Electrical Stimulation for Dogs

Electrical Stimulation for Dogs

Electrotherapeutic Modalities involves the use of electrical currents to accelerate healing, slow muscle atrophy and build muscle mass during periods of inactivity. Electrical Stimulation (“e-stim”) is the application of electrical impulses to a muscle group stimulating their contraction. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation can be used to prevent atrophy of a muscle or muscle group. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation aids in pain management.

E-stim is used most commonly in orthopedic or neurological injuries and disease. Patients recovering from orthopedic surgery, fracture repair, spinal cord injury, and other neurological and orthopedic issues may benefit from electrical stimulation. E-stim may also be used to aid in pain management or to help reduce swelling or edema.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
  • application of electrical currents via electrodes to elicit muscle contractions
  • delays muscle atrophy in non-ambulatory patients, facilitates neuromuscular reeducation,
    promotes muscle strengthening and sensory awareness
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
  • application of electrical current via electrodes for the purpose of pain control
  • gate control theory of pain argues that a low-level constant stimulation of nocioceptor fibres that are sensitive to vibration interferes with other nocioceptor fibres responsible for communicating pain sensation to the brain
    resulting in decreased pain sensation

Electrical Stimulation for Dogs