Manual Therapy

Conditioning & Weight Loss

Prosthetic and orthotic devices can substantially improve the quality of life for animals with disabilities.  These innovative devices can be life altering for both the pets and their owners.  This is one of the most rewarding aspects in the practice of rehabilitative medicine.     

Studies have shown  that dogs who have and maintain a lean body condition can actually live longer.   Hydrotherapy is a fun and effective means to keep your chunky monkeys lean and happy.   It is also a wonderful way to build stamina or maintain athletic condition for the sporting dogs.   In addition to the underwater treadmill we also have a land treadmill which can be combined with targeted exercises to strengthen the core muscles of the canine athlete.   

Therapeutic exercise is much, much more than homework for the owner.  It can be very specific movements that can target a muscle or group of muscles to strengthen, stretch, or provide stimulation if there is a neurologic impairment.  The owner will be instructed on exactly how to perform each exercise along with information about frequency and duration.  Sometimes the home exercise program is a walking regimen which can be as beneficial to the owner as the pet.  Often the exercises can be  slipped into the normal daily routine so it is easier for the owners to comply.

Laser Therapy

Acupuncture

Therapeutic Laser is very beneficial to reduce inflammation in the joints and promote healing of bone after a fracture or orthopedic surgery.  Laser can also be very helpful to injured or overworked muscles and reduce the pain associated with a muscle spasm or trigger point.  It is commonly used for arthritis and in postoperative patients to control pain and promote healing. 

Acupuncture is defined as the insertion of tiny needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated.  Acupuncture can stimulate nerves, increase blood circulation, relieve muscle spasm, and cause the release of hormones, such as endorphins (one of the body’s pain control chemicals) and cortisol (a natural steroid). In the rehab setting acupuncture is a wonderful modality, although it involves needles it is not uncomfortable and is effective to reduce pain and keep your furry friend on all fours with their tails wagging.

Manual Therapy involves skilled hand movements intended to increase range of motion, induce relaxation, mobilize soft tissue and joints, modulate pain, as well as reduce soft tissue swelling, inflammation or restrictions. Manual therapy is indicated for pain and loss of motion that can occur secondary to dysfunction of nerves, muscles, bones or any combination of the three.   

Prosthetics & Orthotics

Therapeutic Excercise