Electrotherapy | OD Physio

ELECTROTHERAPY OFFERED

Proven and Supported

As a Veterinary Physiotherapist, Kate 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
Phototherapies
Transcutaneous Electronic Nerve Stimulation (TENS)
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
Thermotherapy

ULTRASOUND THERAPY

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, removes inflammation 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 and pain.

Therapeutic ultrasound is excellent at enhancing tendon or ligament repair, reducing scar tissue, and for reabsorption of fluids due to chronic inflammation

PHOTOTHERAPY

Phototherapy uses infrared and visible red and blue 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.

Phototherapy has been used successfully alongside veterinary treatment for muscle, tendon and ligament strains.

NMES AND TENS

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.