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Pulse ElectroMagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy  has been around for 40+ years in the human medicine world. This longevity stems from PEMF benefits seen in bone healing. Additionally, PEMF has gained traction as an adjunct, or add-on, therapy in medicine for treating post-operative pain and swelling, muscle stimulation, and improving wound and bone healing. It is commonly used to treat chronic pain conditions such as arthritis and back pain. Any condition that benefits from modifications of cellular energy levels is a possible application of PEMF. PEMF machines for humans are marketed as "wellness devices", and as such, most are not FDA-approved for any specific application.  

Like many adjunct medical therapies, PEMF is becoming more prominent in the equine world. Our horses' cellular matrix is similar to humans, and equine therapeutic applications of PEMF are similar to those in humans. It is used to improve circulation, improve tissue repair, and speed healing and recovery. PEMF works on a cellular level to optimize body function. 

The frequency ranges (extremely low frequency or ELF to very low frequency or VLF) and intensities used in PEMF machines create safe exposures to pulsed magnetic fields to provide a cellular "refresher" without causing adverse effects such as overheating.

Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) or cold laser therapy has been around for many years, with the first device gaining FDA clearance in the early 2000's. Laser therapy delivers photons to different levels of tissue (superficial to deep, depending on the power and wavelength of the laser) and are thought to accelerate cellular energy production. Increasing cellular energy production leads to  a number of beneficial effects:

-Faster wound healing 

-Decreased inflammation

-Increased circulation

Cold laser is actually more frequently applied and has a longer history in the equine industry as compared to human medicine. It is used to reduce pain, reduce scar tissue formation, and improve healing. Lasers are stratified into different classes based on potential eye damage. Class 1 lasers are low power/low risk of harm and available to anyone with no particular training. Class 4 lasers can be potentially harmful, require significant training and are available only to licensed personel. 

Acupressure is a focused technique that uses pressure to activate different acupressure points in the body. It is rooted in traditional chinese medicine, and has been practiced for thousands of years in various forms. Acupressure is like acupuncture, but without the needles or "puncture" portion of the treatment. The traditional teaching regarding acupressure is that the pressure points lie on meridians or energy channels within the body, within which flows life force or qi (ch'i). Imbalances in this flow lead to illness or pain. Acupressure aims to restore the balance of vital energy by accessing the various acupressure points. 

While it is difficult to prove that acupressure modulates vital energy balances, it is easy to determine that triggering acupressure points relaxes muscles, improves circulation and can release endorphins via neuromodulatory effects. 

Acupressure in humans is used as adjunct therapy to reduce pain, manage nausea, and potentially improve mood. In horses, acupressure is used to address musculoskeletal pain, combat lameness, modulate GI motility, and improve breathing. It is being studied in other areas as well, including fertility. 

Acupressure points are triggered by pressure or with focused laser therapy. While acupunture is limited to licensed practicioners (Licenced Acupuncturist, MD in humans or DVM in animals), acupressure can be performed by anyone with appropriate training.