OPERATION MANUAL for the PORTA - MAG Magnetic Field Therapy Unit produced by Romar Electronics Tel: 01427 875004 FOREWORD Magnetic Field Therapy has been in regular use in both the animal and Human medical fields for several years, with notable decreases in healing times of specific injuries Dramatic results have been noted in certain areas of treatment. After years of research into magnetic field properties, ROMAR ELECTRONICS have taken into account the specific requirements of owners and trainers. The PORTA-MAG therapy unit has been designed by Dog men for Dog men. GENERAL NOTES ON THE USE OF MAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY The use of magnetic field therapy may be reasonably divided into two areas; Reduction of pain, bruising and swelling, and treatment of cause. Basically it is understood that frequencies between 1 Hz. and 10 Hz. (Settings 1 to 3) are used in the reduction of pain and swelling. Frequencies above 10 Hz. (Settings 4 to 6) are used for treatment of cause Although it is not known exactly how the treatment works, it has been understood for centuries that the Earth's magnetic field can have significant influences on organisms. By inducing an electromagnetic field, pulsed at frequencies that are harmonious with the bodies own frequencies, many of the bodies natural healing capabilities may be increased, thereby significantly reducing recovery time. Please note that no harm will be caused if an incorrect frequency is accidentally selected Correct diagnosis is essential in ensuring correct treatment of the specific injury, thereby ensuring a return to racing fitness in the shortest possible time. Electromagnetic field therapy may be used safely in proximity to metal implants. It easily penetrates plaster casts and strapping. Always bear in mind that magnetic field therapy is FREQUENCY dependent and therefore, it is important to select the correct FREQUENCY. WARNING Human beings who have been fitted with a heart pacemaker should seek medical advice before coming into close proximity of the module. DO NOT use the equipment in close proximity to sensitive electronic devices as they may be damaged. EQUIPMENT SUPPLIED The PORTA-MAG therapy unit comprises: 1) GENERATOR UNIT WITH SINGLE OUTPUT 2) MAINS INPUT LEAD 3) OUTPUT LEAD 4) TREATMENT MODULE INCORPORATING TREATMENT COILS S) TEST MAGNET 6) TREATMENT MANUAL METHOD OF USE 1)Attach mains lead to fused inlet socket at rear of machine and plug into 13 amp mains supply. 2)Attach the output lead into the output socket of the generator unit and connect to the input socket of the treatment module, (This is located at the front of the right hand side of the module almost at ground level) 3)Set the control knob on the front of the machine to the required FREQUENCY. 4)Push the ON/OFF button once. As the machine starts to operate the PULSE light will flash in conjunction with the frequency chosen. 5)At the end of the treatment session. push the ON/OFF button again to stop To test that the module is receiving the pulse signals from the generator unit, take the magnet lightly between finger and thumb, hold it in close proximity to the base of the module and select frequency No.6. A vibration will be felt in the magnet. Please note that the magnet is not an indication of power, purely a test device to indicate that the machine is working correctly. TREATMENT ACCESSORIES TREATMENT MODULE The module is constructed of injection moulded plastic with a wooden base. The treatment coils are located beneath the base and are positioned to create a magnetic field that encompasses the whole of the animals body thereby enabling effective treatment to any injured area no matter what the location. TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS The following is a list of recommended treatment settings for specific and non-specific injuries. It must be realised that individual animals differ in weight, age, reactivity and metabolism. With use, the operator will become more conversant with his own individual animals characteristics and requirements. The following recommendations are a guideline aimed at recovery and a return to full health in the shortest conceivable time. In the case of animals showing exceptional improvements, the treatment times may be reduced. The following recommended treatment recommendations show the FREQUENCY, DURATION (in minutes) and TIME-SCALE reading from left to right. Example: 4 FREQUENCY - 30 DURATION Twice daily for 4 days Where chronic conditions exist, not covered in the following text, a standard treatment recommendation is as follows: 2 3 4 5 6 - 40 40 40 40 40 Twice daily for two days Twice daily for two days Twice daily for two days Twice daily for two days Twice daily for two days Note: The treatment times listed above are a minimum requirement. Due to the convenience and comfort of the module, we have found treatment sessions of 1 hour duration to be of optimal benefit. This note applies only to treatment of injuries. PRE-RACE TONING recommendations should be strictly adhered to. SPECIFIC INJURY TREATMENTS ARTHRITIS AND SWOLLEN JOINTS 2 4 6 - 60 60 60 Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily