Jump-Start Muscle Recovery: Electrical Stimulation Therapy for Pets

Imagine this. Eight days after ACL surgery, your dog still cannot put weight on their back leg.  Every attempt leaves them whimpering with their paw hovering inches above the ground. You  feel helpless watching them struggle. For pets experiencing this, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) or Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) therapy could be  the tool to get them feeling like themselves again. These therapies can help jumpstart muscle  recovery safely and right at home with guidance from a telehealth veterinary rehabilitation  professional. Instead of waiting in for the next in-person appointment for your pet, who is  already uncomfortable, pet parents can get immediate expert guidance without leaving home. 

What is Electrical Stimulation Therapy?  

Neuromuscular Electrical-Stimulation (NMES) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation  (TENS) therapy use little sticky pads placed around your pet’s skin to send safe, gentle  electrical pulses that:  

● Wake up sleepy muscles after surgery or injury  

● Blunt pain signals to increase comfort and encourage movement  

A good way to think about it is that these therapies “jumpstart” your pet’s recovery.  

What You Can Expect From a Typical Session  

Pad Placement  

Pads are placed above and below the knee, hip, shoulder or spine, depending on the location of  the surgery or injury. This will help target the right muscle groups.  

Try this: Have treats ready to help your dog stay still while you apply the sticky pads.  

Starting the Current  

The electrical current starts low and gentle so your pet can get used to the sensation.  

Try this: Watch for small visible muscle twitching. This will mean that the therapy is working, but  not hurting your pet.  

15 Minute Session  

Sessions typically last around 15 minutes, during which your pet will experience gentle  contractions.  

Try this: Give a treat after each contraction to create a positive association.  

The Technology Advantage  

Here are a few examples of how technology can help your pet during their electrical stimulation  therapy:  

● Telehealth consultations – this will allow you to learn pad placement and session setup  without subjecting your pet to the additional stress of travel. While telehealth is an  extremely useful tool, some in-person evaluations remain essential to ensure your pet’s  progress and safety.  

● Smart collars and apps – these help collect movement data, allowing your vet to make  timely adjustments to therapy. 

Real World Example  

Micco, a senior corgi, was diagnosed with a degenerative neuromuscular disease several years  ago. At PrimePet Rehab, we utilize electrical stimulation to attempt to reconnect neural  pathways. Micco benefitted greatly from the combination of laser therapy, electrical stimulation,  massage and PEMF. This consistent, low stress plan has kept Micco moving, minimized  setbacks and created a routine that helps everyone in the family involved.  

Electrical stimulation therapy can be a powerful, stress-free addition to your pet’s recovery plan.  This can be especially true when paired with tools like laser therapy, PEMF, massage, and cryotherapy. PrimePet Rehabilitation is committed to providing safe and personalized electrical stimulation therapy to all of our patients. If your pet is recovering from surgery or from an injury, contact us today to see if E-Stim could be part of your pet’s recovery plan to get them back on their paws safely and comfortably.