BEMER Electromagnetic Pulse Therapy for Equine Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

BEMER (Bio-Electro-Magnetic Energy Regulation) therapy is a specialized form of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) treatment designed to improve equine health and performance. It involves a lightweight, battery-powered blanket and leg wraps that deliver low-frequency electromagnetic pulses over the horse’s body. Originally developed for human therapy, BEMER has been adapted for horses to target microcirculation – the blood flow through the smallest vessels – without drugs or invasive procedures . Riders and veterinarians have increasingly integrated BEMER into their training and rehabilitation programs, attracted by its potential to aid injury recovery, enhance performance, improve circulation, and promote overall well-being in horses.

How BEMER Therapy Works for Horses

BEMER therapy works by emitting a patented pulsed electromagnetic signal that stimulates blood flow in the microvasculature. In practical terms, when a horse wears the BEMER blanket or leg cuffs, the gentle electromagnetic pulses cause tiny blood vessels to dilate and contract more effectively, thereby increasing local circulation . Improved microcirculation means more oxygen and nutrients are delivered to muscles and organs, while metabolic waste is removed faster. This biophysical effect sets off a cascade of benefits: muscles receive more fuel, inflammation can be reduced, and natural healing processes are accelerated . The therapy is applied in short sessions (typically 5–15 minutes) and can be used before or after exercise, or as a stand-alone treatment during rehabilitation. Importantly, BEMER’s PEMF intensity is low (on the order of micro-Tesla) and does not produce heat, making it safe for regular use without risk of tissue damage . No significant side effects have been reported in studies – for example, horses treated for back pain with BEMER showed no adverse reactions like swelling or stiffness . BEMER therapy is also FEI-compliant, classified as a non-restricted supportive therapy due to its low output power. This means it can be used on competition horses (outside of actual competition times) to improve their condition without violating doping or equipment rules.

Improving Circulation and Microcirculation

 This enhanced microcirculation leads to better tissue perfusion: cells receive more oxygen. Improved circulation is the foundation for many healing and performance gains. For instance, research presented to the American Association of Equine Practitioners noted that BEMER is unique among PEMF devices in its ability to actively target and improve microvascular blood flow. In a large clinical study on 100 horses undergoing surgery, those that received BEMER therapy during general anesthesia showed evidence of increased perfusion – they were more deeply anesthetized and had slightly lower blood lactate levels (a sign of better oxygenation) compared to control. Better microcirculation not only aids during medical procedures but also in everyday recovery: horses on a BEMER regimen tend to have quicker normalization of heart rate and lactate after exercise and show signs of relaxed physiology (e.g. higher vagal tone), indicating efficient circulatory recovery. In short, by frequently “greasing the wheels” of the horse’s circulatory system, BEMER helps maintain tissues in a healthier state, which is the cornerstone of both rehabilitation and peak performance.

Aiding Injury Recovery and Rehabilitation

Improved blood flow from BEMER means injured tissues get more of the oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells needed for repair, while swelling and toxin build-up are reduced . Veterinarians and therapists report that horses recovering from soft tissue injuries like tendon or ligament strains can heal more quickly when BEMER sessions are incorporated alongside standard treatments .

A key area of injury management where BEMER shines is back and muscle pain. Riding horses commonly suffer from sore backs due to poor saddle fit, intense training, or underlying lameness issues. Traditional treatments (rest, medications, chiropractic, etc.) can help, but BEMER offers a drug-free addition to relieve pain and stiffness. A peer-reviewed study published in 2022 demonstrated that a BEMER electromagnetic blanket significantly reduced thoracolumbar (back) pain in horses . In this trial, horses with chronic back pain underwent BEMER sessions twice daily for a few days. After treatment, they tolerated more pressure on their back before showing discomfort, indicating reduced pain sensitivity. The horses also displayed increased spinal flexibility and range of motion, reflecting a real improvement in their comfort and mobility . Dr. Melissa King, the lead researcher and an equine sports medicine veterinarian, noted that BEMER provided a “medication-free solution” for pain in the croup and saddle region and “absolutely” recommended it for horses with back soreness.

Enhancing Performance and Post-Exercise Recovery

High-performance sport horses endure rigorous training and competition schedules that can tax their bodies. BEMER therapy is increasingly used in these athletes to boost performance and aid recovery, essentially helping horses train harder and bounce back faster. One way BEMER enhances performance is by improving a horse’s suppleness and warm-up. Applying the BEMER blanket before exercise increases microcirculation in the muscles, which can loosen tight areas and make the horse more limber without any effort . Riders often report that their horses move more freely through the back and have better range of motion after a pre-ride BEMER session .

