Electrical Therapy Techniques

Question 1

what is laser therapy?
how does it work?

Answer 1

the use of light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation

a photochemical reaction
- the light interacts with the tissue
- absorbed by the chromophores within the mitochondria

the absorbed photons increase the production of ATP
- ATP increases cellular metabolism which accelerates tissue repair

also decreases the production of COX-2s
- anti-inflammatory and analgesia effect

Question 2

how to apply laser therapy?

Answer 2

hold the laser at 90 degrees to the skin for best absorption
wear safety goggles - often class III and IV lasers
apply to desired area using overlapping grid motion
- keep moving otherwise burns tissue

contraindications:
- around the eyes
- over cancerous lesions
- known to trigger seizures in humans

Question 3

what is therapeutic ultrasound?
how does it work?

Answer 3

the use of high frequency ultrasound absorbed by tissues and converted to kinetic energy

two different effects:

deep heating - increases circulation
- aids recovery and decrease pain
- improve elasticity and ROM

non-thermal/cavitation - introduced energy
- cause air bubbles around tissues to expand and contract rapidly
- speeds up cellular healing

Question 4

when is therapeutic ultrasound contraindicated?

Answer 4

open wounds
cancerous lesions
metal implants - micro-vibration
pregnant animals
around the eyes
fractured bones - micro-vibration
growth plates in young animals - micro-vibration

Question 5

what is shockwave therapy?
how does it work?

Answer 5

the use of positive pressure impulses to stimulate an increase in blood flow
- stimulates cell regeneration and provides analgesia

not well tolerated in conscious animals

two types:
- radial - deep tissue - more painful
- focussed - superficial treatment

Question 6

when is shockwave therapy contraindicated?

Answer 6

soft tissue pain or injury
hip or elbow dysplasia

Question 7

what is cryotherapy?
how does it work?

Answer 7

the use of cold packs/compresses to limit blood flow in the area
- in 10min intervals

prevents inflammation and muscle spasms and relieves pain
- can be used immediately post-op
- often used in orthopaedic patients

Question 8

cryotherapy precautions?

Answer 8

risk of burns
- do not apply directly to the skin
- use damp towel
- check skin regularly

care with cardiac and respiratory disease
- changes blood flow around body

Question 9

what is superficial heat therapy?

Answer 9

the use of heat to increase blood flow, encourage muscle relaxation for improved ROM and provide analgesia

normally used in chronic cases and not in the acute phase

Question 10

heat therapy contraindications?

Answer 10

patient with circulatory impairment
- can heart cope with dilated vessels?

areas prone to haemorrhaging
- eg wounds

areas of no sensation
- patient unaware of thermal burns so won’t withdraw

cancerous lesions
- encourages growth