ecallenPain Management for Pets Using the Assisi LOOP: A Gentle Approach to Healing
by Adam Christman, DVM, MBA
As pet owners, we naturally want the best for our furry friends, especially when they are in pain. As a veterinarian, I appreciate the passion pet owners have wanting to assist in alleviating and managing their pet’s pain at home. Managing pain in pets can be a challenging task, particularly when trying to minimize the use of pharmaceuticals that may have potential side effects. Cost can also be an issue with some pain modalities. One innovative solution gaining traction in veterinary medicine and with pet owners is targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (tPEMF) therapy, specifically through a device known as the Assisi LOOP®. Let’s delve a little deeper in understanding how the Assisi Loop works, its benefits, indications for use, and why it may be a great tool for helping your dog and cat recover from pain.
What is the Assisi LOOP?
You may have heard of the Assisi LOOP, a portable and versatile tPEMF device designed to alleviate pain and inflammation in pets. This non-invasive therapy is grounded in scientific principles, specifically targeting the production of nitric oxide (NO), a key molecule involved in promoting healing and reducing inflammation in the body. The Assisi LOOP promotes vasodilation (widening of blood vessels), improving oxygen flow to damaged tissues. What makes this therapy unique is its targeted nature; 100% of the energy is focused on enhancing nitric oxide production, which in turn reduces pain more efficiently.
How Does the Assisi LOOP Work?
The Assisi LOOP sends pulsed electromagnetic fields that penetrate deep into tissues to stimulate cellular activity. By enhancing the production of nitric oxide, the Assisi Loop helps the body combat inflammation more effectively, promoting faster healing and pain relief.
The electromagnetic pulses generated by the Loop promote vasodilation, which increases oxygenation in the affected tissues. When cells are better oxygenated, they can heal more efficiently, making the Assisi LOOP particularly effective in treating injuries, post-surgical recovery, and chronic conditions like arthritis. Notably, the therapy is non-pharmaceutical, meaning it doesn’t rely on drugs that could potentially cause side effects.
Indications for the Assisi LOOP
The Assisi LOOP is widely used for a variety of conditions, making it a versatile tool in veterinary pain management. Here are some of the most common indications:
- Post-Surgical Recovery: After surgeries, especially orthopedic or spinal procedures (Intervertebral Disc Disease [IVDD]), pain and inflammation can slow down recovery. Veterinary studies have shown significant improvement in incisional pain when the Assisi LOOP is used post-operatively. In dogs that have undergone spinal surgery, lower levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)—a protein associated with neurological injury—were observed, indicating reduced nerve injury and inflammation. Dogs also showed improved proprioception (the sense of body position and movement) with tPEMF therapy.
- Arthritis and Joint Pain: Pets suffering from osteoarthritis or other forms of joint pain can benefit from the Assisi LOOP. By reducing inflammation and promoting healing at a cellular level, the Loop can help alleviate chronic pain and improve mobility. For aging pets or those predisposed to joint issues, this therapy can enhance quality of life without relying on medications that may have long-term side effects.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Injuries to muscles, tendons, or ligaments can be common in companion animals. The Assisi LOOP is effective in treating soft tissue injuries by accelerating the body’s natural healing processes and reducing pain and swelling.
- Neurological Conditions: Neurological injuries or conditions, such as previously mentioned intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), can cause significant pain and dysfunction in dogs. The Loop’s ability to reduce inflammation and promote neural healing makes it a valuable adjunct therapy for pets suffering from these issues.
- Wound Healing: In addition to managing pain, the Assisi LOOP can also promote faster healing of wounds, whether from surgery, trauma, or chronic skin conditions. The device’s ability to enhance oxygenation and reduce inflammation accelerates tissue repair and helps wounds close more quickly.
- Pain from Tumors: Interestingly, studies have shown that the Assisi Loop can be safely used in pets with tumors or post-operatively after tumor removal. While the therapy does not treat the tumor itself, it helps manage the pain and inflammation associated with the condition or surgical procedures, improving the dog’s overall comfort.
Advantages of the Assisi LOOP
One of the major advantages of the Assisi LOOP is that it is a non-pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory device (NPAID), which means it offers an alternative to pain management without the need for medications. This can be particularly beneficial for pets with sensitivities to pharmaceuticals or those who are on multiple medications for other health issues.
Another key benefit is its ease of use. The Assisi LOOP is portable and can be sent home with the patient, allowing pet owners to administer treatments in the comfort of their own homes. The device is designed for short, simple treatment sessions, making it convenient for both pets and their owners. Treatments typically last about 15 minutes and can be done multiple times a day, depending on the veterinarian’s recommendation.
The Assisi LOOP is also a safe option for most pets. Current contraindications include use over implanted medical devices, such as pacemakers and nerve stimulators, but it has been shown to be safe for use over tumors or following tumor removal. The therapy is non-invasive and free of significant side effects, making it a low-risk option for managing pain in a wide range of conditions.
Clinical Evidence Supporting the Assisi LOOP’s Efficacy
Several studies support the efficacy of tPEMF therapy in veterinary medicine. For instance, a study conducted on dogs recovering from spinal surgery showed that dogs treated with the Assisi LOOP experienced a significant reduction in pain and inflammation compared to those who did not receive the therapy. The study also reported lower levels of GFAP, which suggests reduced neurological damage. Additionally, human clinical trials have demonstrated the safety of using tPEMF therapy over tumors, reinforcing its application in veterinary oncology settings.
Research has also shown that the Assisi Loop can improve outcomes in dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis. In one case, a dog with severe osteoarthritis experienced improved mobility and reduced pain after consistent use of the LOOP, highlighting its potential to manage long-term, chronic pain without reliance on pharmaceuticals.
Closing the "LOOP"
The Assisi LOOP represents a breakthrough in non-invasive, drug-free pain management for pets. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, dealing with arthritis, or managing a neurological condition, the Assisi LOOP can help reduce pain, accelerate healing, and improve overall quality of life. With its focus on nitric oxide production and the promotion of oxygenation in damaged tissues, this device offers a scientifically backed, gentle approach to healing.
Always consult with your veterinarian to see if the Assisi LOOP is appropriate for your pet’s condition and to develop a treatment plan that ensures the best possible outcomes for your furry companion.