Thermal imaging is a diagnosis tool now widely used within equine communities and knowing when to use heat therapy or cold therapy is an important aspect of caring for a horse.
It seemed only logical for StreamZ to use this technology to visually show the difference in using StreamZ magnetism over traditional methods.
Using thermal imaging to show StreamZ unique magnetic therapy
Veterinary Thermal Imaging provides a valuable addition to existing diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRI scans and Ultrasound and provides a visual tool for owners and professionals monitoring or treating injury, illness or disease. Relatively low-cost and widely available the technology is becoming ever more popular for both diagnosing injuries and establishing 'areas of concern' prior to an injury occurring.
Very distinctive thermal patterns can be seen where joint injuries or degeneration is present, or has been present in the horse. In chronic pain syndromes or chronic degenerative processes like horse arthritis there is initially an increase in blood flow which then creates a further increase in joint temperature and friction from the two joints rubbing, visible using thermal imaging.
The Thermal Imaging camera used in these studies was the only nitrogen cooled camera in the UK that was licensed for medical and veterinary use at the time of the study. The very latest on the market and extremely sensitive, able to pin point subtle temperature changes associated with joint problems – one of the biggest causes of lameness in a horse.
StreamZ unique magnetic process differs to traditional magnetic therapy. Magnets create a pulse which in turns heats up that localised area, helping to increase blood flow.
The aim of using this technology within a thermal investigation was to show how StreamZ technology does not create heat, thus allowing the bands to be used for long periods of time, 24x7 if required, and immediately after exercise.
The ability for any technology to be used 24x7 to support a horse is of great interest to the equine community. This allows for longer term effects and the ability to leave them on for turnout, often an issue with traditional magnetic devices.
Two thermal imaging studies were carried out.
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SPLINT INJURY (A study carried out over a 5 day period)
Independently carried out by Thermology UK (Digatherm)
This particular thermal study was carried out on a horse with a recent splint injury, over a 5 day period. These images were taken using the only nitrogen cooled camera in the UK licensed for medical and veterinary use. Three separate colour palettes were used to indicate the changes in heat and inflammation clearly. After taking the initial images EQU StreamZ fetlock bands were fitted on both fetlocks.
5 days later the camera took a second shot of the same area to establish what impact the bands had on the inflammation both within the splint and the surrounding area. As many variables were removed as possible. The results speak for themselves!
Please note that thermal imaging diagnosis is not yet clinically approved. The study conditions were not temperature controlled, the purpose was to visually show how heat is not produced and how that bands can be used when the horse is rehabilitating or in recovery.
This does not signify a clinical study or prove any health benefit occurs - only that unlike traditional magnets EQU Streamz Advance Magnetism creates no thermal increase.
Equipment used: Digatherm IR Pad 640×512, 20MK, +/-1degree – The most technologically advanced veterinary IR tablet on the planet and the only one of its kind in the UK. (at the time of study)
STUDY CONCLUSION BY THERMOLOGY:
"Throughout this study StreamZ technology shows a significant reduction in localised heat found in the splint region and surrounding area. This supports StreamZ claims that the technology can be used directly after exercise when applying heat should be avoided, and that their horse bands are suitable for use by horses over long periods of time. Further studies should be taken to establish the differences in StreamZ technology versus more traditional magnetic products."
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STREAMZ versus TRADITIONAL MAGNETS
(A study carried out over a 4 hour time period)
Independently carried out by Thermology UK (Digatherm)
This study was carried out as a visual aid to show how StreamZ Advanced magnetic technology greatly differs to traditional magnetic therapy and creates no heat in the process.
The horse within the image below was a perfectly healthy horse with no issues relating to an imbalance in heat across four legs.
On the front legs of the subject one EQU StreamZ fetlock band was attached to one leg and one Veredus 4-hour Magnetik Boot (£219.99 RRP) was attached to the other.The other two bands were fitted diagonally on the hind legs.
Images were taken as the bands were fitted and four hours later.
The purpose of the study was to show the impact after 4 hours use (maximum advised on Veredus) and whether StreamZ Magnetiism created significant difference to traditional magnetic products with no increase created by StreamZ, as claimed by StreamZ Global. Using the latest and greatest technology within the thermal imagining industry would be a key indicator and provide credible efficacy evidence.
Veredus Magnetik boots were selected as they claim to use 2400-gauss magnets which at the time of the study were the highest gauss (and most expensive) on the market.
Please note that this does not signify a clinical study but a visual aid.
Equipment used: Digatherm IR Pad 640×512, 20MK, +/-1degree – The most technologically advanced veterinary IR tablet on the planet and the only one of its kind in the UK. (at the time of study)
STUDY CONCLUSION BY THERMOLOGY UK:
"Thermal imaging studies carried out on EQU StreamZ bands and traditional magnets show that StreamZ technology differs greatly to traditional magnetic therapy, creating no increase in heat to the subject and providing a non-invasive form of magnetic therapy. As no heat is created by StreamZ technology this would support the claim that the EQU StreamZ bands can be used for long periods of time and throughout turnout, along with their use directly after exercise."