top of page

Modalities

Electrotherapy is an umbrella term for therapeutic modalities which deliver energy in different forms to cells. The modalities offered by Curam Animal Physiotherapy are Laser, PEMF, TENs, NMEs, Microcurrent and Red Light Therapy

globus.jpg

Class IV LASER

The Science

"Starving cells are more photosensitive than well fed ones", Karu, 1987

Laser therapy is a form of irradiation with low intensity visible light. The cell membrane absorbs energy from from the laser which then generates a response within the cell. How intense this response is depends on the state of the cells prior to irradiation, summarised in the phrase "starving cells are more photosensitive than well fed ones", in other words injured or damaged cells will absorb the energy from the laser more than functional cells. This stimulates an intense healing response in the cell, reducing inflammation and providing pain relief. 

(Baxter, 2008; Karu, 1987)

Biomag.webp

Pulsed Electromagnetic Frequency (PEMF)

The Science

This modality targets the cell membrane, altering signaling, ion transport and ion bonding in cells. Calcium ions in particular are targeted. Ca ++ binding to CaM (calmodulin) is modulated as a result of the applied energy. Myosin light chain kinase (MYLK or MLCK) is an enzyme strongly associated with muscle activity. Calmodulin activates this enzyme, so the electromagnetic field increases Ca++ ion transport, resulting in a change of calmodulin activity, and thus an alteration of enzyme activity. This chain reaction in cells facilitates improved bone and wound healing, repair of musculoskeletal injuries, pain management and swelling resolution. (Aziz, 2011; Markov, 2009)

Biomag.webp
TENS.webp

TENS/NMES

The Science

TENS excites sensory nerves and by doing so, activates specific natural pain relief mechanisms. Specifically, it provides pain relief by means of the pain gate mechanism by exciting A beta sensory fibres which then reduces the transmission of noxious (painful) stimulus through the spinal cord and to the brain. (Johnson, 2020)

NMES excites motor nerves to cause a muscle contraction and so can be used to prevent muscle wastage. (Bickel, 2011)

ArcEquine - Microcurrent

The Science

Microcurrent introduces very low-level electrical currents into your body through 2 electrode pads applied to the skin. What is a microcurrent? At its simplest, a microcurrent is an electrical current measured in millionths of an amp or µA. It’s perfectly safe and can’t be felt, in the same way, you can’t feel your body’s own natural bio-currents because they are similar in strength. How is this possible? The aim of Microcurrent is to support and aid the body's own natural healing process. Microcurrents occur naturally within the body and they are vital for the production of ATP which moves essential substances in and out of the cells, while simultaneously boosting the body's absorption of amino acids (the building blocks of proteins), which are an essential component of tissue repair.

Over 70 Olympians worldwide now rely on ArcEquine to help with the well-being of their horses.

ARC.jpg

Red Light Therapy

The Science

Red Light Therapy is a soothing and non-invasive treatment that stimulates your body's cells, leading to increased cell strength and energy. It directly targets the mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell, and helps it produce energy-carrying molecules known as ATP.

References
(In order as they appear)

  • Karu,T. (1987) Photobiological fundamentals of low power laser therapy IEEE Journal of Quantum Electronics QE23(10);1703-1717

  • Baxter, D. (2008) Low Intensity Laser Therapy. Chapter 11 in : Electrotherapy : Evidence Based Practice. Editor : T Watson. Elsevier.

  • Aziz, Z.et al (2011). Electromagnetic therapy for treating venous leg ulcers. Cochrane Database Syst Rev(3): CD002933.

  • Markov, M. (2009). "What need to be known about the therapy with static magnetic fields." The Environmentalist 29(2): 169-176.

  • Johnson, M. (2020). TENS In : Electrophysical Agents: Evidence Based Practice. Ed. Watson, T & Nussbaum, N. Elsevier.

  • Bickel, C. et al (2011) Motor unit recruitment during neuromuscular electrical stimulation: a critical appraisal European Journal of Applied Physiology 111(10): 2399.

bottom of page