Electronic Muscle Stimulation therapy uses electrical energy to stimulate nerves and/or muscles depending on the required treatment. EMS causes muscles to contract so it can help rebuild areas that may be weakened by wasting. EMS can also aid in pain relief, as it can stimulate nerve regeneration and repair to help with overall pet rehabilitation. Different machines are used for different treatment modalities. The Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine stimulates nerves which aids pain relief, whereas EMS equipment stimulates muscles for rebuilding and rehabilitation of injuries. This can often be useful for lame animals who can’t bear weight on their limbs thus building strength up again.

Manual therapy is a more targeted approach towards improving joint mobility, whereas therapeutic massage can reduce tension and increase flexibility in pets.

Manual therapy and massage are both techniques which make use of the hands for therapeutic effect. However, there are important differences between the two techniques in how they are used to treat and rehabilitate pets.

Canine massage therapy softens and refreshes strained or sore muscles through the rhythmical application of pressure, helping a pet to relax and become more mobile. Manual therapy involves a more hands-on technique to realign joints and supportive structures where they have become ‘bent out of shape’. Relieving pain and improving flexibility in this way, can help a pet exercise safely and effectively, thus strengthening the body more broadly.

Massage and/or manual therapy commonly form part of the bespoke rehabilitation packages designed for pets who have undergone orthopaedic surgery. These patients often suffer tight, strained muscles as a result of compensating for a problem limb or joint. These therapies are invaluable for pets recovering from injury too, for example the sporting dog who has pulled a tendon or strained a muscle. Common candidates also include pets with chronic conditions such as arthritis, for whom regular ‘maintenance’ treatments can help keep the body strong and supple.

Myofascial (my-o-FASH-e-ul) release is a therapy technique often used in massage. This therapy is focused on pain that comes from myofascial tissues — the tough coverings that wrap, connect and support muscles.

Myofascial pain may differ from other types of pain because it often originates in “trigger points.” Trigger points are stiff areas within the myofascial tissue. The pain that a trigger point causes is often hard to pinpoint, though. The trigger points may not always be near what feels like the source of pain.

During myofascial release therapy, the therapist applies light pressure by hand to find myofascial areas that feel stiff instead of elastic and movable. These stiff areas, or trigger points, are thought to limit muscle and joint movements, which can play a part in widespread muscle pain.

The massage and stretching used in myofascial release therapy can help loosen muscles and joints. This may help indirectly ease your pet’s back pain.

Tuning fork applications impart many of the same benefits as EMS with certain advantages. For example, tuning forks do not require electricity and can also be used as diagnostic instruments. Tuning forks are applied to the spinal points to relax tension and facilitate chiropractic adjustments. Applied vibration is also synergistic with acupuncture treatments for relieving pain and is an effective alternative for animals with needle sensitivities.

Application to muscle groups, trigger and acu-points to help relax animals during an examination. The therapeutic application of frequency can quickly ease tension and facilitate healing. Frequencies between 25-150 Hz are known to aid in bone growth and fracture healing.

The tuning fork helps reduce inflammation and stasis, making it a beneficial tool in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries. Use to strengthen and increase mobility.

A similar vibration treatment modality is McTimoney-Corley finger flick, this is useful when ligaments are restricting joint movement, and it can also work on a tight fascia. It is especially effective for the ribs and the lumbosacral junction and can also be used on the lower limbs.

Ultrasound uses soundwaves at a frequency of either 1 or 3 MHz, differing from the diagnostic type which is used to view and evaluate the structure of a pet’s organs. These options allow for the continuous waves to penetrate the tissue and increase the temperature, encouraging healing and relaxing of affected areas. Ultrasound is very safe for dogs and cats, as the sound waves do not damage or affect your pet during the procedure.

Our method of therapeutic ultrasound is particularly good for tissue swelling and breaking down scar tissue, as well as stimulating blood flow and reducing inflammation. It is a great treatment on its own or to complement other therapies your pet may be receiving.

Walking on a treadmill helps a patient to use their limbs efficiently and as normally as possible, this can be key in returning your pet to their full potential. Your pet’s session will be customized to match their ability and needs. Each session will be individually programmed for the sped and incline and can be changed at any time if the pet is finding it too difficult (or too easy). This makes it an extremely safe tool to use for older, post-operative and/or unfit or overweight dogs.

Heat therapy works by improving circulation and blood flow to a particular area due to increased temperature. Increasing the temperature of the afflicted area even slightly can soothe discomfort and increase muscle flexibility. Heat therapy can relax and soothe muscles and heal damaged tissue. During a session heat pads will be placed in affected areas and left for between 5-15 minutes.

Cold therapy works by reducing blood flow to a particular area, which can significantly reduce inflammation and swelling that causes pain, especially around a joint or a tendon. It can temporarily reduce nerve activity, which can also relieve pain. This is most commonly done using cold packs post-surgery.