Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Advances in veterinary medicine have been phenomenal in the last 20 years. Our cherished canine friends have benefited in a great way. One of the most recent advances we have seen is in the area of Physical Rehabilitation. Research indicates that loss of muscle mass begins within 24 hours following surgery or serious injury. An increase in swelling occurs, in addition to loss of muscle control and stiffening of joints, when rehabilitation is delayed. Gone are the days of performing surgery or putting on a cast, and discharging a patient without rehabilitation.

We are excited to be able to offer our community the latest in Canine Rehabilitation Therapy at our hospital through Dr. Zinderman with Comfort Care Veterinary Services. Our goal is to combine accepted physical therapy methods with an individual home controlled exercise program to safely return pets to their active lives.

Post-Operative Uses

Common surgeries for which rehabilitation may be helpful include TPLO, cruciate ligament repairs, total hip replacements, fracture repairs, back and neck surgeries, femoral head and neck ostectomies (FHO’s), patella luxations, elbow surgery/arthroscopy, and other orthopedic-related surgery.

Post-Injury Uses

There is potential in all dogs and especially those that are very active or susceptible based on breed for injuries that include but are not limited to knees, shoulders, hips, backs, and necks. Dogs who have suffered injury affecting the muscles, bones, ligaments, or tendons may benefit from rehabilitation.

Obesity & Weight Mgmt

The main goal of obesity and/or weight management is to provide a safe means of exercise in addition to whatever nutritional and medical care the dog is already receiving.

The primary means of exercise is hydrotherapy so the dog can exercise without the added joint stress secondary to obesity. The program will be monitored for the dogs’ tolerance. This is also convenient for the owner, particularly for the owner who is physically unable to walk themselves.

Geriatric Physical Therapy

Geriatric physical therapy covers a wide area of issues addressing normal adult aging. Many conditions that affect humans also affect pets as they age and include but are not limited to: Arthritis, osteoporosis, cancer, hip and joint replacement, balance disorders, incontinence and more.

Geriatric physical therapy helps those affected by such problems in developing a specialized program to help restore mobility, reduce pain, increase fitness levels and more.

Hydrotherapy

Water Walker Treadmill Water is a fabulous environment in which to exercise. The principle of buoyancy combined with that of resistance make this a most unique and safe method of rehabilitation. We have an underwater treadmill that provides an opportunity to strengthen muscles with little to no pressure on the patient’s joints. The warmth of the water helps to increase flexibility and mobility of muscles, tendons, ligaments that surround the joints as well as enhance circulation.

It is not unusual for an animal that is not using a limb on land to use it when walking in the water. They often use it in an exaggerated motion which adds to the therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy.

We can adjust variables of speed, duration of treatment and water level during each treatment to maximize our treatment plan.

Benefits:

Comfortable Movement
Earlier Return to Function
Muscle Strengthening
Increased Cardiovascular Stamina
Neuromuscular Re-Education
Weight Loss
Increase in Patient’s Self Confidence

Therapeutic Exercises

We evaluate each patient and design a set of exercises that are most effective in that patient’s rehabilitation. These are designed to achieve the goals set for that patient’s recovery. Exercises may be directed at helping the patient with strengthening specific muscles or stretching to increase flexibility or learning how to regain the feeling and use of a foot or limb. We demonstrate each activity in our hospital and teach our clients to perform these at home on a prescribed schedule. We try to incorporate the special needs and skills of patients and their families.

Heat and Cold Therapy

If appropriately timed in the rehabilitation process, cold and heat can be very beneficial in decreasing pain and inflammation.

Initially, in the first 72 hours, we use cold therapy to decrease the pain and inflammation associated with surgery or trauma. This occurs by decreasing pain perception, decreasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation.

Heat therapy is used later in the healing process to increase blood flow, increase muscle flexibility decrease pain and increase healing.