until no symptoms remain BACK INJURIES 2 5 - 60 60 Twice daily until pain subsides Twice daily until no symptoms remain CUTS AND GRAZES 1 4 5 - 60 60 60 Twice daily for 4 days Twice daily for 2 days Twice daily until completely healed WHEN TREATING OPEN WOUNDS COVERING OF THE AFFECTED AREA WITH A STERILE DRESSING IS RECOMMENDED. FRACTURES AND BREAKS THE PRIMARY REQUIREMENT BEFORE TREATMENT IS CORRECT VETERINARY DIAGNOSIS. AFTER FITTING OF PLASTER CAST OR STRAPPING THE FOLLOWING TREATMENT SHOULD BE APPLIED 2 6 - 180 180 Twice daily for 2 days Twice daily for 21 days Generally it can be expected that dogs will be back in training within 6 weeks. JARRING (Resulting in inflammation or bruising) 2 5 - 60 60 Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily until no symptoms remain Application of treatment should commence as soon as possible following the occurrence of the injury to ensure speediest possible results. LIGAMENT STRAINS 2 5 - 60 60 Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily until no symptoms remain DURING THE COURSE OF THIS TREATMENT, NO EXERCISE SHOULD BE ALLOWED AS THIS WOULD DIRECTLY NEGATE THE TREATMENT. THE DOG SHOULD BE ALLOWED OUT ON COLLAR AND LEAD ONLY MUSCLE STRAINS AND TEARS 2 3 5 - 60 60 60 Twice daily for 4 days Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily until no symptoms remain AS ABOVE, SUSPEND EXERCISE FOR THE DURATION OF TREATMENT SHIN SORENESS 2 3 4 5 - 60 60 60 60 Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily for 2 days Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily for 2 days SWELLING AND BRUISING IN BONY AREAS 1 2 - 60 60 Twice daily for 3 days Twice daily until no symptoms remain TENDON INJURIES 2 4 - 60 60 Twice daily for 2 days Twice daily until no symptoms remain TOE INJURIES 2 60 Twice daily for 3 days 4 60 Twice daily for 2 days 5 60 Twice daily until no symptoms remain IN THE CASE OF SPLIT WEBS, AFTER STITCHING, FULL UNION CAN BE EXPECTED WITHOUT FURTHER RECURRENCE THIS IS REGARDED AS BEING PREFERABLE TO WEB REMOVAL. PRE-RACE TONING For best results, toning should commence three days before race day, and should end on the day before the race. Toning should be applied at the same time each day. Experience has shown the optimum time to be in the late afternoon or early evening. Toning will not produce results beyond the natural capabilities of each animal, but will enable a healthy animal to perform to the best of its natural abilities. Place the dog in the module and proceed as follows: DAY l 4 20 DAY 2 4 20 DAY 3 6 20 In the case of individual animals (generally distance dogs) it may be of further benefit to supplement the toning by a 10 minute application on race morning. This will be at the discretion of the trainer who may better assess the individual requirements of his charges. The 10 minute period, if used, should be at the setting listed below: DAY 4 4 10 The recommendations suggested above should be used as a guideline. As previously stated, variations in metabolism and reactivity will be a pertinent factor in the toning regime used. By slightly varying the guidelines (if no improvement is noted ) the trainer will quickly find each animals optimum requirements. NB. IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED TO USE THE TONING PROGRAMME WITHIN EIGHT HOURS OF A RACE AS THIS MAY HAVE ADVERSE AFFECTS ON A DOG'S PERFORMANCE! OTHER USES OF THE PORTA - MAG POST RACE RELAXATION After each race, trial, solo or hand gallop, use frequency 2 for at least ONE HOUR to help the dog recover. This is beneficial in respect of potential minor injury situations to minimise the chance of undetected injuries developing into major injuries. If a dog appears particularly distressed after running, a session of up to 8 hours on frequency 2 will be of great benefit. Offer water every 2 hours. BAD KENNELERS. EXCITABLE DOGS On race day, extended periods on frequency 2 can help keep dogs calm and relaxed. Put the dog in the module for 6 - 8 hours finishing as close to race time as possible. If travelling long distances, use the cigar lighter facility.( Not available on the cheaper model.) This long period on a low frequency has no adverse effects on a dogs performance. ALTERNATIVE TONING When the pre - race toning has no affect, try giving the dog six or seven days rest and then place him in the module for 10 - 15 minutes on frequency 6 as close to race time as possible. I have seen dramatic increases in trapping and acceleration with certain dogs. I HAVE ALSO SEEN THE OPPOSITE HAPPEN! It is therefore advisable to assess how your own dog is affected before putting this information to practical use. ASSESSMENT OF FREOUENCY/TIME EFFECTS ON A 70 LB. MIDDLE DISTANCE DOG My own evaluation is as follows:Frequency 4 for 20 minutes = 200 yds. hand gallop between 2 people in a field Frequency 6 for 20 minutes = 200 yds. gallop behind a lure Frequency 6 for 60 minutes =525 yds. race With this knowledge, the trainer will be able to evaluate when best to use this information. THE ABOVE INFORMATION IS A GUIDELINE ONLY. TO PUT THIS INFORMATION TO PRACTICAL USE, YOU MUST ASSESS HOW INDIVIDUAL DOGS RESPOND TO EACH APPLICATION GOOD LUCK