After intense exercise or an event, BEMER is equally valuable for cool-down and recovery. Sessions post-workout help flush out lactic acid and metabolic waste by stimulating blood and lymph flow, which in turn can reduce muscle soreness and shorten recovery time . Scientific data supports anecdotal observations: in a controlled study, horses that received BEMER therapy had a faster return to normal blood parameters within an hour after exercise compared to horses with no therapy . They also exhibited a lower heart rate variability ratio, which suggests a shift toward parasympathetic nervous system dominance – essentially a relaxed, “rest-and-recover” state .

Another performance aspect is mental recovery and stress reduction, especially at competitions. Transport, unfamiliar environments, and the excitement of shows can elevate a horse’s stress levels, which may negatively impact performance. Because BEMER therapy engages the parasympathetic “rest and digest” response, horses often display behaviors like licking, chewing, yawning, and even dozing off during a session . This indicates they are truly relaxed. A calmer horse is easier to handle and performs better under pressure. In a German breeding stallion station, daily BEMER treatments over 11 months not only improved the stallions’ semen quality but also made them more focused and manageable, reducing stress for both the horses and handlers. Overall, by supporting both the physical and mental aspects of performance, BEMER therapy has become a go-to tool for keeping equine athletes in top form.

Supporting Overall Equine Well-Being

Beyond specific injuries or competitive goals, BEMER PEMF therapy contributes to a horse’s overall health and well-being. Regular sessions can be thought of as “maintenance therapy” that keeps the horse in a healthier state day-to-day. With enhanced microcirculation, all body systems function more efficiently – not unlike how an athlete benefits from good cardiovascular conditioning. Horses on a consistent BEMER program often show improved coat condition and muscle tone, likely a reflection of better cellular metabolism and detoxification.

 Importantly, BEMER offers these wellness benefits without pharmaceuticals, making it an attractive natural therapy for long-term use. It provides equine practitioners a medication-free bio-solution to common problems like back pain and stiffness .

Veterinary Endorsements and Scientific Evidence

The use of BEMER in horses is backed by a growing body of scientific research and veterinary endorsement. For example, researchers at Colorado State University’s Equine Sports Medicine program (a leading authority in horse rehabilitation) have been at the forefront of BEMER research, publishing the notable 2022 study demonstrating pain relief and flexibility improvement in horses with back pain . This study, published in the Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, provided quantifiable evidence of BEMER’s benefits, and its findings were presented at the 2022 American Association of Equine Practitioners conference to inform veterinarians of this new modality. With scientific evidence mounting and positive case reports from vets and trainers worldwide, BEMER therapy has earned a legitimate place in modern equine sports medicine.

Key Benefits and Practical Applications

For horse owners, trainers, and veterinarians considering BEMER therapy, there are several key benefits and practical uses to highlight:

• Faster Injury Healing: Improved microcirculation helps injuries heal more quickly. BEMER sessions can be incorporated into rehab plans for tendon and ligament injuries, muscle strains, or post-surgical recovery to speed tissue repair . Many users report quicker recovery times and better healing outcomes when BEMER is used alongside conventional treatments.

• Pain Relief and Reduced Inflammation: BEMER provides a non-pharmaceutical option for pain management. It has been shown to raise pain tolerance in horses with back pain and alleviate muscle soreness by increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation in affected areas . This makes it useful for chronic conditions (like sore backs, arthritis, or laminitis) where ongoing pain relief is needed. Importantly, it achieves these effects without the side effects of medication, and horses tend to relax and enjoy the treatment.

• Enhanced Performance and Suppleness: Regular BEMER use keeps the equine athlete’s body in top condition. By ensuring muscles are well-nourished and oxygenated, it can boost stamina and performance, allowing horses to train effectively and compete at their peak . Using the BEMER blanket as part of the warm-up routine loosens the horse’s topline and improves flexibility, which is a prerequisite for optimal performance in any discipline. Consistent therapy may also help reduce the incidence of injuries by keeping tissues supple and resilient .

• Improved Post-Exercise Recovery: After strenuous workouts or competitions, BEMER helps horses recover faster. A 10–15 minute session during the cool-down period can accelerate lactic acid removal, reduce muscle tightness, and shorten the overall recovery time . Horses treated with BEMER often show less muscle fatigue and stiffness and come out fresher in their next training session . This is especially beneficial during intense show schedules or multi-day events where rapid recovery is critical.

• Stress Reduction and Relaxation: BEMER therapy engages the parasympathetic nervous system (“rest and digest”), which has a calming effect on horses . It’s a handy tool for helping nervous or anxious horses settle. For instance, applying the BEMER blanket before shipping or in new environments can take the edge off a hot horse, making the experience safer and more pleasant. Signs of relaxation like licking, chewing, yawning, and even dozing are commonly seen during sessions, indicating the horse is truly unwinding . A more relaxed horse is easier to train and less prone to stress-related issues. This benefit extends to stall-bound horses rehabbing an injury – the mental soothing can prevent boredom and stress during recovery .

