I offer a range of electrotherapy treatments for specific cases. Electrotherapy applies electrical forces to the body, which interact with natural electrical charges producing therapeutic effects. These drug-free, non-invasive treatments work alongside treatments prescribed by your vet.
- Pulsed Magnetic Field Therapy
- Photobiomodulation (LASER)
- Long wave therapeutic ultrasound
Pulsed magnetic field therapy
Pulsed magnetic field therapy (PMFT) works by using an electric current, from the mains or a battery, to produce electro-magnetic fields around coils within applicators. These affect tissues by initiating or enhancing the body’s own electric charges, producing optimum conditions for the body to naturally heal itself. Injury can damage membranes, and PMFT restores normal cell permeability.
Even the most sensitive dog will tolerate this treatment, and it can be applied at different settings to assist in:
- Chronic pain relief
- Bone fracture healing
- Soft tissue injuries
- Muscle toning
- Acute and chronic injuries
- Joint and spinal issues
I will often treat your dog on a special PMFT bed so they obtain the benefits of this therapy while I apply other treatments.
Photobiomodulation (LASER)
Phototherapy converts electrical energy to light, which acts on photon receptors in cell mitochondria stimulating metabolism and production of repair materials within these cells, which then circulate achieving pain relief and tissue repair elsewhere.
I can offer blue light and red light phototherapy treatments. A shorter wavelength (blue), has more energy available but is less penetrative while infra-red has the longest wavelength with lowest photon energy, but penetrates deeper into tissue. Red light is intermediate between the two. Each has its own specific use.
Blue light phototherapy is useful for treating bacterial infection. Red light phototherapy can treat superficial tissues, and is particularly useful for promoting wound healing and as a trigger point therapy where dogs will not tolerate manual treatment. Infra-red treatment can target deeper tissues and joints.
I have found infra-red wavelengths to be the most useful and have invested in a high quality and powerful SpectraVET veterinary laser to provide the fastest and most effective treatment to my patients. Treatments relieve pain, reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Long wave therapeutic ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound converts electrical energy to high frequency sound waves, which penetrate tissue creating a heating effect (which increases blood flow and tissue flexibility) and a mechanical or ‘micromassage’ effect in tissues.
Therapeutic ultrasound is particularly useful for treating tendons and ligaments, and for helping to realign scar tissue. It requires application of a gel to your dog (as air will not allow transmission of the sound waves).