Rehabilitation and physical therapy are excellent ways to facilitate the recovery process after your dog has suffered an injury, undergone surgery, or lives with a chronic condition. Not only does it help restore your pet’s regular function, but it also improves their overall mobility and quality of life. Veterinarians often use various forms of physical therapy, either independently or conjunctively, to help your dog be as happy and healthy as they can be.
At The Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, we are committed to ensuring your pet is thriving despite whatever obstacles come across their path. We also want pet owners to be fully informed about their dog’s treatments and recovery process. If you have any questions about your dog’s unique condition and the physical therapy that will help them recover, feel free to reach out at (480) 945-8484, and we will be happy to assist.
What Is Dog Rehabilitation And Physical Therapy?
Rehabilitation and physical therapy for dogs involve techniques designed to increase the mobility and function of your dog’s muscles, joints, and other tissues. Rehabilitation and physical therapy are commonly used to help relieve the pain a dog may be experiencing due to an injury, disease, or surgery.
Types Of Dog Rehabilitation And Physical Therapy
The following types of veterinary physical therapy are frequently implemented to help dogs recover optimally:
- Treadmill Therapy – Treadmills are often used to help dogs regain their strength after suffering an injury. The belt allows the dog to move forward without expending too much energy in order to build endurance and improve balance. Veterinarians also utilize underwater treadmills to help dogs with injuries, as the water relieves some of the pressure on their joints and improves their flexibility and circulation.
- Massage Therapy – Athletic dogs, in particular, benefit greatly from massage therapy, as it aims to relax their muscles and relieve their pain. Trained veterinary massage therapists often implement this technique to treat arthritis and injuries in dogs.
- Neuromuscular Stimulation – Veterinarians use electrical stimulation to facilitate muscle regeneration and strengthening in pets suffering from temporary paralysis and other forms of muscular dystrophy. This method is also used to stimulate particular nerves to release pain-relieving substances so dogs' bodies are better able to heal.
- Passive Range of Motion – Passive ranges of motion involve facilitating movement in a dog without requiring them to put in too much effort. This technique effectively improves their circulation and stimulates blood flow to injured areas. Passive ranges of motion can help dogs unable to walk and move on their own regain regular bone and muscle function.
- Therapeutic Ultrasound – Ultrasound is an extremely effective means of improving blood flow and stimulating healing in patients suffering from a range of issues, including joint stiffness, wounds, pain, and spasms. This method involves sending sound waves of very specific intensities and frequencies to body areas requiring increased blood flow for healing.
- Laser Therapy – Laser therapy is a well-known technique that employs light to treat pain and inflammation in dogs with arthritis, wounds, and surgical incisions. This method is incredibly effective in promoting healing safely and more rapidly.
- Therapeutic Exercises – Therapeutic exercises are often recommended in conjunction with most common rehabilitation plans to improve balance, coordination, and strength. Such exercises are designed to build muscle strength after a period of inactivity by targeting particular muscle groups.
How Will Rehabilitation And Physical Therapy Help My Dog?
Depending on your dog’s unique condition, rehabilitation and physical therapy have a range of benefits that could help your pet tremendously.
The primary benefits of rehabilitation and physical therapy include the following:
- Reduces inflammation and pain
- Rehabilitates muscle strength
- Restores muscle mass
- Improves flexibility and range of motion
- Promotes healing
- Improves overall wellness and health
What Are Some Conditions That Would Benefit From Rehabilitation And Physical Therapy?
Rehabilitation and physical therapy are most commonly used to treat dogs suffering from chronic inflammatory diseases, wounds, and injuries. The spectrum of issues that would benefit from rehabilitation and physical therapy is virtually limitless, although some conditions certainly require such intervention more urgently than others.
Joint disease and arthritis are two examples of conditions that truly impact your dog’s quality of life to a great extent, the symptoms of which could be greatly relieved by rehabilitation and physical therapeutic techniques. According to the American Veterinarian, a multimodal approach to canine osteoarthritis is the most effective way of ensuring dogs live comfortably despite their condition. Essentially, rehabilitation and physical therapy should be incorporated into a dog’s treatment plan alongside their prescribed pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals to yield the best results.
Other common conditions that benefit from rehabilitation and physical therapy include:
- Paralysis
- Hip dysplasia
- Spinal injuries
- Obesity
- Limb weakness
- Disc disease
- Musculoskeletal surgery recovery
- Nerve disorders
How Will A Veterinarian Decide Rehabilitation And Physical Therapy Is Right For My Dog?
Veterinarians will typically recommend rehabilitation and physical therapy for dogs that are in a constant or semi-consistent state of pain and discomfort. When your doctor prescribes a treatment regimen for a dog, they will evaluate their bodily functions and determine whether further intervention would be beneficial.
In most cases of age-related disease and chronic pain, a veterinarian will suggest rehabilitation and physical therapy as a means of relieving some of the symptoms your dog may be experiencing while undergoing other medical treatments for their condition. As the goal of such techniques is to achieve the highest level of function and the best quality of life in recovering dogs, rehabilitation and physical therapy are almost always recommended.
Will I Be Able To Help My Dog Rehabilitate With Physical Therapy At Home?
Some types of physical therapy are easy to practice safely in the comfort of your home to help alleviate your dog’s symptoms. Passive ranges of motion, for instance, will facilitate their circulation and range of motion and can be practiced by any pet owner with the appropriate guidance of a trained veterinarian. An example of an exercise commonly performed at home would be to manually move your dog’s legs in a cyclic pattern to improve their limb function. Other forms of rehabilitation, such as laser therapy and ultrasound, cannot be performed at home and require the relevant equipment and training of a veterinarian to be effective.
The journey of recovery is one to attempt alongside a dedicated veterinarian with a deep insight into your dog’s medical history and unique condition. At The Scottsdale Veterinary Clinic, your pet is our priority. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to call our team at (480) 945-8484, or you can email us at [email protected]. Our staff would love to talk with you!
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