In 40 seconds
Navicular syndrome causes chronic forelimb lameness from inflammation and degenerative changes around the navicular bone. Treatment is multimodal: corrective shoeing, anti-inflammatory medication, occasionally bisphosphonates, and structured exercise. PEMF therapy supports microcirculation in the navicular region and reduces inflammation — a slow but real adjunct to standard care.
Quick facts
- Causes: Inflammation, degenerative changes around navicular
- Treatments: Shoeing, NSAIDs, bisphosphonates, exercise
- PEMF role: Supports microcirculation, reduces inflammation
- Sessions: 3× per week, ongoing
- Always with: Vet + farrier-led management
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
Will PEMF cure navicular?
Not cure — but may reduce lameness severity and slow progression as part of multimodal care.
Daily use OK?
Many yards do daily 30-minute hoof boot sessions for chronic navicular.
Best alongside?
Corrective shoeing is the foundation. PEMF supports recovery biology.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.