ELECTROTHERAPIES OFFERED
Proven and Supported
As a Veterinary Physiotherapist, Siobhan has had extensive training with the use of the following electrotherapies and regularly reads up to date research and peer-reviewed publication on the efficacy and use of these modalities in physiotherapy to maintain and develop further knowledge. This training ensures that all clients can have confidence in the use of electrotherapies alongside manual techniques for a range of conditions in animals.
Electrotherapies offered:
Ultrasound
Laser – Class 3b and Phototherapy Heads
Pulse Magnetic Field Therapy (PMFT)
Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
H-Wave
All these electrotherapies are offered as part of the treatment sessions in conjunction with manual therapies and exercises.
ULTRASOUND
Therapeutic ultrasound is the application of sound waves to an area which causes a mechanical micro massage of tissues which helps to increase circulation, enhance collagen production, improve tissue extensibility and reduces scar tissue formation by encouraging the appropriate orientation of the newly forming collagen fibres.
Ultrasound also has a thermal effect which increases the temperature of tissue which can relieve muscle spasm.
Therapeutic ultrasound is excellent at enhancing tendon or ligament repair and reducing scar tissue.
LASER/PHOTOTHERAPY
Laser (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emmission of Radiation)
Laser/Phototherapy uses 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.
It has been reported to enhance wound repair, increase local and systemic circulation which improves tissue regeneration, reduces inflammation in soft tissues, assists in pain reduction and also assists nerve regeneration.
Laser and phototherapy has been used successfully alongside veterinary treatment for muscle, tendon and ligament strains.
PULSE MAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PMFT) uses dynamic magnets, with a pulsed current, to restore or change a cell's potential. This enhances the body's repair processes to aid healing and restore equilibrium.
PMFT is effective for reducing muscle spasm, reducing inflammation, fracture repair, nerve regeneration and for pain control.
Different settings provide different therapeutic effects including:
Vasodilation - to bring blood flow to the area, relax muscles and warm joints.
Vasoconstriction - to treat acute injuries by acting like an ice pack.
Fracture healing - stimulates peri-neural currents in bones to promote healing including non-union fractures.
Nerve regeneration.
Pain relief - acute and chronic.
NMES, TENS & H-WAVE
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES): NMES uses a small electrical current applied to certain muscles to stimulate movement. This can be used in small doses to rebuild or maintain muscle mass which is particularly useful in paralysed or recumbent dogs to prevent atrophy.
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) : TENS is primarily used for pain control, as it causes the release of neurotransmitters and other hormones. This machine stimulates sensory and motor nerves to reduce pain and is often used after surgery, but can also be used in the management of chronic or acute pain caused by injury.
H-Wave: uses a signal that is natural to the body emulating a H waveform that is found in nerve signals. It can be used at different frequencies to either act as an analgesic/anaesthetic or to create muscle stimulation. Stimulating muscles increases the blood flow around the injury site, promoting healing and assisting the lymphatic system efficiency reducing oedema .
