An Interview with Sara Wittman of Return to Rhythm LLC
It can be overwhelming for any horse owner to decide and manage which maintenance therapy is right for their horse. As equestrians we must know our options and the science behind our options to make informed decisions. Our interview with Sara Wittman of Return to Rhythm LLC features the uses and proven benefits of PEMF therapy.
Introduction to the Equine Industry:
Sara’s family truly has horses in their blood. Her great, great grandfather was in the Hungarian mounted cavalry and passed down his love of horses to her grandfather, mother, and now herself. Not many can say that horses have been in their family for 4 generations!
Sara started riding hunt seat at 7 years old, got her first horse at the age of 14, and still to this day has Tucker who she got when she was 15. Sara not only fell into dressage when Tucker preferred not to jump, but also fell into starting Return to Rhythm LLC when Tucker partially tore his left front suspensory. Horses have a funny way of paving the way for their owners’ future.
What is PEMF?
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) therapy works with the magnetic field that already exists within the body. Sara mentioned that this connection exists when you are grounded; such as, barefoot in the grass or on the beach. She explained that “each cell is a battery, and unless that battery is fully charged and able to function, you are not hitting your peak performance level”. PEMF utilizes electromagnetic pulses to pass through and harmonize the body by adjusting the frequency of the waves for different power/levels of therapy. This charge of energy addresses settled lactic acid build up, can improve digestive function, helps aid in the healing process of fractures down to the cellular level as well as aid in EPM and Lyme disease recovery after medication.
What ailments can PEMF treat?
In conjunction with chiropractic and massage therapies, Sara has used PEMF to help numerous horses with splint bone fractures, tendon recoveries, blowing abscesses, ulcers, navicular, laminitis, mastitis, and even mares with lactating restriction and performance bucking bulls.
Management of Multiple Therapies:
Sara emphasized that it is important for owners to be knowledgeable and consistent when choosing/using alternative modalities. For example, she mentioned that many find it beneficial to alternate massage and PEMF from week to week. Owners must build a structured foundation for their horses in order to better understand their bodies’ needs and improvement over time.
Maintenance Professionals Help Others Succeed:
Sara has always been passionate about helping horses in any way possible. While she chose not to go the vet route that she had previously envisioned, she has helped countless horses along their paths to success using PEMF therapy. Sara mentioned, “I’m not out to be a millionaire and would rather be affordable so my clients can keep maintenance until they see the improvements that they are looking for. Whether that is daily comfort of a lesson horse, backyard companion, or success in the show ring, it can help all levels!”
