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Pet Article
ANIMAL REHABILITATION
Physical therapy which is a mainstay of recovery within human medicine, is now becoming
established in the world of veterinary medicine as well.
Physical therapy programs are a way to help animals recover more quickly from surgery.
Physical therapy programs also include older animals who may have arthritis,
obese animals having functional problems, and healthy animals whose owners want them
to perform at a higher level athletically.
Owner education is critical for pet rehabilitation and While their pets are in the hospital,
each pet gets intensive, individualized protocols to maximize their recovery.
Once they go home, owners need to maintain the physical therapy programs to improve their
pets' quality of life and limb function.
Before any therapy is begun, a full orthopedic and neurological analysis is done to
determine what type of therapy is needed and improvement that can be expected. Many
therapeutic approaches are used, and treatment should be tailored to each patient.
Land and underwater treadmills that help build muscle mass are used. The underwater
treadmill uses the properties of water to facilitate exercise in a debilitated animal.
The buoyancy of water enables patients to get up and moving sooner than they otherwise
could. The water can also be warmed for therapeutic reasons and for the comfort of
the patient.
Ultrasound therapy can help break down abnormal adhesions between tissues, relieve
pain, and break down scar tissue. This can help to extend the range of motion in a
joint.
Electrical stimulation is used to induce isometric contractions that help re-educate
muscles. This type of therapy is especially helpful for patients that have had
neuromuscular disease or that have severe disuse muscle atrophy. In conjunction with
therapeutic exercise, electrical stimulation enhances muscle development and strength.
In addition to these high-tech items, more simple techniques can be employed to help
patients. Sitting exercises are a great way to encourage hip flexion and extension.
Each exercise provides therapy to different muscles and joints. If the process can be made
into a fun experience, then therapy can be a very positive experience for both the pet and
the owner.
Mark Woodcock
1 Flea Control
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