Electrotherapies

Supporting Pain Relief, Healing & Functional Recovery

Electrotherapy refers to a range of therapeutic modalities used in veterinary physiotherapy to reduce pain, support tissue healing, improve muscle function and enhance recovery. These treatments are non-invasive, evidence-based and used alongside manual therapy and rehabilitation exercises to optimise outcomes for both dogs and cats.

At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy, electrotherapies are selected and tailored to each patient’s condition, comfort and tolerance, and are always provided under veterinary referral or consent.

What Is Electrotherapy?

Electrotherapy uses electrical currents, electromagnetic fields, temperature modulation or mechanical vibration to influence tissue healing and nerve or muscle function. Different modalities are used depending on whether the goal is pain relief, muscle strengthening, inflammation control or relaxation.

Types of Electrotherapy Offered

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation)

How it works:
TENS delivers gentle electrical impulses through surface electrodes placed on the skin. These impulses stimulate sensory nerves, helping to block pain signals and encourage the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals within the body.

Common uses:

Acute or chronic pain management
Osteoarthritis
Post-operative pain
Muscle tension and spasms

TENS is comfortable and well tolerated, often used to improve comfort and relaxation

NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)

How it works:
NMES stimulates motor nerves, causing targeted muscle contractions. This helps maintain or improve muscle strength when normal movement is limited.

Common uses:

Muscle weakness or atrophy
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Neurological conditions affecting muscle function
Supporting early-stage rehabilitation

NMES is carefully adjusted to suit each patient’s tolerance and clinical needs.

PEMF Therapy (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy)

How it works:
PEMF therapy uses low-frequency electromagnetic fields to stimulate cellular activity, improve circulation and support tissue repair.

Common uses:

Chronic pain and inflammation
Osteoarthritis
Soft tissue injuries
Bone healing support
General mobility and wellbeing

PEMF therapy is gentle and relaxing, making it suitable for many pets, including seniors.

Cold Therapy (Cryotherapy)

How it works:
Cold therapy reduces tissue temperature, helping to limit inflammation, swelling and pain following injury or surgery.

Common uses:

Acute injuries
Post-operative swelling
Inflammation and bruising
Pain management in early injury stages

Cold therapy is typically used short-term and carefully monitored.

Heat Therapy (Thermotherapy)

How it works:
Heat therapy increases blood flow, improves tissue elasticity and helps relax tight or painful muscles.

Common uses:

Chronic muscle stiffness
Osteoarthritis
Reduced flexibility
Muscle tension prior to exercise or mobilisation

Heat therapy is used when inflammation is not active and is tailored to patient comfort.

Canissage (Therapeutic Vibration Therapy)

How it works:
Canissage uses gentle mechanical vibration to stimulate muscles and soft tissues, improving circulation and reducing tension.

Common uses:

Muscle tightness
Reduced circulation
Relaxation and stress reduction
Preparation for manual therapy or exercise

Canissage is often calming and well tolerated by both dogs and cats.

Benefits of Electrotherapy

✔ Reduced pain and inflammation
✔ Improved muscle strength and function
✔ Enhanced tissue healing
✔ Improved mobility and comfort
✔ Supports rehabilitation and recovery

Electrotherapy is often most effective when combined with manual therapy and therapeutic exercises.

Safety & Veterinary Collaboration

Electrotherapy treatments are safe when delivered by a trained veterinary physiotherapist. Each modality is chosen based on your pet’s diagnosis, medical history and individual needs.

Some electrotherapies are not suitable in certain medical situations, which is why veterinary referral or consent is required. Treatments are delivered in collaboration with your veterinary surgeon to ensure safe and appropriate care.

What to Expect During Treatment

Calm, Fear Free handling
Short, well-tolerated sessions
Continuous monitoring of comfort and response
Treatments adapted or stopped if needed

Your pet’s comfort and wellbeing are always the priority.

Is Electrotherapy Right for Your Pet?

Electrotherapy may be beneficial if your dog or cat is:

Experiencing pain or stiffness
Recovering from injury or surgery
Living with arthritis or chronic conditions
Experiencing muscle weakness or reduced mobility

Physiotherapy, is not a substitute for veterinary intervention. In accordance to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, veterinary consent is not needed for maintenance treatments on a healthy animal, however it is needed in cases of disease, injury, disorders and illnesses.

We require veterinary consent for all patients.

Any animal displaying lameness or significant abnormalities will not be treated and veterinary intervention recommended. Your veterinarian must be your first point of contact for any major concerns.