Ultrasound is a form of mechanical energy (longitudinal sound waves) with a long and proven usefulness in veterinary practice. It has been shown to have a direct effect on the body cells and stimulate tissue healing. The effect of ultrasound therapy can be either thermal or non-thermal, depending on the parameters set on the device and on the absorption of waves by a certain type of tissue.
Indications for use of ultrasound therapy:
- Scar tissue healing
- Muscle tears
- Ligament sprains
- Fracture healing (within first two weeks post fracture)
- Pain relief (not a primary indication, but a side effect)
Contraindications to ultrasound treatment:
- Tumors and carcinoma
- Haemorhage
- Application to eyes and gonads
- Application over a pregnant uterus
LASER is an acronym for “Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation”, it is a form of electromagnetic radiation. There are two types of lasers used in veterinary medicine – HILT (High Intensity Laser Therapy) and LILT (Low Intensity Laser Therapy, also known as low level laser therapy; laser biostimulation). Both have well-documented effects, however LILT is more often used by veterinary physiotherapists due to its tissue-repairing properties.
Indications for laser therapy are:
- Wounds and ulcers: delayed wound healing, burns, skin abrasions, chronic wounds etc.
- Acute injuries: tendon and muscle haematoma, ligament sprains, fractures, other soft tissue injuries
- Musculoskeletal conditions: repetitive strain injuries, complex regional pain, fibromyalgia
- Inflammatory conditions (acute and chronic): bursitis, tendinitis, myositis, fasciitis, synovitis
- Arthritis, osteoarthritis and calcifications (e.g. bone spurs)