By Katherine L. Ellis, DVM; and Melissa R. King, DVM, PhD

Rehabilitation modalities are commonly used in equine athletes following musculoskeletal injury. However, there is often much confusion as to the appropriate application and the effects of these modalities. The following review provides a summary of the current human and equine peer-reviewed literature for commonly used rehabilitation modalities. The goal of this review is to provide equine practitioners with objective information to help guide rehabilitation programs.

Modalities covered include laser therapy, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), therapeutic ultrasound, radiofrequency diathermy, elastic therapeutic taping, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF), underwater treadmill, whole-body vibration therapy, and neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES).

CE accreditation has expired for this course, but you may still view the presentation.

Course objectives:

With the successful completion of this course, you will understand the human and equine research regarding

• laser therapy
• transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS)
• therapeutic ultrasound
• radiofrequency diathermy
• elastic therapeutic taping
• pulsed electromagnetic field therapy (PEMF)
• underwater treadmill
• whole-body vibration therapy
• neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES)