Therapeutic/Rehabilitation
This procedure allows patient treatment via deep tissue laser therapy. Treatments can be regulated by several factors. The patients can be defined by animal type, body weight, coat and skin color. Laser light is a low level, non-cutting laser that can have multiple uses depending on the specific therapy that is needed. Its uses are designed, but not limited to the following:
- Laminitis
- Wounds
- Ligament and tendon issues
- Arthritic conditions
- Nerve injuries
- Back pain
- Ulcerations
- Acupuncture points
This procedure stimulates the middle layer of the skin which helps relieve a wide variety of symptoms and ailments. This therapy involves the use of extremely small needles that penetrate the interdermal layer of skin in conjunction with medication. The exact number of treatments does vary due to the conditions that are creating the problems for the horse.
This procedure has shown remarkable results for horses with lameness, back, sacroiliac, and gluteal muscle problems. This is a non-invasive procedure that utilizes electromagnetic currents to stimulate affected areas. This therapy sees more beneficial results when multiple treatments are scheduled.
This procedure is used for ligament and tendon injuries to stimulate new tissue formation and reduces healing time. This is a non-invasive procedure. The indications for use include, but are not limited to tendonopathy, calcifications, splint bone fractures, sesamoiditis, sacroiliac disease, back soreness, and navicular disease.
TENS is the acronym for transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. A TENS unit is a pocket size portable, battery-operated device that sends mild electrical impulses to certain parts of the body to block pain signals. The electrical currents produced are mild, but can prevent pain messages from being transmitted to the brain and may raise the level of endorphins (natural pain killers produced by the brain). Electrodes are attached to the surface of the skin over or near the area where you are experiencing pain.
NMES
A NMES (Neuromuscular Electronic Nerve
Stimulation) generates customized electrical pulses. These flow through
leads to electrodes placed on motor points over a targeted muscle or muscle
group. Between the electrodes, the current passes into the body and causes
an electrical reaction in motor nerves that result in muscle contraction.
The best example of a condition to use names would be sweeny in a horse or
on the leg muscles on a dog after stifle surgery.
Clinical Application
NMES is indicated for:
By
assisting with muscle contraction, NMES can help a patient regain function
and resume their daily activities more quickly.
- Prevention of disuse atrophy
- Muscle re-education
- Relaxation of muscle spasm
- Maintaining or increasing range of motion
- Increasing local blood circulation
- Strengthening weak or injured muscles