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California Riding Magazine • April, 2010 Pulse Electromagnetic |
What is it? How does it work? And why does it work so well? The PEMF machine provides a non-invasive form of physical therapy. Used in conjunction with regular veterinary care, the PEMF can be a viable alternative to drugs and medications to improve the horse’s performance, soundness and overall well-being. Deedee Weinstein of Los Angeles has been performing her services for many years at racetracks across Southern California. “Because I have had incredible success with this effective treatment, I am broadening my scope to include equine athletes of all disciplines,” says Weinstein, who offers her services under the name
A simple procedure, the PEMF is applied through a wand that is connected to a machine. The machine produces electromagnetic pulses that affect a multitude of the body’s healing resources. These include calcium ion movement, endorphin levels, acupuncture point stimulation, nerve regeneration, circulation, tissue oxygen and even cellular metabolism, says Weinstein. The PEMF reduces inflammation, promotes healing, and stimulates blood flow, she continues. This reduction of pain, inflammation and improved range of motion in the joints helps horses feel good, and allows them to perform at their utmost ability, meanwhile keeping them happy and healthy.
The treatment itself lasts for approximately 30 minutes. “The technology is so powerful that I find more than that to be redundant,” Weinstein observes. She describes her standard full body treatment as “absolutely fascinating to watch” because the results are visible and almost instant. She begins the treatment by placing the tip of the wand at the coronet band and works her way up throughout the entire body. As the horse begins to relax and enjoy the treatment, he will give either physical or emotional signals that indicate the treatment is working. By recognizing these signals and bodily reactions, Weinstein can pinpoint areas that could be a potential source of soreness. If she sees little response, she’ll move the wand to a new area and linger wherever the horse’s reaction indicates that something good is happening. “When you touch the wand to the horse’s body there is sort of a twitch reaction,” she explains. “The more sore the area, the harder the muscles in that area will twitch. “Although horses cannot communicate with us verbally, their response to the PEMF treatment allows them to non-verbally convey what is happening in their body.”
Weinstein stresses that she is not a veterinarian and that PEMF does not take the place of traditional veterinary care, but the therapy often enables her to point out potential problems to owners. “If the horse’s response indicates pain at the withers or back, for example, that can be a sign of poor saddle fit,” she says. “That is not a diagnosis, mind you, but rather me telling my clients what the machine is showing me.” While other common methods of physical therapy such as acupuncture, magnetic blankets, chiropractors and lasers produce effective results in their own right, the PEMF targets the entire body with significant, rapid and visible results, Weinstein says. “It also provides an avenue to allow the horse to tell us what he is feeling and possibly what he needs for further care.” PEMF therapy can be an effective adjunct solution to injury and provide regular maintenance for the wear and tear caused by everyday performance and activity. For the best possible care and maintenance, Weinstein recommends beginning with a series of three treatments close together, followed by a weekly and/or bi-weekly routine. Extra treatments can be beneficial at or after a horse show or whenever activity is increased. Due to the machine’s ability to help the body heal itself, it is important to maintain continuity and routine with the treatments. Based in Los Angeles, Weinstein and her team of skilled therapists can travel to various locations to provide PEMF. “Our goal is to keep horses happy, feeling good and performing at their optimum level,” Weinstein concludes.
For more information on PEMF and Pegasoos, Inc., contact Deedee Weinstein at 626-390-2106. |
