What is Electrical Stimulation (E-stim)?

Electrical Stimulation, or E-stim, has become an effective, commonly used canine & feline physical therapy treatment for pain management, swelling reduction, & muscle mass maintenance. There are two main types of E-stim used that have different purposes. First, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) which is used to prevent atrophy of a muscle or a muscle group. NMES is used to encourage muscle operation, discourage atrophy, and to help prevent the contracture of joints after a neurological or musculoskeletal surgery or injury. Second, as an alternative therapy, Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) is used to aid with pain management. It stimulates the release of endorphins by creating a tingling sensation from depolarizing sensory nerves to alter pain. Both of these methods of physical therapy for your dog or cat are done by putting electrodes/small adhesive pads on your pet’s skin and an electrical current stimulates the nerves.

What Conditions Can Electrical Stimulation (E-stim) Treat?

If your dog or cat has lost ability to use a limb or is recovering from any orthopedic or neurological injuries or diseases such as orthopedic surgery, spinal cord injury, or fracture repair, E-stim can be a very effective rehabilitation method. E-stim can be used to help with pain control, reduce muscle disuse atrophy, joint tightening, swelling/edema, and muscle spasms. It will also assist with building muscle mass for joint mobility, circulation, muscle re-education, strengthening, and conditioning. It has proven to be a highly successful modality in helping pets’ overcome the above mentioned symptoms.

Dr. Knox will review your pet’s medical history to see if E-stim might be the right rehabilitation choice of physical therapy for your pet. E-stim is a very safe modality when practiced by a trained therapist. It can also be combined with other rehabilitation avenues to help heal your pet as quickly as possible. Give us a call at 760-840-5500 to discuss how we can help your pet on their road to recovery.