Rehabilitation

Post Orthopedic Surgery

Canine physical rehabilitation is proving to be an important key in the recovery of canines after orthopedic surgeries. Research suggests that post-surgical rehab is just as important for dogs as it is for humans. It creates an environment more optimal for healing, allowing for a quicker and more successful recovery. Rehabilitation is the use of non-invasive techniques such as electric muscle stimulation, thermal modalities, massage, and therapeutic exercise. All rehab programs will be designed by our rehab professionals specifically for your dog. Our goal is to provide a program to allow your dog to reach his or her goals as quickly and safely as possible.

The following are some of the surgical procedures where rehabilitation is recommended post-operative:

• Cruciate Repair Surgery – MMP, TPLO, Tight rope, TTA, etc
• Patella Surgery
• FHO – Femoral Head Osteotomy
• Elbow Dysplasia Surgeries
• Fracture Repairs
• Total Hip Replacements
• Back and Neck Surgeries

Neurological Rehabilitation

A neurological injury or illness can often leave dogs and their owners feeling very frustrated and scared. Physical rehabilitation is used during this time in hopes of restoring mobility and strength while providing support to help both owner and patient cope during this difficult time. Our goal is to stabilize, improve, or completely reverse neurological defects through muscle re-education, balance, and proprioception exercises. We can also assist in fitting ambulatory carts and/or orthopedic devices if needed. (Please refer to “Wheelchair and Orthotic”).
The following injuries and diseases are examples of those that can benefit from rehabilitation:

• Back/Neck Pain
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• FCE – Fibrocartilagenous Embolism
• IVDD – Intervertebral Disc Disease
• Neuropathy
• Wobblers
• Post Disc Surgery
• Paralysis

Arthritis & Pain Management

As dogs age, many of them will experience the painful symptoms of arthritis. As the joint starts to hurt, the dog will use his or her leg less which results in muscle atrophy and increased pain. Research suggests that exercise will actually increase circulation to the joint and strengthen the muscles which in turn will decrease pain and restore function. Unfortunately, the last thing most dogs with arthritis want to do is exercise. A physical rehabilitation program can provide low impact exercises that will be more comfortable for the dog to get them started. Exercises will be designed to especially strengthen the muscles used to continue to perform daily activities such as getting up and doing stairs.

• Hydrotherapy
• Post-Orthopedic Surgery
• Neurological Rehabilitation
• Arthritis and Pain Management
• Weight Loss & Athletic Cond
• Wheelchair & Orthotic
• Therapeutic Cold Laser

Weight Loss & Athletic Conditioning

Whether you have a very athletic performance dog or a “weekend warrior” needing to lose a little extra weight, our conditioning programs are designed for you. Conditioning provides so many benefits for all dogs. By using positive reinforcement, we create an environment that is fun for both the owner and their dog in order to reach their conditioning goals specific to their physical requirements. The following are some of the benefits a conditioning program can provide:

• Increases Strength
• Improves Endurance
• Increased Performance
• Improves balance and body awareness
• Decreases risk of injury
• Weight loss
• Healthier cardiovascular system