Physical Therapy is the science of the application of biomechanics, physics, anatomy, physiology and psychology to patients with dysfunction, injury, pain or physical abnormalities.
Principles applied to the evaluation and and treatment of humans may also be extended to the animal population.
The field of physical therapy in veterinary medicine is a quickly growing movement. These “alternative” techniques can make a significant difference in a dog (or cat’s) quality of life. Each pet owner has a different goal for their best friend, and we can help ultimately return them to their prior functional level.
Benefits of “Rehab”
The overall goal of veterinary rehabilitation is to restore, maintain, and promote optimal function and wellness. Here are a few of the benefits:
• Increased speed of recovery from injury or surgery
• Increased strength, endurance and flexibility
• Improved performance and quality of movement
• Reduction of pain, swelling and inflammation
• Non invasive approach
• Decreased possibility of injury reoccurrence
Conditions Treated
Orthopedic
• Arthritis
• Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
• Tendonitis
• Spondylosis
• Osteochondritis Dissecans
• Patella Luxation
Post Operative
• TPLO/TTA/Extracapsular cruciate repair (CCL)
• Fracture repair
• Femoral Head Osteotomy
• Amputation
• Total Hip Replacement
Neurologic Conditions
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD)
• Wobblers Disease
• Hemilaminectomy/Laminectomy
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Lumbosacral Stenosis
• Peripheral nerve disease
• Fibrocartilaginous Embolism
General
• Athletic Conditioning
• Weight Loss
• Muscle Sprains/Strains
• Muscle Contracture
• Wellness and Injury Prevention
Rehab Services
Underwater Treadmill – Walking in water is a low impact exercise proven to increase musculoskeletal and cardiovascular fitness. The warm water temperature helps to soothe arthritic joints and improve circulation.
Land Treadmill – Weather it is correcting the limb placement on a post-surgical patient or re-educating the neurologic patient’s gait, this specially designed canine treadmill is an excellent overall conditioning tool.
Therapeutic Exercise - These custom sessions are tailored to the patient and condition treated. Physioballs, balance boards, cones and bars, thearbands and trampolines are just a few items used in our therapy area.
Therapeutic Massage – Massage therapy increases joint mobility and flexibility, helps break up scar tissue, enhances healing and reduces stress. Passive Range of Motion of limbs will increase circulation, reduce edema and pain.
Therapeutic Laser - This low-level laser not only speeds the healing process but affects the overall quality of the repaired tissue. Collagen production is stimulated for successful healing of muscles, tendons and ligaments. The light also increases vascular growth and dilation for improved circulation in pets that may have limited movement. Low-level laser therapy is another great way to treat the source of the pain, thereby making it less likely that your pet will need additional pain reducing medication.
Goals of rehabilitation:
• return to prior function level
• pain free range of motion
• muscle growth and strengthening
• improved balance and performance of daily activities
• weight loss
• increased confidence
• reduction of lameness
A complete evaluation is performed by a trained therapist, who will work with you to develop a rehab program that is designed to fit the specific needs of your companion.