Veterinary rehabilitation isn’t as scary as it sounds; it is actually quite similar to its human counterpart that we are all familiar with. Using a variety of similar techniques to those practiced in human physical therapy, veterinary rehabilitation focuses on relieving pain and improving mobility in order to return your pet to their normal function. Another commonality between the two is education. Our staff receives specialized training to obtain a variety of certifications in order to ensure the best possible treatment for your four legged friend.
Before starting any program, each animal undergoes an initial examination by Dr. Peterson. During this first exam she will evaluate their gait, flexibility, and muscle and joint condition to help create a personalized treatment plan specific to your dog or cat’s needs. This plan may include one or more of the following non-invasive modalities:
● Therapeutic Exercise
● Home Exercise Program
● Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy
● Massage
● Laser Therapy
● Underwater Treadmill
● Electrical Stimulation or E-Stim
● Acupuncture
● Chiropractic Adjustments
● Thermo and Cryotherapy
Who is it For?
Most people are surprised to hear that rehabilitation for animals is not only for traumatic injuries or post surgical patients. Many animals suffering from both chronic and acute conditions have benefited greatly from undergoing therapy. Is your dog or cat experiencing mobility issues due to arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions? Underwater treadmill allows your pet to be physically active while also relieving the pressure placed on their joints due to the buoyancy provided by the water. Does your pet suffer from complications caused by intervertebral disc disease? Laser Therapy aids in decreasing the pain and inflammation associated with IVDD. Have a canine athlete? A fitness and conditioning program focuses on preventing injury and keeping them physically fit during their off season. There is also the option of “pre-hab” to help your pet build strength and improve overall fitness prior to a procedure to aid in a faster recovery time post surgery. These are just a few of the many cases that veterinary rehabilitation can be applied to.
When utilized correctly, veterinary rehabilitation and therapy can have tremendous results for any pet. If you have any questions or feel that your pet may be a candidate for rehabilitation, please don’t hesitate to give us a call!