Electrotherapies

Class IV laser therapy

Class IV laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment modality that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate many cellular functions and tissue repair in your companion animal.

Laser therapy stimulates the immune system, increases cell metabolism, stimulates wound healing, stimulates blood vessel growth, decreases muscle spasm and promotes pain relief. Companion Animal Health lasers are supported by clinical scientific research, please visit their website to find out more https://companionanimalhealth.com/pet-owners-laser .

Laser therapy is particularly useful for:

Wounds
Muscle soreness
Pain management
Nerve regeneration
Tendon/ligament injuries
Trigger points
Osteoarthritis
Lick Granulomas
Acute injuries
Post surgical recovery
Spinal conditions

Therapeutic effects can be seen following a couple of laser applications. Treatment times vary from a couple of minutes up to 15 minutes, depending on condition, size of animal, colour of fur, skin colour and weight of animal.

Prices:
Laser only sessions: £40
Add on to physiotherapy session: £20
Mileage charges may apply.

Laser FAQs

What should I expect during a laser therapy session?

Your animal does not need to be clipped prior to treatment, they need to be relaxed and remain still. Most animals will relax once they feel the benefit of the laser therapy. The therapist and animal handler will need to wear protective eye wear that is provided. Dogs will also wear 'Doggles' as shown in the above photo, if they are able to. The laser will be moved in the target area, your animal will feel a mild heating effect and also gentle massage fo the tissues depending on which treatment head is used.

How long will treatment take?

This depends on the condition being treated, number of treatment sites, size of animal, skin colour, and hair colour, but typically ranges from 2-12 minutes per area.

How many sessions will my pet need?

This also depends on the condition being treated, but commonly I will recommend that your pet receives two/three treatments per week for the first couple of weeks, and then once per week for a few weeks, followed by monthly maintenance sessions. This will also depend on how your pet responds to treatment.

Will my insurance cover the costs?

Laser therapy is often covered by your insurance, but please contact your own insurance company to find out if they do.

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) provides pain relief by exciting sensory nerves under the skin and stimulating the release of endogenous opioids in the body. These opioids are the bodys natural painkillers, which block the pain pathways with a long carryover effect. The removal of pain in the area helps to restore normal range of motion, improve quality of movement and improve muscle strengthening, which all result in reduced risk of injury.

Indications:

chronic pain
acute pain
muscle spasms
nerve damage

TENS is tolerated well by most horses, but not by many dogs, so will most frequently be used in the equine patient. Its most common reason for use is chronic pain in the back muscles of the horse, but is also used for acute pain post-operatively.

This electrotherapy is most effective used daily to begin with, reducing to two to three times per week, and then only when necessary in the maintenance period. TENS machines are cheap to buy and can be used by owners in-between physiotherapy sessions, providing that your veterinary physiotherapist has assessed how your animal copes with the electrotherapy and has shown you how to set the device up.

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT)

Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) is non-invasive and has a wide range of effects. An electrical current is passed through a circular coil of wires, inducing a pulsed low-level electromagnetic field. This electromagnetic field re-establishes the normal voltage across damaged cell membranes and optimises the bodys natural healing capabilities.

Some of its effects are to block pain signals, regulate blood flow, improve the rate of dispersal of oedema, promote the removal of waste products, increase delivery of nutrients to cells, accelerate nerve tissue regeneration, increase collagen production and promote bone regeneration processes.

Indications:

Acute pain
Chronic pain
Oedema
Fractures
Bruising
Soft tissue injury
Wounds
Neurological problems

PEMFT is commonly used with horses and dogs and well tolerated by both. It is also safe enough to be used by owners.

Kinesiology Taping

Kinesiology taping is a technique that has been used in humans for many years, but has now been adapted for use on animals. It has various applications, including alleviating discomfort, helping with postural dysfunction, improving joint range of motion, and reducing oedema.

Kinesiology tape has a decompressive effect, in that it lifts the skin from the underlying tissue, allowing an improvement in circulation and reduction in pain sensation. It also aids with postural dysfunction by improving proprioceptive feedback and activating necessary muscles that are required to maintain a correct posture.

Indications:

Muscle strain/tears
Oedema
Joint instability
Prolong the effects of myofascial release
Tendonitis or desmopathy
Movement abnormalities