Treatments
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a deep tissue-heating agent, used to treat musculoskeletal injuries. Opposed to superficial heat treatments, ultrasound produces temperature changes as deep as one to five centimeters in underlying tissues, without excessive heating of the skin. Ultrasound is helpful in treating joint motion limiting conditions, soft tissue injuries, and chronic conditions. Benefits include increased joint mobility, increased tendon extensibility, softening of scar tissue, and relaxation of muscles.
Electrotherapy
Neuromuscular Stimulation is the use of a small electrical current to stimulate muscular contractions. The current is delivered through electrodes placed on the skin over a muscle or a muscle group. This type of therapy is excellent for post surgical patients who are non-weight bearing or have very limited use of certain muscles. Neuromuscular Stimulation is used to prevent muscle atrophy or increase strength of muscles that are under utilized.
Underwater Treadmill
The canine underwater treadmill provides low impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. By adjusting the height of the water, a considerable amount of weight on the dog's limbs can be reduced, eliminating concussive stress on joints. Water also provides resistance with every stride, which can be increased by the use of water jets and an incline. The underwater treadmill is most beneficial for dogs with decreased limb function and weight bearing post surgery.
Functional Training
Proprioceptive/Balance training helps animals who are unbalanced and whose paws knuckle under as a result of a neurological condition. These exercises help teach our patients where to place their feet. The balance board (shown above) is an excellent form of exercise for this condition.
Balance and Weight Bearing Exercise
Exercise is an important part of the rehabilitation process offered at Renewal Paws Veterinary Rehabilitation Center. The purpose of these exercises is to improve flexibility, muscle strength and mass, improve balance, enhance cardiovascular performance and prevent further injury.
Weight bearing exercises, such as the use of a theraball (shown above), are used in lame animals, post surgical patients and trauma patients in order encourage increased weight bearing.
Manual Therapy
Massage helps with reduction of pain, improved circulation, reduction in muscle knots and spasms, reduction in anxiety and stress and improves relaxation. Massage techniques are used to relieve muscle tightness resulting from injury, surgery, poor conformation, or athletic performance.
Massage and joint mobility therapy stimulate the lymphatic system and help reduce local swelling and edema. It is also beneficial for breaking down adhesions and scar tissue.
Home Therapy
The process of rehabilitation includes your participation. In conjunction with the therapy given at Renewal Paws Veterinary Rehabilitation Center, some type of home therapy is generally required.
As with any recovery process, its effectiveness is contingent upon your participation. The more the owner can participate, the better the chance for recovery.