Pulsed Electro Magnetic Field Therapy
This therapy can be used very effectively in all small animals for a range of conditions;
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Joint issues, eg, Osteoarthritis, Joint Disease, Hip Dysplasia
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Soft Tissue Injury, eg, Ligament, Tendon, Muscle or Skin damage
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Post Operative, enhances the body's own healing response
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Fractures, including non-union and stress fractures. Can be effectively used over casts
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Neurological, reduces inflammation and can optimise nerve growth and repair.
It is a very effective modality for treating animals that can become stressed due to its passive application. The treatment pad can be placed under a crate or animal container removing the need for the patient to be held in place.
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Blue Light Phototherapy
Another fantastic modality that allows treatment in animals or areas that can be difficult to treat conventionally. Blue light is used to;
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Prevent bacterial proliferation
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Aid in wound healing when used alongside red light
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Post operative use to help keep wounds free from bacteria and promote healing
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Assist with accdeptance of skin grafts (using alongside red light)
It is another very effective modality for treating animals that can become stressed due to its passive application. .
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Red Light Phototherapy
Red light has multiple applications, including;
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Assisting wound healing when used alongside blue light - the red light encourages optimum conditions for healing.
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Prevention of proud flesh during wound healing - promotes healthy granulation and epithelial growth.
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Post Operative, enhances the body's own healing response
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Endorphine release when used over accupressure points (non-invasive accupuncture)
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Muscle warming effect, ideal for use prior to massage.
Often the first tool in a physiotherapist's arsenal, Red Light Phototherapy can be used to calm a stressed animal, as well as release muscle tension without actually having to put physical pressure on the animal - ideal for more sensitive and reactive pets.
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Electro-Muscle Stimulation
Rarely used in small animals, but very useful in certain circumstances. EMS can be used to;
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Stimulate nerve repair and growth
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Increase muscle strength, especially following spinal surgery
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Help to relieve muscle spasm
It is a very effective modality for treating neurological-related conditions, especially where this has led to muscle weakness. However, some animals cannot tolerate the strange sensation of EMS. Due to electrode placement, animals may require a small area of hair to be clipped prior to treatment.
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Ultrasound Therapy
This is a very effective therapy, if tolerated - some small animals can hear ultrasound and therefore can find it distressing. If they will tolerate it, it has many applications including;
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Promotion of healing due to increase in blood supply
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Help to ease muscle spasm
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Softening of scar tissue and firbrous tissue
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Assist with injury repair to tendon/ligaments/muscles
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Increase is muscle elasticity and potentially Range of Motion
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Proprioceptive Exercises & Passive Stretches
This therapy can be used very effectively in all small animals for a range of conditions;​
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Neurological; helps to assess how aware an animal is of it's body and assist with nerve growth and repair, or formation of alternate nerve responses prior to or following neurological surgery or incident
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Improves co-ordination and proprioception
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Increases elasticity of muscles and improves Range of Motion
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Increases circulation and therefore assists with delivery blood and nutrients into muscles and removing waste products
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Improves flexibility
There are many stretches and exercises that can be completed with no equipment, and many of these will be taught to you to perform on a daily basis to enhance your pet's recovery. I also have access to numerous proprioceptive equipment that will optimise treatment.
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Treadmill
The terrestrial treadmill is specifically engineered for dogs (although can be used for other small animals if trained). If has 4 incline options, and speed ranges from 0.1mph - 12mph allowing assessment at all gaits. The treadmill is an excellent tool for not only assessing movement, but can also be used to treat obese patients or those requiring fitness work under optimum, controlled conditions. Examples of use include;
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Walking post injury/surgery during recovery in a controlled manner, at a controlled speed to prevent further injury or damage
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Fitness training for agility, showing, or trial dogs
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Gait analysis and assessment
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Controlled exercise for obese animals requiring controlled exercise to reduce weight.
Due to the shock-absorbing capability and rubber belt of the treadmill, it offers an excellent, controlled environment to exercise small animals with reduced shock/impact that you would get from concrete/road walking. The ability to control the speed ensures a consistence pace at all times.
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