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Functional Electical Stimulation

Functional Electrical Stimulation, or FES, is a physiotherapy treatment which targets muscle pain and function. The device can easily be applied to any large muscle groups, and works by stimulating the muscle electrically to produce a natural muscle contraction. This helps improve and restore normal muscle function, and can provide pain relief for muscle sore horses. By stimulating the muscles regularly, FES therapy can help to build muscle and reverse muscle atrophy. FES is especially useful in horses with underlying back disease to help improve range of motion and return muscle memory to normal.

FES treatment sessions are performed according to a therapeutic protocol which requires an initial session and a follow up session within 24-48 hours, with no riding in between. Each therapy session involves the application of the FES device to one to two sites of the body, for 30 minutes at each site. After the initial series, it is recommended to continue therapy sessions on a routine basis while gradually increasing the interval between treatments. Horses should not be ridden for the 2 horus following a therapy session, but can be ridden any time before a session.

FES therapy has multiple applications for horses, because it produces a functional movement without the added weight of a rider, or concussive forces produced during exercise. Because it is able to work the large muscle groups without requiring moving exercise, FES therapy is especially useful for maintaining muscle mass in horses that are out of work due to injury. FES therapy is a useful addition for the sport horse needing to maintain topline while on rest, or while returning from rehabilitation. For the sport horse in active training, incorporating FES therapy can help to build and maintain muscle, improve range of motion, and reduce pain.