CANINE & EQUINE CARE

Electrotherapy for horses and dogs in Lancashire

Supporting Comfort, Mobility and Rehabilitation

Targeted electrical stimulation may be included within a wider physiotherapy plan to support pain management or muscle activation when assessment shows it is appropriate for your animal.

TWO APPROACHES > DIFFERENT GOALS

What is electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy uses carefully controlled electrical stimulation through electrodes placed on the skin. TENS and NMES look similar, but they target different nerves and are selected for different clinical aims.

NMES

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation activates motor nerves to produce controlled muscle contractions when voluntary muscle recruitment is reduced.

Supports muscle activation and re-education
May assist during restricted activity
Used alongside, not instead of, active rehabilitation.

TENS

Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation targets sensory nerves. It may be considered as an adjunct to help modulate pain in selected cases.

Comfortable sensory stimulation
No muscle contraction is required
Response is monitored and treatment adjusted

INDIVIDUALLY ASSESSED

When might it be considered?

Suitability depends on diagnosis, treatment goals, skin and coat condition, sensation, behaviour and any relevant precautions.

Rehabilitation following surgery or injury
Electrical stimulation may support a structured plan when pain management or reduced muscle activation is limiting progress.

Neurological or longer-term conditions
NMES may assist muscle recruitment where nerve and muscle function allow, while TENS may be trialled for persistent discomfort alongside veterinary management.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Electrotherapy within an appointment

Assessment

Movement, comfort, muscle function and treatment goals are reviewed first.
Preparation

The coat and skin are checked and prepared for reliable electrode contact.
Treatment

Intensity is increased gradually while your animal’s response is monitored.
Integration

Where useful, electrotherapy is combined with manual therapy and exercise.

Treatment is delivered using professional Chattanooga Rehab electrotherapy equipment. TENS and NMES are selected and adjusted according to your animal’s individual assessment, treatment goals and response.

SAFETY FIRST

Not suitable for every animal

Electrotherapy is only used after screening for contraindications and when the animal is comfortable with the sensation.

It would not normally be applied over implanted electronic devices, suspected tumours, broken or infected skin, or areas where sensation is impaired. Pregnancy, seizure history and electrode placement also require particular consideration.

This is a general overview rather than a complete clinical screening list. Individual veterinary history and current presentation are always considered

AN EVIDENCE-INFORMED APPROACH

Used selectively, with realistic expectations

Electrical stimulation is used in veterinary rehabilitation, particularly to assist muscle activation. However, the veterinary evidence base varies by species and condition, and recent canine TENS research has not shown benefit for every measured outcome.

Treatment is therefore selected case by case, monitored, and continued only when it contributes to the wider rehabilitation plan

GETTING STARTED

Could electrotherapy help your animal?

Electrotherapy is considered following a physiotherapy assessment. Remedial treatment is provided as part of the vet-led team and requires veterinary direction; healthy maintenance cases must still be registered with a veterinary surgeon.

Accredited Member of the Institute of Registered Veterinary and Animal Physiotherapists