Percutaneous needle electrolysis

Percutaneous needle electrolysis (PNE) is an invasive treatment procedure based on the application of a galvanic current, through an acupuncture needle, placed into damaged tissue. The goal of this technique is to induce a chemical reaction (electrolysis) that triggers the organic mechanisms of inflammatory response that leads to tissue repair. In human physiotherapy is mainly used for the treating of pathologies that involved collagen degeneration, and for muscle pain analgesia. In equine physiotherapy the technique has been developed recently for the treatment of tendon and ligament pathologies. The technique is performed by the use of a galvanic (continuous) current, unidirectional and uninterrupted; as the procedure is painful, the use of sedation and perineural anesthesia of the treating tissue is necessary. Furthermore, it is advisable to apply the technique guided by ultrasound for greater efficiency and for safety reasons for the horse patient. The use of PNE in the field of equine physiotherapy has become widespread in recent years, yet there is a significant gap in the clinical research into its effects on horses.