Electrical Stimulation

Electrotherapy is very useful for pain control, reduction of inflammation, muscle re-education, reversal of atrophy and strengthening. This therapy works at both the tissue and cellular level by affecting both sensory and motor nerves. Patients recovering from orthopedic or neurologic injury or disease can greatly benefit from this modality, making it an essential tool for animal rehab.

Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) works by applying the electrical current through the skin to manage pain. It does this by stimulating faster sensory nerves with the electrical impulse which limits the ability of sensory nerves to transmit pain signals to the brain. Thus, it is effective in pain management by creating analgesia for the patient.

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is used to rehabilitate muscle by stimulating the nerves that cause the muscles to contract. NMES can be used to strengthen muscles when an animal is weak or paralyzed. It can prevent muscle atrophy, increase local blood circulation, and maintain or improve joint mobility.