Mesotherapy

This is a useful technique for managing muscular neck or back pain and consists of multiple injections into a layer within the skin called the mesoderm.

Mesotherapy works via the gait control of pain theory. Type I and II nerve fibres coming from the mesoderm have collateral fibres that can inhibit signals transmitted between deep painful structures and the central nervous system. With mesotherapy we are aiming to activate these fibres, in order to reduce pain and associated muscle spasms. The drugs injected will vary from case to case, but usually involve a combination of local anaesthetic, sterile saline and corticosteroids.

It is important that a thorough examination is carried out prior to mesotherapy. This is to ensure that a primary cause for the musculoskeletal pain is not overlooked, for example back pain secondary to a hindlimb lameness. In these cases, the lameness must also be addressed to maximise the chance of a successful outcome.