Rana and Her New Footwork Treatment

This Halloween, Friends of Global Sanctuary for Elephants held a fundraiser to help purchase a PEMF pad–otherwise known as a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field therapy pad. The process behind it is simple, though it might sound confusing at first. To break it down: cells contain electrically charged particles called ions that govern all cellular processes. If a body is stressed by illness, age, or environmental factors, the cell membrane becomes compromised and can no longer efficiently do its job of transporting ions. The pad’s pulsing electromagnetic fields stimulate the ions into action, which increases cellular communication and circulation, decreases inflammation and pain, and can result in faster healing.

PEMF can pass through fur, skin, bandages, and bone. Smaller animals might be able to lie down completely on the mat; elephants, of course, don’t lie down on the mat, but rather place their feet on it, one at a time. The treatment can take about 30 minutes and can’t be felt by a human when they put their hand on the mat.

Right now, the mat is being used exclusively by Rana, in an attempt to help her problematic foot heal. Of course, in her first session she knocked it out of the park. She had her normal foot treatment and a foot soak, then we decided to try the mat and see how she reacted. We asked her to stand on it, but she didn’t initially understand where we wanted her to put her foot. She wanted to smell the pad, touch it, pull it, tug it. Once she got the idea of what we were asking her to do, she tried to centralize her foot over the mat–and then actually tried to put her other front foot on there as well. However, it’s not quite big enough for both feet side-by-side.

It was educational watching her try it. We put the mat on the lowest setting at first, to see how Rana reacted. She seemed content, so we went up to the next setting. She remained relaxed, until it was time to take her foot off the mat. She simply didn’t want to do it. She would actually lift her foot off and then hold it with her trunk. We eventually asked her to move to the other foot, which she was happy to do. We will add this to Rana’s treatment plan for future use and keep an eye on how her healing might improve. The plan is to use it on some of the other girls as well. We just have to figure out how to protect it a little bit, since some may not be as gentle on it as Rana is.

Photo of Rana putting her foot on the PEMF pad

Comments(8)

Zoi says
December 9, 2024 at 3:17 pm

That’s great! I love the natural way the sanctuary always try to heal the girls. Thank you!
Carey says
December 9, 2024 at 4:08 pm

What a marvellous story! I’m incredibly grateful to Friends of GSE for a very successful fundraiser for such a potentially useful bit of kit! WOW! I do hope that it helps, and that you will continue to update us. Rana …no words adequately express my admiration for her.
Pamela Hall says
December 9, 2024 at 6:13 pm

What a lucky elephant. Should have spent the rest of her life getting sicker, sorer feet and loneliness. Bless GSE!
maureen says
December 9, 2024 at 6:43 pm

From Rana’s reactions to using the new matt it would appear that she may have felt some positive results already. In humans, the first noticeable results are listed as reduced inflammation, better sleep, and overall feelings of relaxation. I would venture to say that Rana may have experienced some small measure of the first and thirds results. From someone who deals with chronic pain and severe inflammation daily, even a very slight decrease in pain & inflammation is noticeable and highly welcomed. Praying for best results with Rana’s continued use of the matt. It appears this was a good investments.
- REPLY
  Lynne Russert says
  December 10, 2024 at 9:13 am
  
  What a brave girl! Bravo Rana!!!
Terry says
December 9, 2024 at 11:03 pm

I’m so happy you found this!!! By what you have written, and her reaction to it, it will be an amazing healing treatment long term! She probably wanted you to try it on her elbow too!!!YAY❤️
Sheila says
December 10, 2024 at 3:12 am

OH MY GOODNESSCMZ RANA IS SUCH A STAR!! How very lovely. That Rana is beginning to love this. Pad. I sincerely pray it will help her foot leg and body. 💖 Best wishes TO RANA AND CARE GIVERS😍
Sharon L Mootry says
March 24, 2025 at 1:37 am

GOT TO LOVE RANA!!!
She is such a sweetheart! I learned that these magnificent creatures have so much personality, intelligence, kindness, and have beauty to the bone, I’ve grown so accustomed to their “sweet selves”and love them so much! I’ve never met an Ellie I didn’t love! Thanks for sharing our friends and keeping us updated with information, pictures, and videos. 💕 🐘 💕 🐘 💕

How To Help

Adopt an Elephant

Donate Today

GSE Merchandise

Elephant Wishlists

Blog