Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF) can temporarily reduce lameness and inflammation from equine osteoarthritis — a common degenerative health condition in ageing horses — but does not appear to produce long-term improvements, new research has shown.
PEMF therapy is used across human and veterinary medicine to help musculoskeletal issues and manage pain.
It works by stimulating cellular activity, potentially encouraging tissue regeneration, reducing inflammation and improving circulation.
The research
Researchers at Colorado State University set out to see if the use of a Magnawave machine could help older equines with lameness associated with osteoarthritis.
Six middle-aged Thoroughbred mares were given 30 minutes’ treatment at a power level of two.
Then a vet who was not aware of the horses’ previous history gave them flexion tests at one hour, one day and a one week after treatment.
The researchers also assessed the horses’ lameness at each point using inertia sensors.
While the vet reported an improvement in lameness an hour after treatment, there was no improvement in the asymmetry scores of any of the mares recorded with the sensors.
Blood inflammation markers were noted to decrease one hour after treatment but rose again to baseline or higher at 24 hours and a week after the treatment.
“Our study highlights the need for continued standardisation of PEMF treatments to enhance outcomes,” said researcher Isla Wilson.
Common joint problem
Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is the most common joint problem in horses, accounting for more than 60% of equine lameness.
It can occur in any joint and is a degeneration of the cartilage that can be caused by repetitive trauma, old injuries, and conformation traits that increase stress on joints.
It gets steadily worse with age.
Many horses are treated for this wear and tear with steroid injections into the joint.
The research was presented at the 2025 Equine Science Symposium.
You can read a precis of the research here.
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