What is it?
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) involves using low frequency electrical currents to directly activate motor nerves, thereby producing a muscle contraction. This stimulus is designed to mimic the same type of signal the brain sends to muscle. Stimulating the muscle in this way allows an animal to recruit more of their muscle fibres which helps strengthen muscle very effectively. It can also help to increase blood flow and reduce pain and swelling.
Why would you use it?
There are many benefits of using NMES, some of which are listed below:
• Pain control
• Muscle strengthening
• Recovery post operatively
• Rehabilitation post injury
• Recovery post training
• Swelling reduction
• Regeneration of damaged nerves
How does it work?
NMES can be used on both horses and dogs. Some gel and electrodes will be placed over the muscle we want to contract. If your animal has particularly long hair then they may need to have a small patch clipped to allow good contact between the electrodes and skin. An appropriate programme will be selected depending on your animal’s condition. The treatment usually lasts about 15 minutes and will be used in conjunction with other treatments such as therapeutic exercise in order to get the best effects. I can rent out machines to you so your animal can have daily treatments if required.