H-Wave
H-Wave is a type of electrotherapy which uses electrical stimulation to relieve pain and restore function. It has very limited side effects and is well tolerated by animals.
The H-wave machine emulates the H-waveform found in nerve signals (Hoffman Reflex) which allows a deeper effect on the tissues at a much lower power than other muscle stimulation or TENs machines would use.
It uses a bipolar exponential decaying waveform which allows this deep penetration while other muscle stims tend to use a square or diamond waveform which even at moderate levels can be painful to animals. The H-Wave also uses an intermittent wave which makes it much more comfortable, with little dermal resistance and no muscular fatiguing. Treatments can be highly relaxing and non-invasive for the animal.
H-Wave also targets slow twitch muscle fibres which tend to be used for posture and core strength.
What can the H-Wave be used for?
- Pain Relief
- Improving function
- Injury recovery
- Increases blood circulation with oxygenated blood
- Improving the lymphatic system and removal of waste products
- Reducing swellings
- Improving the oxygen and nutrient supply to the tissues
- Reducing muscle spasm, hypertonicity and calming trigger points
- Improving range of motion of the joints and muscles
- Improving areas of muscle wastage or preventing wasting from occurring.
H-Wave Settings
There are two main frequencies used with the H-Wave; 2 Hz and 60 Hz.
2 Hz – Muscle Pump
At 2 Hz the H-Wave produces muscle stimulation. This stimulation increases the flow of oxygenated blood to the tissues and helps aid the lymphatic system to help with waste removal. This setting is fantastic for decreasing pain and muscle tightness as well as helping with painful trigger points and swellings. The pumping action and the fresh blood supply to the area can also help muscle to build so it is great for areas of atrophy.
60 Hz – Pain Relief
At 60 Hz the H-Wave produces deep analgesia. It does this by shutting down the transmission of pain signals and stimulating natural pain relieving chemicals such as endorphins and enkephalins.
What does treatment involve?
Electrodes are placed on the areas to be treated with conductive electrode gel and the frequency set to either muscle pump (2Hz) or pain relief (60Hz). The intensity is gradually increased until the desired effect is seen. H-Wave sessions usually last between 20-40 mins and are used within an Animal Physiotherapy appointment.
What can it be used for?
- Sacroiliac issues
- Sore backs
- Mobilising joints (e.g. lumbosacral)
- Increasing muscle mass
- Chronic muscular injuries
- Acute (new) injuries
- Spasm and trigger points
- Pain relief
- Rehabilitation of muscle imbalances
- Neurological Rehabilitation (IVDD, FCEs etc.)
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