In 40 seconds
PEMF therapy accelerates post-surgical recovery in horses — colic, orthopaedic, soft-tissue surgery. Reduces post-op swelling and pain, supports wound healing, accelerates bone-implant integration. Used at top equine hospitals as part of post-operative care. Particularly valuable for surgeries with poor blood supply (e.g. distal limb fractures) where healing is otherwise slow.
Quick facts
- Procedures: Colic, orthopaedic, soft-tissue surgery
- Effects: Reduces swelling, pain, accelerates healing
- Especially valuable: Distal limb fractures, poor-blood-supply tissues
- Sessions: Daily early post-op, taper through recovery
- Always with: Surgical team's protocol
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
When to start PEMF post-surgery?
As soon as the surgical team approves — often within 24–72 hours.
Hospital or yard?
Top hospitals offer it during inpatient recovery; portable equipment allows continuation at the yard.
How long?
Most post-op programmes run 4–8 weeks of intensive PEMF, tapering with healing milestones.
Looking for a PEMF clinic near you?
We list every credible PEMF therapy provider in the UK so you can find one near home.