Based on a 2000-year old Nordic relaxation ritual, thermotherapy treatment uses alternating hot and cold temperatures which are then followed by a period of rest. Our vets at LakeCross Veterinary Hospital in Huntersville use thermotherapy for cats and dogs.
Thermotherapy is a therapeutic rehabilitation technique that alternates between superficial heat therapy and cryotherapy.
This technique helps to reduce pain in animals and increases healing and relaxation.
Our veterinarians may advise thermotherapy to be done at home to complement treatments done at our hospital.
Cryotherapy, or cold therapy, constricts blood vessels and reduces pain, muscle spasms, and cellular metabolism.
Cryotherapy can be used to treat the following:
Cryotherapy at our hospital can include the use of ice massage, cold whirlpool, ice immersion, and cold compression.
Superficial heat therapy improves circulation and flexibility of the fibrous tissues while reducing pain and muscle tension.
Heat therapy can be used to treat the following:
Some of the commonly used modalities for superficial heat therapy include heating pads, hot packs, paraffin baths, infrared, and fluidotherapy.