CASE STUDY: A Painful Genetic Diagnosis of PSSM1, Supported with Bio-Electric Acupressure
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Guest Post from Lori Perez, LAc, Crowning Touch Clinics, and Katy McKay, Wonders Wellness
PSSM1, or Polysaccharide Storage Myopathy Type 1, is a genetic muscle disorder in horses caused by a mutation in the GYS1 gene. It leads to an abnormal accumulation of glycogen (sugar) in the muscles, which can cause symptoms like muscle soreness, weakness, cramping, and stiffness, particularly after exercise. PSSM1 is managed through a combination of a low-carbohydrate diet and consistent daily exercise.
Animal Information:
Name: Sissy
Age: 9
Breed: Quarter Horse
Discipline/Job: Barrel horse
History:
Sissy was diagnosed with PSSM1, and later it was discovered that additional genetic markers had been missed, which made managing her condition even more difficult. She suffered from chronic muscle pain and stiffness and experienced frequent tying up episodes that severely limited her mobility and comfort. For over a year, she was unable to lope comfortably, and her topline and lumbar region were extremely sore and reactive to the touch. She struggled to engage her hind end, lacked forward movement, and her overall willingness and attitude began to decline as a result of the constant discomfort. Her owner had explored multiple options but saw little lasting improvement, and eventually, her veterinarian discussed euthanasia as a likely outcome due to her declining quality of life. Not ready to give up, her owner began searching for another option, which is what led her owner to seek out The Bio-Electro Acupressure at Wonders Wellness.
Previous Treatments Attempted:
Strict PSSM management diet, Vitamin E and selenium supplementation, Magnesium, NSAIDs as needed, Chiropractic care, Massage therapy, Adequan and muscle relaxers intermittently, Stall rest and conditioning cycles. None provided long-term improvement Began Equiscope Micro-current on Acupressure Points at Wonders Wellness January 30, 2025.
The session consisted with plate electrode application of the Acupressure points stimulated with the following frequency and durations. Mode 1 bipolar and Mode 2 bipolar (Equiscope micro-current devices have separate operating modes for optimization of specific tissue response biofeedback.)
Frequencies delivered on reusable electro-conductor plates:
Mode 1 Frequencies: 0.5, 2.5, 5, 10, 40hz
Mode 2 Frequencies: 0.5, 2, 4, 10, 40hz - Frequency stimulation duration is 2 minutes with 4 minutes on frequency 10
Y-Probe meridian zone massage to finish used at 40hz. on each point 1 minute per acu-point
Session length: 45 minutes
Total sessions performed: 5
Session Timeline & Points Used:
January 30, 2025 - GV14, Bai Hui, BL40 (bilateral)
February 17, 2025 - All four feet: Left Front (TH1), Right Front (Pe9), Left Hind (GB44), Right Hind (KI1)
April 15, 2025 - GV14, Bai Hui, Left Hind (GB44), Right Hind (K1)
July 5, 2025 - ST42 (bilateral), BL54, BL36
August 20, 2025 - GV14, Bai Hui, ST36 (bilateral)
Sissy showed a noticeable relaxation response during her very first session, with reduced muscle tension and improved mobility immediately afterward. By the second session, her topline and sacroiliac region were significantly more comfortable, and she was moving with less resistance. After the third session, she was able to lope comfortably for the first time in over a year. Along with her physical improvements, her behavior changed as well, her expression softened, she showed more willingness to move forward, and her overall demeanor improved. She did not experience a single tying up episode after beginning microcurrent therapy and began developing correct muscle instead of compensating through tension. Overall, Sissy demonstrated a significant increase in comfort, balance, and physical ability.
Outcome:
Sissy is now comfortable, moving correctly, and loping sound. She is no longer experiencing tying up episodes and has returned to regular work and conditioning with a positive attitude. She is maintained on a wellness schedule as needed to support long-term muscle health and performance. Her transformation has been life changing for both her and her owner, who shared, “I finally have my horse back!”
About the Authors
Lori Perez, LAc. has been practicing Acupuncture and Bio-electric Acupuncture for
over 30 years, and has been a practitioner of Animal practices for 10 years. Crowning Touch Clinics specializes in sharing the tools of TCM and animal acupressure classics combined with modern Bio-Electric modalities in hands-on educational accredited retreat style courses designed for animal and human practitioners.
Katie McKay is the founder of Wonders Wellness based in Okeechobee, Florida. Wonders Wellness mobile practice of Microcurrent serves Central Florida and surrounding areas for rehabilitation recovery and pre/post performance support.
“What began as one horse’s healing journey has grown into something so much bigger, helping horses and their people heal, grow and feel their best.”
