Ava Frick, DVM
Integrative therapies are nonpharmacologic nerve modulation techniques which produce an analgesic (pain stopping) effect. These systems work with the body to alter the pain level of input and perception. In so doing, the condition of surrounding muscles and circulation will both improve. As the tissue regains health, pain will subside and the body can return to an optimal state.
Some of the modalities have existed for centuries while others became available in just the past 25 years. The optimal form of pain relief may depend on the species, location, of type (acute, chronic, intense, mild), and duration of pain present. In some cases more than one of the analgesic therapies may be optimal in comforting the animal.
ACUPUNCTURE-- Veterinary acupuncture is probably as old as acupuncture itself. Documents were discovered in 1979 in Sri Lanka describing its use in Indian elephants 3000 years ago. The treatment is aimed at finding a cause for the body's imbalance and rebalancing its energy system. Acupuncture is the insertion of very fine needles into specific points on the body at various depths after which a type and duration of stimulation may be applied. The end results can be physiologic as well as therapeutic.
CHIROPRACTIC-- This word comes from the Greek language meaning "hand practice" or "done by hand." While based on manual spinal manipulation, this practice is a science and an art dealing with the relationship between the nervous system and the spinal column. Chinese practiced spinal manipulations as early as 2700 BC but America did not enter into this method of pain relief for animals until Dr. B.J. Palmer (early to mid 1900's) utilized them in his research facility to prove that the chiropractic principle and practice did apply. Training and certification in animal chiropractic began in 1989 by Dr. Sharon Willoughby, a veterinarian who became a human chiropractor so that she would know the proper technique for application of the benefits of chiropractic to the animal spine. Her insight and tenacity opened up a great field for veterinarians and chiropractors to share in helping animals.
A chiropractic adjustment is a specific physical action designed to restore the biomechanics of the vertebral column and indirectly influence neurologic function. It is a short-lever high-velocity maneuver directed at a specific dysfunctional vertebral segment. As spinal movement is improved the associated muscles, nerves, arteries, veins and lymphatic vessels also regain prior lost function and with that, reduced pain.
CRYO & THERMOTHERAPY-- The use of cold and hot applied to bone, ligaments, muscles and tendons will alter blood flow and the release of damaging inflammatory mediators. When properly applied, cold and heat can reduce muscle spasms and irritation to nerve endings, both of which initiate pain in the body.
LASER-- Laser stands for Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. It is a noninvasive form of stimulation by application of polarized light over acupuncture points, joints, injuries, and lesions to stimulate healing, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects within tissue.
Laser light differs from other in its spectrum, wave length, beam, and watts. This type of infrared (heat) radiation has longer wavelengths than sunlight of the same class and is invisible.
Laser treatments are aseptic, noninvasive, and painless; if used properly, it has no reported side effects.
MICROCURRENT ELECTRICAL THERAPY (MET)-- MET is a low level current applied via probes touching the skin or self-adhesive electrodes, the effect of which are long lasting and cumulative. Although often classed with TENS, this type of current does not bombard the nervous system with one frequency and set waveform but has a 10 second varied waveform and adjustable low intensity so that it can be run subsensory and allows the body to select within the spectrum a harmonic resonance.
MET is adaptable for treating specific pain sites (knees, low back, elbow, head, etc) and because the impulse does not need to be felt to achieve effect it is ideal for animals. The specific unit that I use is Alpha-Stim.
PULSED SIGNAL OR MAGNETIC FIELD THERAPY (PST/PMFT)-- PST is used for osteoarthritis and musculoskeletal disorders. It is the rusult of 20 years of research by physician and bio-physicist, Dr. Richard Markoll. Original studies on humans at Yale University of Medicine and in Europe demonstrated 70% of patients showed significant improvement and pain relief. Unlike drugs, this method of treatment has long term benefits without side effects.
PST provides a physiological means of stimulating cartilage cell activity by generating streaming potentials that emulate those formed in the healthy joint. Following a series of 9 treatments, the patient's body continues to improve for 3-4 months and will then hold that status for 6 to 24 months. I have not had any cases which did not respond in some positive manner with this treatment.
The era of just giving your animals a pill for pain is fading fast. There is so much more we can do to enrich and extend their lives and I hope that this series on pain management has enlightened you. These modalities are the type of service I provide at Animal Fitness Center. You can reach me at 636-583-1700.
