulation

  • Flexibility

  • Immune System

  • Bone Density

  • Range of Motion

  • Stamina

  • Strength

  • Endurance

  • Neuromuscular Response

  • Cellular Metabolism

 

WORKS TO DECREASE

  • Stiffness

  • Pain

  • Inflammation

  • Edema

  • Spasms

  • Stress

  • Bruises

  • Toxins & Cellular Waste

  • Build up of Lactic Acid

 

Equine Kinesiology Tape

 

INTRODUCTION 

Since its early inception, Kinesiology taping practices for the human athlete has demonstrated its successful use in rehabilitation, prevention, and training. Recently, Kinesiology taping has gained a great deal in popularity through its widespread exposure during the 2012 Summer Olympics and has become a mainstream modality used by professional human athletes and health-care professionals. In our world of animal health, it was inevitable that a product which has displayed a history of successful use in the world of human athletics, transitions to the equine community.

 

Equi-Tape

Equi-Tape® is the first kinesiology tape designed specifically for the equine. It is an elastic cotton 2-way stretch tape technology containing advanced adhesive properties for ease of application, removal and placement longevity. Developed by Dr. Beverly Gordon in the early part of 2005, Dr. Gordon has since perfected the use of Equi-Tape® further developing the Equi-Taping® Methodology for conditions affecting the equine athlete for use in both training and conditioning as well as in rehabilitation and clinical recovery.

 

WHAT ARE THE PRINCIPALS BEHIND EFFECTIVE USE?

The mechanism by which Equi-Tape® affects the body is completely different from that of non-elastic athletic tape and can often times be confusing. The effect of Equi-Tape® is based on its ability to interact with the skin and associated neurosensory and mechanoreceptors. Elastic kinesiology Equi-Tape® does not compress the tissue as does other types of tapes and taping methods. Its design characteristics and associated application techniques, decompress tissue thereby allowing for increased circulation. This lifting principle behind the decompression also influences and thereby impacts how pain receptors respond to the messages associated with swelling and or inflammation.

Use Equi-Tape Equine Kinesiology Tape to:

  • Decrease muscle spasms

  • Reduce inflammation and associated pain

  • Reduce swelling and edema

  • Re-educate muscle memory

  • Support ligaments, tendons and joints

  • Prevent injury and speed recovery

  • Help with injury rehabilitation

  • Increase circulation and promote healing

  • Increase equine athletic potential

 

Red Light Therapy

We found many impressive studies that included the following:

 

  • The LEDs at specific wavelengths are reported to increase circulation by increasing the formation of new capillaries. New capillaries speed up the healing process by carrying more oxygen as well as more nutrients needed for healing and they can also carry more waste products away.

  • Collagen is the most common protein found in the body and the essential protein used to repair damaged tissue and to replace old tissue. Studies cite that LEDs stimulate the production of collagen. It has been reported that by increasing collagen production, less scar tissue is formed at the damaged site.

 

  • Increases lymphatic system activity. Edema has two basic components, liquid and protein. Research has shown that the lymph vessel diameter and the flow of the lymph system can be doubled with the use of light therapy. This means that both parts of the edema can be eliminated at a much faster rate to relieve swelling.

  • Reduces the excitability of nervous tissue. The light energy stimulates the release of endorphins which are the body's own long-term pain fighting chemicals.

  • May improve peripheral neuropathies by stimulating nitric oxide production.

  • Increases RNA and DNA synthesis which helps damaged cells to be replaced more quickly.

 

  • LED therapy is reported to stimulate the release of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). ATP is the major carrier of energy to all cells and provides the chemical energy that drives the chemical reaction of the cell. Increases in ATP allow cells to use nutrients faster and get rid of waste products faster by increasing the energy level in the cell.

  • Increases the process of scavenging for and ingesting dead or degenerated cells by phagocyte cells for the purpose of clean up. This is an important part of the infection-fighting process. Destruction of the infection and clean-up must occur before the healing process can take place.

 

  • Stimulates fibroblastic activity that aids in the repair process. Fibroblasts are present in connective tissue and are capable of forming collagen fibers.

  • Stimulates tissue granulation and connective tissue projections, part of the healing process.

 

“Annette is a big part of keeping our cutting horses feeling good!”

~ Carol ~