– C.W., Christian Williams CRW Trainer (Racing)
It is widely accepted that micro current has significant benefits however these have been somewhat
hit and miss in equines until now.
Microcurrent stimulation but more importantly sequential microcurrent (Nurokor patent pending) is a non-invasive, yet highly effective treatment modality that is known to provide significant benefitsto a diverse range of equine injuries and conditions. In general, microcurrent is used as a versatilerecovery aid to address both acute and chronic issues, whilst helping to reduce the associatedsymptoms.
Much like humans, the equine body possesses an endogenous bioelectrical system that produces natural signals in different areas such as; the brain, skin, muscles, heart, etc.
The endogenouselectrical signals were discovered many years ago, but now, with modern techniques, the existenceof these electrical pathways has become well established. These natural electric signals play a pivotalrole in many fundamental processes including; wound healing and repair functions. By applyingcarefully selected microcurrents that can mimic these signals, healing and recovery could be enhanced for wounds, various conditions, and most types of injuries.
Understanding the different ways that microcurrent interacts with the body is vital for establishing how this unique technology can be best utilised.
There are a number of known localised benefits that can be gained from applying microcurrent stimulation close to the affected area.
These include:
- Reduction of inflammation and associated pain.
- Local increase in production of ATP.
- Restoration of skin battery effect across damaged tissues.
- Aid the rate and quality of tissue healing.
Microcurrent is thought to provide a local benefit to the mitochondria within the cells, which are responsible for producing around 90% of cellular energy. Electrical currents appear to provide the cells an additional resource, which in animal tissues may increase the production of ATP. This process is heavily dependent on the availability of electrons within the mitochondria and the electrochemical gradients across the inner mitochondrial membrane – thus offering a potential mechanism of action for the application of microcurrents in relation to ATP production.
LOCALISED BENEFITS
There are also mechanisms that explain how some benefits of microcurrent appear to be derived on a systemic level i.e the microcurrent is applied to a localised area, resulting in certain responses that are systemically derived.
Afterall, when an injury occurs a number of systemic responses are normally invoked as a direct response to a localised stimulus such as the wound itself e.g. immunity responses, growth factor and mediator release, the healing cascade etc. When injuries occur, there is evidence to suggest that not only does ATP provide the vital energy needed by the cells, it also acts as a signaling molecule when released from damaged cells. The role of ATP as a signaling molecule, and its ability to initiate DAMPS (Damage Associated Molecular Patterns) has been well established, and the generation of ATP to a localised area by microcurrent stimulation provides a potential mechanism of action as to how these natural responses could be promoted.
Therefore, microcurrent can be formulated to promote both local and systematically derived actions for optimal recovery of wounds and injuries.
THE MOST ADVANCED MULTI-FREQUENCY MICROCURRENT.
Bioelectrical engineering is the passion of Nurokor the makers of Equipod, they themselves on the scientific integrity of their technology.
EquiPod was developed from a foundation of; knowledge, bioelectronic expertise, and true passion for equine healthcare. This has enabled the company to produce the most advanced, evidence based microcurrent formulations to incorporate into Equipod, an easy to use, app driven device.
WHAT IS MULTI FREQUENCY MICROCURRENT?
With microcurrent stimulation, there are many different electrical and waveform parameters that can be adapted, controlled and formulated for certain purposes and intended outcomes. There are variations in current amplitude and most devices utilise a current between 0-500 microamps (µA). One of the most significant factors which has been shown to induce some of the different therapeutic effects of microcurrent is the Frequency (hz). Over the last few decades the benefits of different frequencies have been widely reported within the International Frequency Specific Microcurrent Movement, and across a large range of published papers and scientific literature.
Despite this, most pre-programmed microcurrent devices only provide single frequency microcurrent. This means, while there are changes in the current amplitude, all other parameters, including the frequency, remain the same. This can limit personalisation of treatment and explains why single frequency microcurrent will only work for some horses, some of the time.
We have a library of a selection of the literature used by NuroKor during the development of the EquiPod – you can check them out here.
APP-DRIVEN SOFTWARE
The EquiPod Bluetooth mobile app is available on both Android and iOS devices. It is intuitive, simple to use and designed to help you get the most out of your device and time.
Features include:
• Ability to pair to multiple devices at any one time, enabling simultaneous treatments for multiple horses.
• Battery level indicator for each paired device.
• Push notifications to let you know when the treatment session is finished.
• Three unique programmes, with a choice of treatment time durations.
Part of our competition horse management
Here at Tom Woodward Eventing’ we have adopted the use of Equipod as part of our competition horse management. For horses that have had a slight knock or strain we immediately utilise the Repair & Recovery programme to provide the optimum chance of a quick and full recovery and back to training as soon as possible. We have found that the more highly strung horses have really enjoyed the systemic treatment setting and have regularly been found relaxing in their boxes whilst the programme runs. The expectation of athletic performance of Event horses is enormous so anything that can help the horse to recover post exercise (DOMs) is really important to include as part of our individual care plan. Jaegermaster, who recently won the 3* at Kelsall International HT , has had the therapy every other day for the past 6 weeks. He looks and feels fantastic at the moment and with the u21 Britishh Championship on the horizon he will certainly continue with his Equipod treatment alongside his training schedule.
Tom Woodward
Used Daily
“The EquiPod is a key part of the horses daily routine. They have a daily maintenance and wellbeing programme using the advanced microcurrent therapy. I also use the repair and recovery programme after intense training and competitions. I firmly believe this is helping their development and recovery.”
Will Rawlin
Astonishing
When I first heard about the Equipod it primarily seemed too good to be true. It was simple to use, could be controlled by your phone and did everything that other therapy devices we had tried did and more. So where was the catch………………… Well as we have a yard of 8 horses we now realise that we can’t live with just one!! It wouldn’t be fair to any of them if they didn’t all have a turn. The difference I feel in my horses is extraordinary, I can tell immediately if a horse has had the device on before I ride or not. Inevitably some of our horses are being monitored and treated regularly by our vets for minor ailments related to past injuries or just general wear and tear, this device has helped hugely to make these horses work more comfortably which makes my job and theirs a much more pleasurable experience. The value for money you get from this product is astonishing and having found its benefits to my horses I now could never be without them.
Nathalie Kayall
As seen in…
British Dressage Issue 4 2023:
