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PHYSIOTHERAPY
I use phototherapy, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy and short wave ultrasound to treat soft tissue (muscle/ligament/tendon) injuries, wounds, aid recovery post-surgery and lameness rehabilitation.
Pulsed electromagnetic field therapy applied to a horse's leg.
Wound Management
 Red light phototherapy being applied to an incision site following major abdominal surgery on a small dog.
Red light phototherapy promotes circulation to the area, bringing fresh nutrients and oxygen to the tissues, stimulates the synthesis of new collagen (a connective
tissue essential for successful wound repair) and encourages the release of endorphins, providing natural pain relief.
Blue light phototherapy applied within the first 5 days after surgery or initial injury, can help prevent infection by killing any bacteria on the wound surface.
Wound 3 days after abdominal surgery on 19 August 2010. Wound 11 days after surgery (picture taken on 30 August), following the application of blue and
(Picture taken on 22 August 2010). red light phototherapy.
MASSAGE
Sports massage uses motion-mobilisation of joints, passive range of motion stretches and various strokes including effleurage (stroking), petrissage (kneading/wringing), tapotement (tapping/chopping), deep fibre friction and stress/trigger point release to break down painful muscle spasms, scar tissue and adhesions that can form after an injury or surgery. If left untreated the animal will feel discomfort and will eventually compensate to relieve the pain, causing further muscle imbalances and spasms, and a vicious cycle of pain - muscle imbalance/spasm - compensatory movement - muscle imblance/spasm - pain begins. Massage and physiotherapy breaks this chain and starts the healing process back to physical wellbeing.
The many benefits of massage include:
- Pain relief (massage stimulates endorphin release, the body's natural opiate-like painkillers, hence the warm fuzzy look many of my clients take on during a treatment!)
- Stimulate blood flow and circulation of oxygen and nutrients to body tissues
- Aid lymphatic drainage, helping to flush toxins and debris from an injury site which reduces inflammation
- Lubricate joints increasing their range of movement
- Increase overall flexibility and supppleness
- Promote relaxation
 
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