%20Metz%20et%20al%202024.jpg "Image showing measurements for sole depth of the toe of the P3, the heel of the P3, and the palmar angle of the P3 (© Metz et al 2024)") |
| (c) Matz et al 2024 |
Managing thin soles can be challenging for farriers and hoof care professionals. Many owners turn to protective footwear, while supplements rich in biotin, methionine, and zinc are often used to promote hoof growth.
One potential therapy gaining attention is Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency (PEMF) therapy. Widely used in equine therapy, PEMF promotes healing, reduces pain, and supports overall health and performance. Could it also play a role in managing thin soles?
A recent pilot study led by Madelyn Matz, published in the Journal of Equine Rehabilitation, explored the effect of PEMF therapy on hoof parameters in ten adult horses of various breeds. The horses were divided into a PEMF group (n=6) and a control group (n=4).
All horses underwent standard hoof trimming the day before the study began, with no further farriery work during the trial. Radiographs were taken before treatment and again 30 days later, measuring sole depth and palmar angles (see figure).
The PEMF group received treatment at a frequency of 22 Hz for ten minutes per session, applied to both hooves three times a week (on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) over a 30-day period, while the control group received no intervention.
The study found no significant differences between the PEMF and control groups in terms of sole depth under the apex of the proximal phalanx or palmar angles. However, there was a trend towards increased sole depth beneath the distal processes of the right hoof in the PEMF-treated horses.
While this pilot study showed no significant improvement overall, the trend towards increased sole depth suggests that PEMF therapy may offer some benefit.
The researchers concluded that further investigation is warranted, as PEMF therapy could become a non-invasive option for managing thin soles in horses.
For more details, see:
M.M. Matz, D.L. Alexander, J. Moore, C.E. Fedorka,
Evaluating the effect of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy on sole depth of the equine hoof: A pilot study,
Journal of Equine Rehabilitation, (2024) Vol 2,100010,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eqre.2024.100010
1 comment:
With the advancement sciences over the last 30 or so years, I wonder how pulsing magnetics applied to that area, can be thought as healing where bloodflow is mimimal.The use of magnets can have healing, beneficial effects when applied correctly, using magnets with sufficient gauss.
Magnetic therapy blankets were tried 30 or more years ago, without much success, but much expense. As an equine therapist, R.N, Holistic Wellness Consultant, I have had success using magnets on horses and humans. They need to be positioned correctly over trigger points, or specific points of pain for relief. Using a north,south continuous line was the best way to apply them, by taping effectively, for use up to 3 or 4 days.
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