In 40 seconds
Laminitis is a serious, painful condition affecting the lamellar tissue of the hoof. Causes include endocrine disease, dietary triggers, and supporting-limb laminitis. PEMF therapy is sometimes used as a supportive adjunct — improving microcirculation in the foot, reducing inflammation, and supporting recovery during the rehabilitation phase. Never use PEMF as primary laminitis treatment: this is a vet emergency requiring proper diagnosis, dietary management, anti-inflammatory medication, frog support, and farriery.
Quick facts
- Status: Veterinary emergency
- Primary treatment: Vet-led — diagnosis, anti-inflammatories, dietary, farriery
- PEMF role: Adjunct only in recovery phase
- Acute phase: PEMF typically not used until vet clears
- Always with: Proper vet care
Practical guidance
See FAQ below for specific scenarios.
Contraindications
Hard exclusions — do not have PEMF if any apply:
- Pacemaker, implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD), or any cardiac electronic device
- Cochlear implant or other implanted electronic hearing device
- Spinal cord stimulator, deep-brain stimulator, vagus nerve stimulator
- Intrathecal pump or implanted drug pump
- Insulin pump (continuous glucose monitors are usually fine — confirm with the clinic)
- Active infection at the treatment site
- Pregnancy — when treatment would be over the abdomen, lumbar spine, or pelvis
Discuss with your GP or specialist before booking if any apply:
- Active malignancy or recent cancer history (oncologist clearance required)
- History of seizures or epilepsy
- Multiple sclerosis or other neurological condition under specialist care
- Anticoagulant therapy (PEMF itself does not thin blood, but bruising risk if local circulation is already compromised)
- Children under 14 (most UK clinics will not treat under-18s without paediatric specialist input)
- Recent surgery within the last 14 days at the treatment site (confirm with surgeon)
NOT contraindications — these are commonly misunderstood:
- Plates, rods, screws and other passive metal orthopaedic hardware
- Dental implants and dental crowns
- Joint replacements (hip, knee, shoulder)
- IUDs (copper or hormonal)
- Tattoos and piercings (jewellery should be removed for the session)
Specific to this condition: pacemakers, defibrillators, cochlear implants, insulin pumps, electronic implants; active malignancy without specialist clearance; pregnancy (over the abdomen); active infection; epilepsy without GP clearance.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use PEMF instead of laminitis vet treatment?
Absolutely not. Laminitis requires emergency vet care.
When in laminitis recovery to start PEMF?
When vet clears — typically once acute pain has settled and rehabilitation phase begins.
Best applicator for laminitis recovery?
Hoof boot applicator. Always with vet input on timing and protocol.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.