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PET PHYSICAL THERAPY
by Kate Christian , DPT , CCRP
In an ideal world , our pets would be happy and healthy . But ailments come as they will , and we find ourselves in need of ways to ease the pain of our beloved animal companions . The benefits of human physical therapy have been proven for years , and adapted to meet the needs of your pet , the principles of human physical therapy are also the basis of physical rehabilitation for animals . Animal rehab includes the evaluation and treatment of disorders of the muscles , bones , or joints by means of physical agents – heat , light , water , manual treatment , and therapeutic exercise .
Most people think of physical rehabilitation as an accessory treatment for those who ’ ve had an operation , but when it comes to pets , it can be used for a multitude of reasons , not just for pets recovering from surgery . Rehab can benefit any pet that suffers from an orthopedic or neurologic condition , obesity , or deconditioning . In many cases , even if the most obvious course of treatment is surgery for an injury or condition , rehab can be a safe and effective alternative to the operating table .
Rehab can relieve pain and inflammation and strengthen muscles around affected joints to stabilize our furry friends extrinsically . If the muscles around the joint are stronger , the joint will be more stable , thus reducing further joint damage , pain , and inflammation . The pet will be able to function more normally and may even be able to take less medication for pain and inflammation , reducing potentially harmful side effects .
When an animal comes in for physical rehabilitation for the first time , the rehabilitation therapist assesses each patient individually and considers the pet ’ s lifestyle as well as the owner ’ s needs and expectations when establishing goals and a treatment plan . To achieve these goals , the treatment plan may include laser therapy , thermotherapy , therapeutic ultrasound , massage therapy , electrical stimulation , therapeutic exercise , home exercise programs , or aquatic therapy .
Each modality offers unique benefits . Laser therapy stimulates biological processes that lead to faster healing , decreased inflammation , and pain relief . Massage therapy is used to relax the pet and loosen muscles before exercise ,
Rehab can be a safe and effective alternative to the operating table .
to relieve muscle spasm and tension , and to help in overall healing by increasing blood flow to the area . Therapeutic ultrasound is a modality that can relieve pain and muscle spasms , while thermotherapy , the application of cold or heat , can help relieve pain and inflammation and speed healing . Electrical stimulation can be used to relieve pain , reduce or prevent muscle atrophy , and strengthen muscles through nerve stimulation .
It is widely believed that the cornerstone of physical rehabilitation , however , is the use of aquatic therapy . The principles of buoyancy , resistance , hydrostatic pressure , and surface tension play big roles in healing . The underwater treadmill can be used for all types of conditions because of its adjustability . The water level , speed , incline angle , number and length of breaks , and duration of treatment can all be altered for the maximum therapeutic benefit for each pet . For example , a dog with partial limb paralysis can benefit from standing exercises in hip deep water for a few minutes with frequent breaks , while an agility dog can benefit from jogging in knee deep water for 20 minutes on an incline . This can be done using the same equipment – an underwater treadmill .
Swimming is also a great way to facilitate dogs with painful joints to be able to move their full range of motion without compressive forces on them . From the resistance of the water , they can build strength and endurance . The temperature and pressure of the water assist in relief of pain and inflammation .
Therapeutic exercises can strengthen a particular muscle or muscle group , increase flexibility , or increase the body ’ s awareness and use of a limb . A home exercise program is an important part of any pet ’ s rehabilitation . The therapist will explain techniques and exercises to each owner for them to actively participate in their pet ’ s rehabilitation at home . Physical rehabilitation is a low-cost , safe , and effective alternative or adjunct to surgery that can increase your pet ’ s function , improve his psychological well-being and most importantly , improve your pet ’ s quality of life .
enhance magazine | MARCH 2018 47