Forward Equine is excited to bring Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) to our patients in 2024!

This treatment modality helps your horse become stronger, more supple, and more comfortable so you get the most out of each and every ride. It is also a game-changer when it comes to getting back to work after an extended time off. Additionally, as your horse experiences the benefits of this treatment, their body becomes more resilient and less prone to injury so you can stay in the saddle. Read on for more information on how this treatment works!

This treatment modality specifically improves the function, strength, size and shape of your horse’s muscles. It is instrumental in helping horses recover from any underlying issue that causes muscle pain, weakness, or loss of muscle, whether that is arthritis, saddle-fit struggles, neurologic conditions, or just their natural “sided-ness.”

FES is one type of electrical stimulation in which electrodes are placed on the skin to result in a change in what is happening in the body. It is unique in that it is able to penetrate deeply into the muscles and mimic the signals sent from the brain to recruit muscle groups so the contractions produced are like those produced when the horse is doing activity. This is why it is called *functional* electrical stimulation. By engaging muscle groups the same way the brain does, the muscles respond to treatments by increasing their strength as well as breaking cycles of inflammation and stiffness as they are able to relax through the application, and release, of this particular electrical stimulation. 

FES results in:

  • Pain relief from decreased muscle spasm

  • Improved flexibility and range of motion from decreased muscle tension

  • Decreased swelling from injury

  • Better mobilization during healing, thus decreasing scar tissue formation

  • Strengthening muscles and tendons

  • Reversal of muscle loss

  • Decreased rehabilitation time after layup or stall rest due to injury or surgery

This treatment can be helpful for a wide variety of conditions or to keep your equine athlete at their peak performance. If you are interested in learning more or finding out how this will specifically benefit your horse, contact us today!

RESTORING SOUNDNESS ~ PERFECTING PERFORMANCE