This month’s blog is quite emotional for me as my own show horse suffered a major tendon injury and bone bruise in her left front leg due to a trip and fall in some kind of wild animal hole in one of the pastures. It was recommended that putting her to sleep was probably the best option for her. Well, guess what, she and I had been together since she was 1 and decided it was not time to say our goodbyes just yet! We took a different route and ended up with a totally sound and happy horse, that I can now ride for fun!
Her injury made me study and get certified in holistic equine therapies, including equine sports massage where I was introduced to MICROLIEF®, that saved her life and therefor also mine! Forever grateful for Don Doran and Lisa Stahl from Animal Dynamics (Equine Massage School) in Ocala, FL.
Images: The black horse is my girl.
Under saddle with me and was taken a week before her accident at age 18,
Next you can clearly see which leg the injury is and how uncomfortable she is :-(
The Microlief® therapy applied to her injury area
18 months later, square and totally sound in all gaits.
She is now 23 and we just ride for fun!
The images with the chestnut horse demonstrating different applications for the product are by Microlief®.
What is MICROLIEF®?
Microlief® is a Micocurrent Therapy that uses the application of low levels of electrical stimulation to muscles, tendons and ligaments that penetrate the cell walls to provide PAIN RELIEF and to stimulate SOFT TISSUE HEALING. The electrical currents are set at approximately the same level of the normal electrical exchanges in the horse's body's cellular system, knowing 49u microamps. These currents penetrate cells, as opposed to passing over the cells as some other electrical stimulation devices do. Microlief® is powered by patented FDA approved Microcurrent science and technology.
What is Microcurrent?
Human and Equine Physical therapists have been using microcurrent since the 1980’s to provide their patients with pain relief and healing of soft tissue injuries and skeletal discomfort. Historically the devices were bulky, expensive and required on-site treatment and monitoring by a trained specialist. Newark, Inc. revolutionized the human microcurrent industry with the invention, patent and FDA approval of a portable and affordable over the counter microcurrent therapy unit. Shortly after their units became available Newmark began receiving testimonials from satisfied human microcurrent users who used the product on both themselves and their horses! That’s when MICROLIEF® was established to address the specific needs of horses. They have developed effective microcurrent protocols with unique electrodes designed specifically for use on horses.
How does Microlief® work?
The unit consists of a pair of Microcurrent electrodes with a snapped on battery operated power supply. The electrodes are placed on either side of the painful, injured or area you want therapy. Optionally, one electrode can be placed over the problem area. The battery does not have an on/off switch, it’s activated whenever there’s correct contact. To get correct contact conductivity gel is required. A blinking red light will indicate there is contact and that the current is flowing. The battery will last up to 300 hours! The horse will not feel any discomfort or sensation because the current that is used closely matches the body’s own low level electricity frequency. The current stimulates natural healing processes within the cells of the painful area. Pain relief may be experienced within minutes to hours!
What does Microlief® do for your horse?
Inflamed, injured cells resist the body’s natural electric current. The resistance blocks the normal supply of blood, oxygen and nutrients. The Microlief® Currents penetrate the inflamed cells and restore the essential blood supply necessary to re-establish normal cell activity and therefor:
Increases the production of ATP (Adenosine Tri-Phosphate, Cell Biology and the energy used by an organism in its daily operations. It consists of an adenosine molecule and three inorganic phosphates.
Increases protein synthesis
Increases oxygenation
Increases ion exchange
Increases absorption of nutrients
Increases the elimination of waste products
Neutralizes the oscillating polarity of deficient cells
The external application of microcurrent restores homeostasis to the cellular system. By normalizing cell activity, inflammation is reduced and collagen producing cells are increased. Healthy cell metabolism creates a healthy and pain free environment.
Recommended Uses and Protocols:
Every Microlief“ should be safely secured under bandaging or some type of protection. This is a standing wrap or fleece polo for lower legs, elastikon and stretchy neck or shoulder guards, thin sheet for the back, knee boots, hock boots or stifle wrap for those specific area’s.
Several ways to use:
- Daily Injury Prevention and Optimal Performance
Horse owners can use Microlief® Protocols daily to enhance their horse’s well-being and improve the outcome of their training programs.
One easy application is to use Microlief® overnight under standing bandages to increase circulation to the tendons & ligaments of the lower legs. This is a proactive way to manage the stress and strain that come with daily training and/or transportation.
- Competition Prep & Recovery
Microlief® can be used to help a horse feel it’s best for a competition or hard workout.
Microlief® can be applied 48 hours prior to the event and left in place until moments before the horse enters the arena or steps on to the track.
Likewise, Microlief® can be used after an event to help prevent the next day regional soreness, inflammation, swelling and/or lameness that performance horses often experience.
- Injury Recovery & Rehabilitation
Microlief® can be worn for 5 days in a row if necessary. It can also be used to assist with the recovery from serious injuries that have extended healing timeframes. After those 5 initial days the microlief can be worn up to 12 hours a day.
Provides natural pain relief for muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints
Reduces the need for NSAIDs
Stimulates natural healing processes within the body to speed up the timeframe for injury healing and reduce “down” time
Assists in recovery from acute and chronic soft tissue injuries o Tendons, Ligaments, Muscles
Gives the owner/manager more control over the healing process and reduces the need for additional therapies.
Warnings & Safety Precautions
Microlief® Equine Microcurrent Therapy is designed for use on horses that are in general good health. Microlief® Equine Microcurrent Therapy is a non-medical method for treating pain and should never be used as a replacement for veterinary care. If you have any doubts concerning a horse’s state of health, always consult with your veterinarian.
There are specific regions on the horse’s body where Microlief® cannot be placed.
There are specific conditions, which if present are contraindications for using Microlief®.
There are special procedures for activating the Microcurrent Power Supply through the equine hair coat.
Every Microlief® should be safely secured with protective bandaging.
Full description of directions of use will be given to you with each product.
PRICING
- Microcurrent by Microlief© KIT(1 unit – 300 hrs) $ 75 (+ tax,shipping/handling)
The Microlief® Basic Kit contains:
One (1) Microcurrent Power Supply with a battery life of 300 Contact Hours
Two (2) Pair of 3.3" Microcurrent Electrodes
Two (2) Pair of 4.5" Microcurrent Electrodes
One (1) Tube of Hypoallergenic Conductivity Gel (2 Fl. Oz)
- Microcurrent by Microlief© barn KIT (5) $320 (+tax, shipping/handling)
Microlief is covered by US and International patents including 6,408,211 EP129443B1 2,410,342
For more info, a demo on your horse or to place an order contact:
MD-Equine Therapy
Mireille Doffegnies
Certified Equine Therapist
mdoffegnies@gmail.com
727-251-4197