Treatments
Following a full musculoskeletal assessment, a treatment plan tailored to your animal's individual needs will be constructed. A veterinary physiotherapy treatment plan will typically consist of a combination of different treatment methods. I offer the following treatments on a case specific basis.
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For my equine patients, INDIBA radiofrequency is also available. You can find more information on INDIBA here.
Manual Therapies
Manual therapies are the core of veterinary physiotherapy treatment and will be included in all treatment programmes in some capacity. Massage, stretching, passive joint mobilisations, and myofascial release are all manual therapy techniques offered as part of a session. Some clinical benefits include reducing pain, relieving muscle tension, improving movement, and strengthening musculature.
PEMF Therapy
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMFT) is an electrotherapy which targets cell membranes to restore cell function and activity. It has proliferative benefits and is primarily used to promote healing and provide pain relief. Conditions PEMFT can benefit include, but are not limited to, osteoarthritis, soft tissue injuries, fractures, wounds, neurological conditions, and chronic pain. The use of PEMFT will be case dependent.
TENS/NMES
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) is primarily used for pain relief as it releases endorphins and interrupts the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) stimulates the musculature to cause muscle contractions so it is primarily used for muscle strengthening. The use of TENS and NMES will be case dependent.
Phototherapy
Phototherapy, sometimes referred to as LASER therapy, is a very beneficial treatment for wound healing, pain relief, and soft tissue injuries. When light energy is absorbed by tissue it triggers a cascade of biological responses at a cellular level. This improves cell function and stimulates immune responses, creating a proliferative state to promote healing and reduce scar tissue. The use of phototherapy will be case dependent.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Exposing tissue cells to high-frequency soundwaves causes oscillations at a cellular level and the transfer of energy from soundwave to tissue. This has therapeutic benefits which make ultrasound an effective treatment for a variety of injuries. It is particularly beneficial for tendon and ligament damage but it can also benefit joint capsules, scar tissue, and other soft tissue injuries. The use of ultrasound will be case dependent.
Remedial Exercise
Remedial exercise will be an important part of your animal's treatment plan as it is designed to strengthen, improve function, and enhance performance. Exercise intensity can be individually adapted to suit your animal's specific needs. Sometimes these exercises will be included in a treatment session but more often they will be prescribed for you to perform with your animal between sessions as part of an on-going treatment programme.
