As a veterinarian who treats many dogs and cats with chronic pain, injuries, and neurological disease, I’m often asked about non-drug therapies that can support recovery. One of the most promising, and increasingly popular, tools is pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) therapy, most widely recognized in veterinary medicine through the Assisi Loop.
What Is PEMF Therapy?
PEMF therapy uses low-level electromagnetic fields to influence cellular function. The Assisi Loop, for example, generates targeted, pulsed electromagnetic waves that stimulate natural anti-inflammatory and healing processes.
At the cellular level, PEMF helps regulate nitric oxide pathways, which are important in:
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving blood flow and oxygenation
- Supporting tissue repair and regeneration
Uses of PEMF Therapy in Dogs and Cats
1. Pain Management
- Effective for osteoarthritis, chronic back pain, and soft tissue injuries.
- Reduces pain by decreasing inflammation in joints and surrounding tissues.
- Can be used alongside NSAIDs, joint injections, or regenerative medicine therapies.
- Many pet owners appreciate that it’s a non-drug option that avoids the side effects of medications.
2. Wound Healing and Post-Surgical Recovery
- PEMF has been shown to speed up wound closure and reduce swelling.
- Beneficial for post-surgical incisions, traumatic wounds, and even chronic non-healing wounds.
- Improves tissue perfusion and reduces the risk of delayed healing.
3. Neurological Recovery
- Used in dogs with intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), spinal cord injury, or degenerative lumbosacral disease (DLSS).
- Helps reduce spinal cord inflammation and may support nerve healing.
- Can be combined with rehabilitation therapy (such as underwater treadmill, acupuncture, or laser therapy) for improved outcomes.
The Assisi Loop: The Leading PEMF Device for Pets
The Assisi Loop is the most well-known PEMF device designed specifically for animals. It is:
- Portable and easy to use at home
- Available in different sizes to fit small pets or large dogs
- Non-invasive, requiring no shaving or sedation
- Backed by peer-reviewed studies showing its effectiveness in veterinary patients
In our rehabilitation practice, we also use the Assisi Loop Lounge, which allows us to provide targeted PEMF therapy in-clinic as part of our multimodal treatment sessions.
What I really appreciate about the Assisi Loop, however, is that it empowers pet owners to continue care at home. The ability to treat daily, between veterinary visits, is often what makes the biggest difference in recovery and long-term pain management.
Advantages of PEMF Therapy
- Safe and non-invasive: no needles, sedation, or radiation exposure
- Drug-free: can be used when medications are contraindicated (for example, in dogs with kidney or liver disease)
- Complementary: works well with medications, injections, and rehabilitation modalities, including shockwave and laser
- Home-friendly: allows owners to continue treatment between veterinary visits
Safety Considerations
PEMF therapy is generally very safe, but there are a few precautions:
- Should not be used over areas with active cancers (because of theoretical concerns about cell stimulation).
- Owners with pacemakers should avoid holding the device while it is active (or if your pet has a pacemaker).
- Always follow veterinary guidance for frequency and placement of treatments.
How PEMF Fits into Multimodal Care
Like most therapies, PEMF is not a standalone cure, but rather part of a multimodal pain management and recovery plan. I often recommend it alongside:
- NSAIDs or other pain medications
- Intra-articular injections (like PRP or Arthramid)
- Shockwave therapy (ESWT)
- Physical rehabilitation and exercise modification
Together, these strategies provide the best chance of restoring comfort and mobility.
Final Thoughts
PEMF therapy, especially through the Assisi Loop and Loop Lounge, is a valuable, evidence-based tool for managing pain, wound healing, and neurological recovery in dogs and cats.
What makes it particularly powerful is how it allows owners to actively participate in their pet’s recovery at home. With consistent use, PEMF can significantly improve comfort, healing, and quality of life, making it one of my go-to tools in both the clinic and at-home care.
drbrunke 
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