Inflamation
Magnetics can help with inflamation
BREAKING THE CYCLE
Inflammation is the body’s attempt to control and eventually heal an area that has been injured. By creating a “walled off” zone, the body can control the spread of the injured tissue and begin to bring resolution to the damaged tissue.
At times, the inflammatory response is short lived, considered acute. In other cases, the inflammatory response itself becomes self-perpetuating and changes into a chronic inflammation. It is in these cases that it is most important to attempt to break the cycle.
Most therapeutic techniques are designed to increase metabolism in the area, mostly by increasing blood flow. Creating a state of vasodilation, widening the diameters of the capillary network, more blood is forced into the area, which accelerates the removal of the damaged tissue.
Chemicals, heat, massage and electric currents have all been used to increase blood flow to an injured area to relieve inflammation and improve mobility. The chemical mediators the body releases control the inflammation in the area and also allow the tissues to heal faster by increasing the concentration and availability of the basic building blocks the tissue needs for repair.
Magnetics
Magnetics can help inflamation
THE USE OF MAGNETS
Magnetic therapy, properly applied, has all the advantages of these methods with none of the drawbacks. The use of permanent static magnets offers a convenient and humane approach to rehabilitation for both acute and chronic injury processes. There is no recurring cost, no worry about the potential hazards of electric currents, and minimal risk of irritating the skin.
A properly designed static magnet, one intended to affect a deep area with a saturation of the tissues, with the proper type and strength of magnetic fields, can predictably relieve swelling, increase elasticity of muscles, and accelerate healing, resulting in less chance of further injury.
Many equine injuries that have been found to be successfully treated by magnetic therapy include tendonitis, bowed tendons, bucked shins, muscular sprains and strains, and other injuries to the horse’s musculoskeletal system.
THE HALL EFFECT
Many different designs of static magnets are being used today, with varying degrees of effectiveness. An important note regarding the design of magnets is the poles alternate from north to south with the field lines being boundaries between each pole.
Magnetic effectiveness follows a principle called the Hall Effect. The Hall Effect states that the more perpendicular a cross a blood vessel makes over the north and south field zones, the more effective the magnet will be. With that said, it is important to remember that blood vessels rarely ever run in a straight line and it is nearly impossible to know in what direction they are going to run in reference to where the magnet is placed on the body. This is the reason that there are many different magnetic fields offered in various magnetic products. It has been proven that some are far superior in effectiveness to others.
EFFECTIVENESS AND USE
Recent research showing the effectiveness of magnetic therapy on injuries has resulted in increased popularity across the holistic health arena. Many different applications have been created for use on horses including blankets, boots for the various joints, saddle pads, and even bands that can be attached on the bridle or halter.
As far as the length of time that a magnet will affect an area, it is clear that it will definitely work while applied, but there is not a definitive answer as to how long the effects last after removal.
It is clear that the more magnets are used regularly, the longer the effects last. If a magnet is applied too soon after an acute injury, the application of a magnet may cause more pain due to the increased blood flow to the area. This is why it has been recommended that magnetic therapy products not be applied until after 72 hours from the time of injury.
The final area that many ponder is in regard to who can use magnetic therapy and if a veterinarian or other health practitioner must oversee its use. An owner can independently make the decision to use or not use magnetic therapy. For seriously acute or chronic injuries, it is always recommended to consult with your veterinarian as soon as you are able.
Dr. Ted Zablotsky is a science and technology expert on magnet therapy and is recognized as a worldwide expert on biomagnetics. He has extensive experience dealing with broadcast and print media and is sought after as an author and speaker.