Canine and Feline Physical Rehabilitation

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Rehabilitation can be a very important part of your pet’s recovery from injury and surgery. For optimal recovery, rehabilitation exercises are important in the post operative period to regain range of motion and muscle. Our Canine Rehabilitation program is staffed with Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapists (CCRT), Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioners (CCRP), Certified Canine Rehabilitation Veterinary Nurses (CCRVN) and Certified Canine Rehabilitation Assistants (CCRA).

The first rehabilitation visit involves a full assessment of your dog’s abilities with multiple muscle and joint measurements. These measurements are used to assess muscle atrophy and range of motion of the joints. Several measurements are taken for future comparison.

The initial appointment lasts 60-90 minutes. A treatment plan will be made at this visit that may include cold laser therapy, ultrasound therapy or neuromuscular stimulation (NMES). Hydrotherapy will be discussed and a home exercise program will be developed.

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Underwater Treadmill

Hydrotherapy uses buoyancy, resistance and hydrostatic properties of water to facilitate range of motion in affected limbs. Options for hydrotherapy include underwater treadmill (UWTM) and/or swimming.  The UWTM  sessions start with 5 minute sessions and progress to 20 minute sessions.

Therapeutic Ultrasound for Pets

Therapeutic ultrasound is used to expedite healing and increase mobility. Indications for using therapeutic ultrasound include: muscle strains, spasm and contracture, ligament sprains and tendonitis.

Dry Needling Therapy for Pets

Dry needling is a therapy often used in people is relatively new to the canine patient. Small needles, similar to acupuncture needles, are inserted directly into chronic painful triggerpoints to resolve the tissue tension.

Phonophoresis

Phonophoresis is the use of ultrasound with a medicated gel to provide local pain and inflammation relief. The ultrasound helps increase penetration of the medication within the gel. Typical medications used in the gel include lidocaine, dexamethasone and hydrocortisone.  Indications include multiple strains, tendonitis, adductor pathology and local inflammation.

Cold Laser Therapy for Pets

Cold laser is a light energy used to stimulate healing and reduce pain. Indications are extensive and can in include tendon injury and healing,  tendonitis, fascitis, muscle strain, muscle spasm, muscle contracture and bursitis.