Keep your pet happy and healthy after injury or surgery by undertaking a course of physiotherapy. Referrals will be taken by animal physiotherapist Rebecca Heald, Mcsp, ACPAT Cat A
Physiotherapy is essential in the prevention, cure and rehabilitation of many conditions.
Following soft tissue injuries, trauma, surgery and for developmental and degenerative conditions, physiotherapy is used widely to accelerate the rehabilitation process and restore function. Physiotherapy aims to restore proper movement, strength and function, reduce pain, swelling and inflammation and accelerate the healing and rehabilitation process.
When should physiotherapy commence?
Physiotherapy should commence soon after the injury or surgery, but this doesn’t mean strenuous exercise! Gentle movement and techniques reduce pain early after injury or surgery stimulate healing, help reduce swelling, stiffness and muscle atrophy and rehabilitate movement and function.
Many of the complications due to immobilisation or limited exercise in the first few weeks can be prevented if physiotherapy commences early.
Physiotherapy rehabilitation
On the first visit, a full assessment will be carried out, the dog will receive treatment and a rehabilitation plan will be given specific to the dog's needs.
Many factors are considered when designing a rehabilitation program and deciding which particular therapies will be suitable for each dog. These include age, temperament, type of injury and time since injury, any pre-existing conditions and the previous lifestyle or occupation of the dog.
Home programs are provided to all physiotherapy clients to enable rehabilitation to be continued on a daily basis and give owners skills to assist their pet’s recovery.
Treatment techniques include:
- Soft tissue and joint mobilisations
- Massage, trigger point therapy and myofascial release
- Stretching
- Strengthening exercises
- Movement re-education, Balance and proprioception re-training
- Electrotherapy including neuromuscular electrical Stimulation and LASER
Splinting, taping
Conditions that may benefit from physiotherapy include:
- Cruciate ligament injury
- Patella luxation
- Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
- Joint replacement
- Multi – trauma / fractures
- Spondylosis of the spine
- Arthritis / degenerative conditions
- Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
- Corrective orthopaedic surgery
- Deteriorating mobility
- Joint contractures and deformities
- Spinal surgery or Spinal disc disease
- Fibrocartilagenous embolism
- ‘Wobblers’ syndrome (cervical vertebral malformation).
- Nerve palsies or injuries
- Congenital Degenerative Myelopathy
Hydrotherapy
Our canine hydrotherapy service is run by Amy Hutchinson - Level 3 in Canine Hydrotherapy.
Please contact us for more information.