Anna Gezon-Equine Massage Therapist

One of my client’s horses recently underwent surgery for a deep digital flexor tendon (DDFT) injury, adhesion removal, and a palmar annular desmotomy.

As part of his post-operative rehabilitation plan, his surgeon recommended MagnaWave PEMF treatments 2–3 times per week during months 2 and 3 of recovery.

So... why?

Tendons and ligaments naturally have a more limited blood supply than muscle, which is one reason they often take much longer to heal. While PEMF doesn’t repair a tendon or replace surgery, controlled exercise, or veterinary care, research suggests it may help support the healing process by:

• Increasing local circulation
• Improving oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues
• Supporting normal cellular function
• Helping manage pain and inflammation
• Creating an environment that supports tissue recovery

Some research has also found that PEMF may positively influence collagen organization, tendon cell activity, and tissue healing, although more high-quality equine research is still needed.

In addition to PEMF, I incorporated red light therapy over the surgical area to further support the healing process. Research suggests photobiomodulation may help promote cellular energy production (ATP), support collagen synthesis, improve circulation, and help manage inflammation—making it a great complementary therapy during rehabilitation.

Many veterinarians and equine rehabilitation practitioners incorporate PEMF into rehabilitation programs when they feel it’s appropriate. This case is a great example of how complementary therapies can be used alongside traditional veterinary medicine—not instead of it.

Successful rehabilitation isn’t about finding one “magic treatment.” It’s about combining the right pieces of the puzzle: veterinary care, an appropriate rehabilitation plan, controlled exercise, time, and supportive therapies when indicated.

Every horse, every injury, and every rehabilitation plan is different, so always follow your veterinarian’s recommendations.

Pennsylvania is currently under a statewide Code Purple Air Quality Alert due to wildfire smoke, meaning the air is considered very unhealthy—not only for people, but for our horses too.

Wildfire smoke contains extremely small particles called PM2.5. When a horse exercises, they breathe faster and deeper, allowing more of those particles to travel into the lungs and potentially cause airway irritation and inflammation.

USEF states that when the AQI is over 150, exercise is not recommended for horses and strongly recommends suspending or canceling competitions.

During periods of poor air quality:

• Skip riding, lunging and strenuous exercise
• Keep unnecessary activity to a minimum
• Provide constant access to fresh water
• Reduce additional dust by dampening hay and avoiding sweeping or dragging arenas
• Check the AQI throughout the day because conditions can change quickly
• Be especially cautious with horses who have asthma, heaves or another respiratory condition

Watch for coughing, nasal discharge, flared nostrils, increased breathing effort, lethargy or a respiratory rate that remains elevated while resting. Contact your veterinarian if your horse appears to be struggling to breathe or symptoms persist.

One missed ride will not affect your horse’s fitness—but exercising in very unhealthy air could affect their lungs.

6 years ago today, I started leasing a grumpy little paint horse who had no idea how much he was about to change my life.

Over the last 6 years, we’ve collected more memories than I could ever count—snarky expressions, dramatic yawns, horse shows, terrorizing his poor donkeys, many photo shoots that you hate but always somewhat cooperate in, swimming adventures, endless attitude, and those morning nickers that still greet me every time he hears the front door open.

These days, retirement looks good on you, buddy. You’ve earned every lazy afternoon, every snack, the 4 fans in your stall, and every bit of spoiling.

Merlin is the reason I became the bodyworker I am today. Every challenge he gave me pushed me to learn more, ask more questions, and never stop searching for ways to help horses feel better. This business, these certifications, and the passion I have for helping horses all started with you. Which is why he is the face proudly displayed in my logo

Thank you for being my greatest teacher, my biggest challenge, the cause of most my stress, and my heart horse.

Here’s to 6 incredible years… and many, many more. ❤️ enjoy some pictures from the last year of craziness, laughs, funny faces and smiles

Magnawave makes Rhett sooooo sleepy 🤓🦷💤

Kali girl stretching out during her PEMF and red light ❤️