Rehabilitation
Our pet rehabilitation program at the pet wellness center, by adopting techniques derived from human medicine and applying them to veterinary patients, achieves a more rapid return to pain-free function than previously possible. Physical therapy, a treatment modality used in human and veterinary medicine, has its basis in the knowledge of anatomy, physiology, psychology, physics and biomechanics. It applies proven techniques that remediate dysfunction and diminish pain. Customized physical therapy follows a thorough examination and evaluation of the individual patient.
Our goals are to assist in the speedy recovery of pets following injury, surgery and neurological events, e.g. stroke. Increased mobility, flexibility and agility with reduction, even elimination of pain, enhances the pet’s quality of life. Proper therapy increases perfusion and drainage of the affected areas, and improves tissue regrowth reducing the potential of further injury, adhesions and contractures. With attainment of normal joint biomechanics, the possibility of muscle atrophy from disuse is greatly reduced, shortening the return to full function.
Some of the orthopedic conditions that benefit from rehabilitation are:
Your pet is evaluated at the Long Island Veterinary Specialists (LIVS) and a home exercise program is designed for you. Upon release from LIVS, you would meet with a rehabilitation team member to discuss the recommendations.
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- Osteoarthritis
- Degenerative joint disease
- Tendonitis
- Patellar luxation
- Disc disease
- Fracture repairs
- Post surgical status for tendon, ligament and joint procedures
- Canine and feline hip and elbow dysplasias
- Post surgical status for ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament repair), TPO (Triple Pelvic Osteotomy), TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy), and THR (Total Hip Replacement) procedures
Neurological conditions that can be considerably helped are:
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Degenerative myelopathies
- Ataxia
- Paralysis, post trauma or progressive
- Wobblers syndrome
Other conditions from which pets receiving rehabilitation therapy can benefit greatly are:
- Ageing, as a cause of stiffness and weakness
- Chronic pain
- Obesity
Various techniques are used during rehabilitation; they include massage therapy, acupuncture, hydrotherapy-underwater treadmill, land-based treadmill, cryotherapy, hyperthermia, ultrasound, swim therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, exercises such as passive range of motion, stretching, proprioceptive, strength and ambulation. All of the aforementioned are CCRP directed.
Pets that also benefit from therapy include congenitally afflicted dogs with limb or neurologic abnormalities, senior pets trying to maintain independent function such as step climbing and hunting, working (police, search and rescue) dogs, service dogs and those with cognitive dysfunction. Environmental stimulation has been shown to be of help in rehabilitating these dogs. All pets that show signs of the above mentioned ailments will show more rapid healing when physical therapy modalities are employed.
Exercises
Our clinicians develop an exercise regimen based on the needs of the individual client, and carefully supervise its implementation. Examples are:
- Passive range-of-motion
- Stretching exercises
- Proprioceptive exercises which help in limb placement and paw use
- Strength exercises, including stairs and treadmills
Land Treadmill
Our specially adapted Nordic track land treadmill can accommodate small as well as larger breed dogs, even cats. Coordination, balance and weight bearing are noticeably enhanced using this apparatus. Adjustable speed and inclination allow us to tailor the exercise plan for patients with minimal pain and for those in whom pain is being actively managed. Utilizing rehabilitation techniques, we offer our clients an effective complementary method to manage pain, accelerate recovery non invasively, and enhance the pet’s quality of life.
Hydrotherapy
We utilize a 360-gallon Ferno Aqua Paws underwater treadmill, which, because of buoyancy in water, reduces the load on painful joints. This permits more effective exercise therapy, thereby achieving therapeutic results more rapidly. Pets perform exercises in water they often cannot do on land. Hydrotherapy improves strength, muscular as well as cardio pulmonary endurance and range of motion in relaxing warm water, as well as assisting in general convalescence, psychological well- being and in obesity management. Treadmill speed, depth, temperature, resistance and jet turbulence are controlled for each individual pet’s maximum benefit.
Massage Therapy
Popularized by sports medicine in humans and long a component of rehabilitative therapy, this technique, applied to dogs and cats offers considerable benefits and is often a component of an overall physical therapy program. By manipulating and kneading muscles and surrounding tissue, circulation of blood and lymphatic fluids is enhanced. Spasms, swelling and stasis are reduced, adhesions and contractures minimized and often prevented, and muscle recovery is accelerated. Massage promotes the release of endogenous endorphins, minimizing the sensation of pain, and stimulates general mental health and physical relaxation.
Acupuncture
An alternative method of producing physiological changes which involves the insertion of extremely fine solid core needles into acupuncture points in the skin along meridians described in Chinese medicine. Neuro-imaging suggests that certain acupuncture points have distinct effects that are not otherwise predictable anatomically.
During rehabilitation, acupuncture has been known to relieve pain, decrease muscle spasms and increase nerve regeneration and circulation.
Thermotherapy
The application of cold materials that lower tissue temperature, lessen swelling and inflammation, promote healing and simultaneously reduce pain perception is known as cryotherapy. Heat therapy, or hyperthermia, applied to wound sites raises tissue temperature and increases blood flow, muscle contractility and stretching capability. These modalities are frequently used alternately and in conjunction.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Sound waves that pass through tissues can penetrate to a depth of more than an inch, rehabilitating localized musculoskeletal conditions such as spasm and contractures. Circulation is improved, scarring lessened, range-of-motion increased and wound healing promoted. In addition, by warming tissue, the efficacy of topical medications is enhanced.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Low level electrical current administered through electrodes placed on the skin causes muscle contractions. This stimulates muscle building, diminishes the possibility of atrophy, controls pain and muscle spasm, reduces swelling and is useful in muscle re-education.
A follow-up list of exercises to be performed will be recommended as well. Active participation in the pet’s rehabilitation at home will enhance the outcome of the therapy received at the Pet Wellness Center.