What is Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy?
How can it help my pet?
In a nutshell, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) uses electrical fields to stimulate the cellular release of molecules that play a variety of essential roles in decreasing pain, improving blood flow and counteracting inflammation. Additionally, PEMF therapy supports new blood vessel formation, tissue regeneration, and tissue remodeling, all of which are essential to the overall healing process. In human medicine, PEMF therapy is now being used to stimulate bone and tissue healing, to counteract inflammation associated with arthritis, and to treat post-operative pain and swelling. Many of the therapeutic effects appreciated by people also carry over to veterinary medicine.
I’ll admit I was initially skeptical when I first heard about this treatment, as it brought to mind memories of recently debunked “magnet therapies.” However, part of my job, as a certified canine rehabilitation therapy veterinarian, is to remain open-minded (with an appropriate level of scientific skepticism) to any treatment that might improve the lives of my patients. And so, with this in mind, I hit the books to see if I could unravel the mysteries of this new therapy that is quickly becoming a staple tool in the toolbox of many rehab specialists in both the human and veterinary world. I found numerous studies regarding the benefits and uses of PEMF therapy published by the National Institute of Health (NIH) and there are currently at least two clinical trials being run by the Mayo Clinic looking to the benefits of this treatment for humans.
PEMF at Westside
I am pleased to announce that Westside Animal Hospital has purchased a PEMF pet bed that we are now incorporating into our rehabilitation and post-surgical protocols. You can now elect to have your pet’s acupuncture or massage treatments performed on a PEMF bed, instead of the standard orthopedic pet bed or massage table, for a minor additional charge. Additionally, you will soon have the option to elect for your pet to recover, post-surgically, on a PEMF bed to stimulate more efficient healing, as well. We are also partnering with Assisi Animal Health so that we can now offer you smaller PEMF devices that you can purchase and use on your pet in the comfort of your own home. I, personally, am incorporating this therapy into many of my rehabilitation therapy sessions, and when you purchase a multi-modal rehabilitation therapy session with me, all the various modality options are included in the price so that I can choose what modalities best serve the healing process for your pet. Please feel free to ask our client service coordinators if this new therapy is an option for your pet.
If you would like more information about the specifics of PEMF therapy in the field of veterinary medicine, please refer to this article from Research in Veterinary Science.