• Overall Health Maintenance: Even for healthy horses, BEMER can be used as a preventive wellness therapy. Many trainers use it on days off or after light work to keep circulation optimized and support the horse’s immune system and metabolic health . Some owners of senior horses or retirees use BEMER to help with age-related circulation decline, reporting improved comfort and mobility in their older companions. Because the system is portable and easy to use (with a rechargeable battery and no wires), it fits conveniently into daily horse-care routines, whether at home or at shows .

• Integration with Veterinary Care: Veterinarians often recommend BEMER as part of a multimodal therapy approach. It can be combined with treatments like chiropractic adjustments, acupuncture, physiotherapy, or medications to enhance overall outcomes. For example, after a joint injection or a chiropractic session, a vet might suggest a BEMER treatment to increase blood flow to the area and prolong the benefit. Its safety and lack of contraindications mean it can be used in most cases (with standard advice to consult a vet for any serious medical condition before use). BEMER is even used in some equine hospitals to improve circulation in horses under anesthesia or on prolonged stall rest, aiding in prevention of complications like edema. Always follow veterinary guidance on how and when to use BEMER for specific medical issues, but know that it is widely viewed as a helpful adjunct for equine rehabilitation and health care .

A typical session involves simply draping the BEMER blanket over the horse and attaching leg cuffs if targeting the limbs. The horse can be in a stall or grooming area, and most stand quietly (or even fall asleep) during the 5–15 minute treatment. Because it’s non-invasive, horses generally tolerate it well – even those who are sensitive to touch often accept the blanket’s gentle pulses. For trainers and riders on a busy schedule, BEMER therapy is easy to incorporate: it can be done during grooming or tacking up, and the newer models are programmable and shut off automatically, requiring minimal supervision . The convenience and flexibility of the system mean that even high-performance barns with dozens of horses can give each horse regular BEMER sessions without significant downtime.

Conclusion

BEMER electromagnetic pulse therapy has emerged as a valuable tool in equine rehabilitation and sports medicine, offering a range of benefits from faster injury recovery to enhanced athletic performance. By improving microcirculation and encouraging the horse’s natural healing and regulatory processes, BEMER helps horses recover from hard work and injuries more efficiently, while also promoting relaxation and overall wellness. Scientific studies and case reports have provided encouraging evidence of its effectiveness – from measurable pain reduction in horses with back soreness to improved recovery markers after exercise – lending credibility to what many horse owners and professionals have observed anecdotally. High-performance sport horses, in particular, are reaping the rewards of this therapy, as it enables them to train and compete at their best with reduced risk of injury and burnout . Equally important, BEMER offers a gentle, drug-free approach that aligns with the goal of holistic horse care: keeping the animal healthy, happy, and pain-free. Whether it’s used to help a top-level jumper stay in peak condition, to rehab a racehorse’s tendon, or simply to give a beloved older horse a better quality of life, BEMER therapy is making a positive impact on equine well-being. With veterinary endorsement and its growing popularity in the equestrian community, BEMER PEMF therapy represents a cutting-edge yet practical application of science – one that truly benefits the horse from the inside out. As always, horse owners and trainers should work with their veterinarians to tailor any therapy to their horse’s specific needs, but BEMER can be a powerful addition to the toolbox for keeping horses sound, strong, and thriving.

Scientific Research and Veterinary Presentations

• King, M.R. et al. (2022). “Use of Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy to Reduce Thoracolumbar Pain in Horses” – Journal of Equine Veterinary Science A peer-reviewed study demonstrating that BEMER therapy significantly reduced back pain in horses.

• AAEP Convention Proceedings – 2022 Includes abstracts and presentations on equine rehabilitation and integrative therapies like BEMER.

Educational and Peer-Reviewed Sources

• Research in Veterinary Science – PEMF Applications in Equine Health Scientific articles covering circulatory health, PEMF research, and rehabilitation.

• The Horse: PEMF Therapy for Equine Pain and Performance Educational summary on how PEMF, including BEMER, is used in equine therapy.

• The Horse’s Back – Alternative Therapies in Equine Bodywork Discussion of complementary therapies including magnetic and bodywork modalities.

Veterinary Endorsements and Clinical Use

• Colorado State University – Equine Sports Medicine Leading research group studying BEMER and equine rehabilitation approaches.

• VetPD – Practical Equine Sports Medicine Courses Continuing education provider for vets on the use of adjunct therapies including PEMF and BEMER.