What Is TENS and What Are the Benefits for Your Pet?




What Is TENS and What Are the Benefits for Your Pet?

TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) is a form of electrotherapy that is used to treat inflammation and acute pain. The therapy uses small electrodes that are placed directly on the skin over the trigger point. These are the points where your pet instinctively rubs when there is an ache. These deliver a low-level electrical current to your pet. The machine can be adjusted for comfort and usually, the gentle pulsing will be quite comfortable for your pet. At Pawsitive Strides, our veterinarian in Des Moines can provide TENS treatment for your pet.

Why Use TENS?

The trigger points are tight balls of muscle fibers that can’t let go of the contraction entirely. The pulsing confuses the nerve, which then will allow the muscle point to release, and this provides pain relief.

The Benefits of TENS

While TENS and other electrical stimulation won’t completely heal or cure arthritis, it can be a great therapy to use. It helps the muscles strengthen or heal quicker, it improves the range of motion for the affected joint, it helps prevent muscle atrophy, and it helps prevent osteoporosis after surgery. There will be faster healing, which means less pain for your pet. TENS treatment can be used with other pain treatment methods to provide even more pain relief for your pet.

What Can You Expect from TENS?

The procedure isn’t painful for your pet and there aren’t any sedatives or anesthesia required. The feeling is similar to a tingling sensation and many pets will actually enjoy it once they become more used to it. There is no risk involved when the therapy is administered by a licensed veterinarian. While there are home machines for electrical stimulation, doing it on your own without the proper training could worsen the injury. Duration and frequency will depend on different factors, including the type of injury and your pet’s weight and size. Sessions typically last about 10 to 30 minutes.

Visit Our Des Moines Veterinarian

Our veterinarian in Des Moines can help you determine if TENS is the right treatment for your pet.

Contact us today at (515) 575-9655 to schedule an appointment.

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2911 Ingersoll Ave. Des Moines, IA,50312

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Wednesday:

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