Electrotherapies
Our physiotherapists are firm believers in research and peer-reviewed publication, and so will only use electrotherapy equipment that has extensive research proving its efficacy in multiple species and published in respected journals.
This not only allows for confidence in the electrotherapies we use but also allows for a safe practice where the contraindications are well known and also for optimising the results achieved. We combine electrotherapies with manual and exercise-based rehabilitative practice.
If you require any information on any of the electrotherapies listed please contact us for an information leaflet, further detailing the uses of each machine.
Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy or PMFT uses dynamic magnets, with a pulsed current, to restore or change a cell's potential. This enhances the body's repair process. PMFT is effective for reducing muscle spasms, reducing inflammation, fracture repair, nerve regeneration and for pain control.
There has been impressive research into the effects of PMFT on various conditions in multiple species. The effects of PMFT were highlighted initially when it showed impressive results in healing non-union fractures that were at the point of gangrene in soldiers injured in the Vietnam War.
Laser Phototherapy
Laser phototherapy uses blue, infrared and visible red light applied to an area using high intensity light emitting diodes. The energy transferred from the light beam to the targeted tissue alters the chemical structure within the cells of the tissue.
Different colour lasers have different uses and depths of penetration, with blue phototherapy being useful in treating infected or dirty wounds, gingivitis and also mud fever and rain-scald in horses, while infrared and visible red can penetrate deeper into the tissue enhancing wound repair.
This increases circulation and also reduces muscle spasms in conjunction with manual treatment. Red light laser therapy is also used for the treatment of pain and swelling.
Red light phototherapy has also been successfully used alongside veterinary treatment of muscle, tendon and ligament strains, which are very common in horses and active and sporting
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is the application of sound waves to an area which cause a mechanical micro massage of tissues which help to increase circulation, enhance collagen production and extensibility reduce scar tissue formation by encouraging the appropriate orientation of the newly forming collagen fibres.
Therapeutic ultrasound enhances tendon or ligament repair and reduces scar tissue.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
NMES uses a small electrical current applied to certain muscles to stimulate movement. These treatments can be used in small doses to rebuild or maintain muscle mass and can also be used as another method of pain control.
This therapy is particularly useful in paralysed or recumbent dogs to maintain muscle mass and to help to slow down muscle wastage.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
TENS work slightly differently in animals than it does in human use.
It is primarily used for pain control as it causes the release of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, β endorphin and other hormones. TENS can also be used to produce some muscle contraction.
This machine stimulates sensory and motor nerves to reduce pain. Often used after surgery, it can also be used in the management of chronic or acute pain caused by injury.