Physical Rehabilitation
The fifth pillar of Traditional Chinese Medicine, essential for a healthy and balanced life, is exercise or rehabilitation. Dr. Williams is certified in Physical Rehabilitation from the Canine Rehabilitation Institute and is committed to working with you, your pet, and your pet’s primary veterinarian on weight loss and conditioning. This includes enhancing fitness levels for our canine athletes and working dogs, as well as speeding recovery from injury or surgery. For further information about veterinary rehab, we recommend visiting the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians website at http://www.rehabvets.org.
Many animals we see experience pain due to various factors, including injury, surgery, or degenerative conditions like arthritis. In certain instances, we can provide alternatives to surgery and reduce or eliminate the reliance on prescription pain medications, all aimed at enhancing your pet's quality of life. Our treatment plans generally focus on increasing your pet’s mobility and functionality by enhancing range of motion in their joints, alleviating pain in sore areas, and boosting overall flexibility.
Much like human medicine, effective pet pain management is crucial to accelerate healing. Research indicates that pain can hinder recovery; if the body endures chronic pain, the healing process can be compromised. At Whole Health, our pet pain management strategies are aligned with our rehabilitation protocols, often making it necessary to reduce pain before mobility can be increased.
Our approach involves utilizing a broad range of treatment options while closely collaborating with your pet's primary veterinarian's recommendations. Among these treatments are:
**Manual Therapy**: This form of physiotherapy incorporates joint and spine mobilization, manipulation, and soft tissue kneading and stretching. It provides effects similar to chiropractic care and is executed by those trained in this specific type of treatment.
**Laser Therapy - Respond 2400 Class 3B**: Photobiomodulation therapy employs light therapy to promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and induce analgesia.
**Shockwave Pulse Vet X-trode**: This therapy enhances tissue recovery and reduces pain.
**Massage**: Massage therapy increases circulation to promote healing, alleviate pain, and minimize swelling. Suitable for both acute and chronic conditions, it boosts blood flow, improving oxygen delivery to tissues while also breaking down scar tissue and fostering both mental and physical relaxation.
**PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Fields)**: Utilizing technologies like the Assisi Loop and Respond Mat, PEMF aids in addressing pain, inflammation, wound healing, osteoarthritis, and post-surgical recovery.
**NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation)**: This treatment applies low-frequency electrical impulses to stimulate nerve functions and cause muscle contractions, thereby enhancing muscle strength, blood circulation, and range of motion. It can also be utilized in a TENS capacity to alleviate pain.
**Therapeutic Exercise**: Passive exercise includes passive range of motion (PROM) and stretching exercises, which help maintain or improve the flexion and extension of joints and enhance the flexibility of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. PROM is especially crucial when a patient has limited movement. Conversely, active exercise engages the pet in movement with human guidance, allowing us to work with your pet in our gym and instruct you on how to perform these exercises safely at home. These exercises focus on strengthening, balancing, and improving core stability.
Examples include:
- Cavaletti's
- Physioball exercises
- Balance board/BOSU exercises
- Therabands
- Weight shifting
- Sit-to-stand exercises
- Standing exercises
- Wheelbarrowing
- Stair climbing
**Assistive Devices**: We offer evaluations to determine if your pet could benefit from custom-fitted splints, braces, carts, or prosthetics. We provide assistance with the measurement, fitting, and application of this equipment. Assistive devices are vital for supporting an injured limb during healing, correcting deformities, and promoting proper limb use. Carts are specially designed for pets who are paralyzed or unable to walk without support.
**Conditions We Treat**: Generally, we can assist pets suffering from conditions such as:
- Soft tissue injuries, including sprains and strains
- Post-surgical recovery (e.g., cruciate repairs, hip surgery, fracture surgeries)
- Neurologic conditions like bulging discs, degenerative myelopathy, and vestibular disease
- Commonly aging-related ailments (e.g., loss of conditioning, arthritis, hip dysplasia)
- Arthritis or dysplasia
- Tendonitis or bursitis
- Limping, gait abnormalities, or changes in mobility
- Reluctance to walk, engage in play, or jump onto beds or sofas
- Behavioral or appetite changes indicating discomfort
- Postural alterations during daily activities
- Obesity or overall health concerns
More specifically, we address pets diagnosed with:
- Osteoarthritis
- Obesity
- Hip dysplasia
- Muscle and back injuries
- Spinal injuries/IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease)
- Spondylosis
- Joint replacements
- Fractures
- Cruciate injuries
- Amputations
- Shoulder OCD
- Elbow dysplasia
- Joint dislocations
- Patellar luxations
- Tendon injuries
- Peripheral nerve injuries
- Neuromuscular diseases
- Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
- Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
- Cauda Equina Syndrome.
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