Physical Therapy Treatments Part I-Pain Management
This next blog category will discuss types of PT treatments. The first priority of treatment is always pain management. It is important that the dog is comfortable prior to beginning exercise. Exercising when pain and discomfort are present can lead to further injury or compensation so it is imperative to address pain first. Besides the tried and true modalities of heat and ice, three of the most common modalities that address discomfort are PEMF, photobiomodulation, and manual therapy.
PEMF (pulsed electromagnetic field) is used to decreased pain and inflammation and improve blood flow and cellular reactions. PEMF is great for treating chronic conditions as well as acute issues. Some common indications are: wounds and soft tissue injuries, arthritis, fractures, neurologic injuries, stiffness, tendon and ligament tears, and hip or elbow dysplasia. How does PEMF work? By pulsing a small amount of battery current through coils of wire, PEMF initiates normal biological cellular reactions which result in improved circulation and provide pain relief. What does the treatment entail? There are different modes of application for PEMF, but Healing Hounds, LLC has a PEMF bed that your pet can just lie on and relax while the bed does its work and Lynn provides other treatments. Dogs often fall asleep while on the bed. PEMF provides pain relief, faster healing, increased mobility, reduced inflammation, has been proven to aid in the healing of non-union bone fractures, and increases performance.
Photobiomodulation is the use of various wavelengths of light to decrease pain and inflammation and improve blood flow for faster healing. There are many types of photobiomodulation, with the two most common being red light therapy and cold laser therapy. The difference between the two is which wavelengths are used. Laser therapy has more power than red light and therefore penetrates deeper into the tissues. It is great for wounds and soft tissue injuries, arthritis, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), muscle, tendon, and ligament tears, neurologic injuries, skin conditions, and chronic pain. How does laser work? Laser is a painless treatment that uses wavelengths of light to stimulate natural biological processes leading to faster healing and pain relief. Cells in the body absorb laser energy which stimulates the body to release pain relieving compounds which aides in the healing process. This can lead to improved joint function, nerve regeneration, reduced inflammation, faster wound healing, accelerated healing of tendon and ligament injuries, regeneration of muscle tissue, reduction in scar tissue, increased circulation, and pain relief without pharmaceuticals.
Manual therapy encompasses many techniques including, but not limited to: massage, myofascial release, joint mobilization, Masterson Method or similar non invasive relaxation applications, and vagus nerve massage. Most of us know the benefits of massage to enhance lymphatic drainage, soothe sore muscles, and provide general relaxation. What about myofascial release? Ever heard of it? Fascia is a thin elastic form of connective tissue that surrounds all the muscles in the body and connects everything. When it is tight or restricted, it can result in pain, muscle tightness, and reduced range of motion as well as restricted blood and lymphatic flow. Myofascial release (MFR) helps to loosen this tight tissue and restore comfort, range of motion and circulation. Joint mobilization encompasses many different types of gentle mobilizations that help to release restrictions in the joint capsules. I will spare you all the kinesiology of how it works, but by performing gentle traction, compression, or oscillations you can affect big changes in mobility. The mobilizations are small and gentle so are pain free. There are also many emerging therapies that are very non invasive such as Masterson Method and vagus nerve massage that align somewhat with craniosacral therapy that has been around and used for many years. These methods are very gentle and relaxing and well accepted by the dog.
Other: Of course, there are many other forms of treatment for pain management: therapeutic ultrasound, tecar therapy, TENS, and shockwave to name a few others, but the ones listed above are the most commonly used.
References:
Respond Systems. Respondanimal.com
Masterson, Jim. Robinett, Robin. ( 2023). Beyond Dog Massage. Trafalgar Square
Next Week: Physical Therapy Treatments: Part II-Exercise