A MicroCurrent Therapist: An Interview with Tracey Barrett Webb

By: Nikki Alvin Smith

Tracey Barrett Webb is a wife of a veterinarian in Ocala, Fl. Her husband, Brent Barrett DVM, specializes in equine podiatry is also a proponent for microcurrent therapy.

When did you first learn about the benefits of micro-current therapy?

It was about fifteen years ago that I went to a pain clinic in Phoenix, AZ for low back issue from a fusion. The doctor used the Acuscope/Myopluse microcurrent system. It worked so well I purchased by own machines and trained to work on race horses in Louisiana.

How did you learn about Matrix Therapy Products?

I was shopping for microcurrent supplies. Matrix had small units that looked very appealing when compared to my large equipment. Deborah Powell the owner is so knowledgeable about the different units and the adjunct therapies. I have added the Best Vet, Best Vet III, the MicroPlus and Micro-400 to my inventory of microcurrent devices.

What was your therapy regimen and how did the therapy help you?

Microcurrent is the only thing that helps my nerve pain. I have a metal rod in my back from getting bucked off a horse so I have multiple issues going on. Microcurrent greatly increases the quality of my life.

What do you use microcurrent therapy for in horses?

My husband is an equine vet and after getting my equipment I managed show barns so it was an easy transition to start offering therapy services. Most show horses have issues. I worked with a girl that did one of the top hunter/jumpers trainer’s horses daily at the shows. Microcurrent is great for sore backs, legs, and feet.

Did you have a specific regimen?

Every horse is different depending on the problem. One horse has chronic SI problems which affect the whole hind end. For time purposes I use multiple machines. Each have unique equine features which Deborah at Matrix Therapy Products is great for helping with which device is best for what. If I am only doing a particular horse once a week for soreness than I would roller everything (the roller connects to the microcurrent device). The result is the spasmed muscles soften and the pain is relieved.

What about other injuries?

I have worked on torn suspensory ligaments that heal with no scar tissue and in record time. I have used on shoulders and got the muscle reactivated and working. I have worked on Dachshunds that couldn’t use their hind legs and in three treatments they could walk.

Could you tell me about your experience regarding rehab facilities?

In Europe horses have osteopaths and physical therapy. Here we have rehabilitation facilities. We have equipment for primarily exercising injured horses as opposed to doing physical therapy for each condition. The treatments here are Shock Wave, PRP, Stem Cell, etc which are done by a veterinarian. The rehab facility can have hot walkers, aqua tread, cold water leg spa, Hyperbaric Chamber, swimming and other exercise modalities. The rehab may use laser and PEMF also.

Have you seen/have experience of micro current therapy being used at rehab facilities?

I have worked at rehab centers with the vets permission. Many compare PEMF and regular TENS to microcurrent and do not understand the differences. They are always impressed with the results from microcurrent and yet it rarely gets the credit it deserves. Maybe they feel it is too complicated, or labor intensive. They overlook the result which is the entire point.

Do you believe that rehab facilities could do more to provide care for their equine patients?

Yes. We need real physical therapists trained to do exercises with horses to decrease the recovery time and improve the result. They need treatments to decrease recovery time like microcurrent. Most leg injuries could heal much fast with less scar tissue if microcurrent was used.

What do you think a horse owner can do to better serve their horses needing rehab when they pay to put their horse in a rehab facility?

I would look for microcurrent services in your area. For much less than a rehab center you can get great results at home if your horse doesn’t require the exercise modalities offered at rehab centers (and you have turnout).