BEMER Therapy in Horses: What Does the Research Say?

One of the most frequently asked questions is my perspective on the BEMER blanket as a veterinary physiotherapist. Veterinary physiotherapy is a profession that integrates a range of hands-on techniques and electrotherapies, that are backed by scientific evidence, to support treatment and rehabilitation. That means that every tool, modality, or hands on technique is chosen based on clinical reasoning for the individual case and supported by research. BEMER therapy is a type of pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, which is often used in veterinary physiotherapy practice, like mine. But what exactly is PEMF, how does BEMER work, and what does the research in horses tell us?

What is PEMF?

PEMF stands for pulsed electromagnetic field. Simply put, an electromagnetic field is a wave of energy that is created whenever electricity flows. Some of these fields occur naturally—such as the Earth’s own magnetic field, which oscillates at about 7.8 Hz—while others are man-made, like the fields generated by household electronics.

Living tissues also generate natural electromagnetic activity. For example, activity in postural muscles during quiet standing produces signals approximately between 5–30 Hz, while walking generates around 10 Hz. These signals play a role in cell function, healing and normal physiological function.

PEMF therapy aims to influence cellular processes by applying low-frequency electromagnetic fields to the body. In human and veterinary medicine, PEMF has been investigated for its potential roles in pain relief, bone healing, improved circulation and tissue regeneration.

Research on PEMF in Horses and Dogs

PEMF therapy is not unique to BEMER - several devices exist, and the wider body of PEMF research can help us understand potential applications.

• Pain relief: The analgesic effects of PEMF have been documented in both humans and animals (Ryang We et al., 2013). Some studies suggest that PEMF may modulate pain pathways by influencing nerve activity and local inflammation.

• Bone healing: PEMF has shown promise in accelerating bone repair. Studies in animals and humans report stimulation of osteoblasts (the bone-forming cells) and increased secretion of TGF-β, a growth factor critical for bone remodelling (Boopalan et al., 2009; Chalidis et al., 2011). This can result in improved callus formation and potentially faster recovery from fractures or orthopedic surgery (Inoue et al., 2002; Androjna et al., 2014; Mohajerani et al., 2019).

• Soft tissue healing: Evidence for PEMF in muscle, tendon, and ligament repair remains fairly inconsistent. Schlachter and Lewis (2016) note that robust clinical evidence for soft tissue healing is still limited.

• Research in canine rehabilitation has looked at PEMF as a complementary therapy for osteoarthritis and post-surgical recovery. While some studies report reductions in pain scores and improved mobility, more controlled trials are needed to confirm long-term benefits.

  
  

Although there is no universal agreement on the “best” treatment parameters (session length, frequency and intensity), canine studies show that PEMF enhances bone healing (Pickering & Scammell, 2002; Umiatin et al., 2019; Daish et al., 2018; Di Bartolomeo et al., 2022).

What is BEMER?

BEMER (Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation) is a commercial PEMF device designed for both human and veterinary use. The BEMER blanket and limb applicators emit pulsed electromagnetic fields at a set frequency of 33 Hz.

According to the manufacturer, BEMER aims to enhance microcirculation (blood flow through the vessels), thereby supporting oxygen delivery and waste product removal in tissues.

Research on BEMER in Horses

Over the past few years, several peer-reviewed studies have investigated the effects of BEMER therapy in horses:

• Anaesthesia recovery: A study on 100 horses found that 15 minutes of BEMER therapy during recovery from general anaesthesia was associated with worse recovery scores compared to placebo. This may be linked to improved microcirculation leading to greater uptake and distribution of anaesthetics, resulting in deeper sedation (Brandenberger et al., 2024). This highlights the importance of considering how modalities interact with medications.

• Circulation in limbs: A study of 16 horses using a BEMER limb applicator found no difference in skin temperature compared to placebo. However, ultrasound showed increased vein and artery diameter, suggesting improved blood flow in the treated limbs (Nawrot et al., 2024).

• Post-exercise recovery: In a trial investigating recovery one hour after exercise, no significant improvements in body temperature or performance recovery were observed. However, a potential effect on vagal activity was reported, suggesting increased relaxation in treated horses (Dai et al., 2022).

• Body temperature changes: A pilot study in 14 racehorses reported no immediate differences in body temperature after BEMER use, but horses did show an increase in temperature 15 minutes post-treatment compared to placebo (Soroko-Dubrovina et al., 2025).

• Back pain and mobility: In a small study of eight horses treated over three consecutive days, BEMER therapy improved back pain thresholds and spinal flexibility (King et al., 2022). However, repeated testing itself may have influenced these improvements, and larger studies are needed.

  
  

Take-Home Message

Studies on BEMER have demonstrated some biological effects, especially in increase of blood circulation. However, results in horses remain mixed and much of the evidence is still preliminary. It is important to understand that any form of PEMF is not a “heal-all” solution. Like with all electrotherapies, they are a great addition to the rehabilitation process, but will not bring the desired result without a guided rehabilitation comprising of hands on techniques and progressive exercise plan.

As with any modality, safety and context are essential. For example, just as laser therapy may be contraindicated in patients on steroid medication, the vasodilatory effects of BEMER must be considered in each individual animal as no device is suitable for all:

Contraindications for PEMF devices include:

• Abscesses, infections, or ulcers (risk of worsening inflammation or bleeding)

• Neoplasia (melanomas and other tumours) or any kind or abnormal growth

• Viral conditions

• Pregnancy

• Electrical implants (e.g., pacemakers in handlers or owners)

• Areas with haemorrhage, bleeding risk, or desensitised skin

• Heart or skin conditions
  

In summary, BEMER is a form of PEMF operating at 33 Hz with evidence of circulatory effects and possible benefits in pain relief. However, research findings in horses are not yet conclusive, and ongoing studies are needed to better define its role in equine physiotherapy.

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References

• Brandenberger O, Kalinovskiy A, Körner J, Genn H, Burger R, Leser S. Effect of Bio-Electro-Magnetic-Energy-Regulation (BEMER) Horse Therapy on Cardiopulmonary Function and Recovery Quality After Isoflurane Anesthesia in 100 Horses Subjected to Pars-Plana Vitrectomy: An Investigator-Blinded Clinical Study. Animals. 2024;14:3654. doi:10.3390/ani14243654.

• Nawrot K, Soroko-Dubrovina M, Zielińska P, Dudek K, Howell K. The Application of Infrared Thermography in the Assessment of BEMER Physical Vascular Therapy on Body Surface Temperature in Racing Thoroughbreds: A Preliminary Study. Animals (Basel). 2024;14(11):1538. doi:10.3390/ani14111538.

• Dai F, Dalla Costa E, Giordano A, et al. Effects of BEMER® physical vascular therapy in horses under training. A randomized, controlled double-blind study. Research in Veterinary Science. 2022;144:108–114. doi:10.1016/j.rvsc.2022.01.017.

• King M, Frisbie D, et al. Effects of a Bio-Electromagnetic Energy Regulation Blanket on Thoracolumbar Epaxial Muscle Pain in Horses. Journal of Equine Veterinary Science. 2022; (article). doi:10.1016/j.jevs.2022.103867.