What is rehabilitation?

Rehabilitation is the practice of using specific exercises, modalities, and manual techniques to restore pain-free mobility to a body.

Some manual techniques and modalities we use include:

  • Massage

  • Joint Mobilisations

  • Joint Compressions

  • Dry Needling

  • Heat and Cold

  • Electrotherapy (TENS)

Rehabilitation can help with a variety of musculoskeletal issues including:

  • Guided post-operative recovery

  • Conditioning and care of older bodies

  • Post paralysis recovery

  • Slowing down degenerative disease (Degenerative myelopathy, hip dysplasia, etc)

  • Returning mobility to a stiff/contracted limb post casting

Rehabilitation exercises are taught and prescribed in consultation however most of the ‘homework’ is done at home by the owner.

It is not a ‘quick fix’ and does require time and consistency to see results just like at the gym. You can think of rehabilitation exercise prescription and guidance as ‘personal training’ for you and your pet.

Physical Therapy as
a Treatment

Did you know that the organ tissue responsible for building the musculoskeletal system is highly sensitive to manual forces as a stimulus for growth or decay?

Some joint tissues such as the cartilage actually rely solely on movement and compression to cycle nutrients and remove waste from the tissue.

Healing of musculoskeletal issues is also directly guided by the laying down of collagen. Directing the growth and physical properties of collagen can be impacted by physical exercises during the growth/laying down period.

Well-timed, and specifically directed exercises can be very effective as a form of treatment and can mean the difference between a stiff and poor-functioning joint after surgery and a quick return to full mobility.

Guided Post Operative Care

Recovering after major surgery can be a challenging time for both pets and their families.

Often it is difficult to know how much exercise restriction is required, what can and can’t be done, and when.

Post operative rehabilitation is essential for a number of conditions including paralysis recovery from spinal surgery, hip surgery and knee (stifle) surgery to ensure maximum functionality upon recovery.

We aim to work with referring clinics to provide in home guidance and re-evaluation with reports being sent back to the referring veterinarian.

Individualised rehabilitation plans, medication adjustment and advanced awareness as to possible issues with recovery can be suggested.

All without having to transport your pet to and from a clinic.

How Often Are Review Sessions?

The frequency that a patient needs to be reviewed is highly dependant on the condition we are treating.

Patients that progress rapidly may benefit from weekly sessions for about a month with the goal to taper visit frequencies from there.

Some patients with chronic issues may only need fortnightly or monthly reviews to assess if the there any problems arising, trouble shoot exercises or advance exercises that have become too easy.

We can discuss an individual plan for your pet upon appointment.

Will my dog be willing to do exercises or tolerate manual therapy?

The willingness of your pet to do exercises can strongly influence the success of the treatment.

Pets who are naturally food driven and are able to learn tricks easily are more likely to be more amenable to rehabilitation.

Similarly, dogs that doe not enjoy, or are fearful of being touched, may not be the best candidate for rehabilitation exercises.

However, there are a few certain ‘hands off’ exercises that can be done and if required, calming medication can be prescribed pre-consultation for pets that may be particularly anxious.

In their own home, dogs are also much more likely to be more comfortable than if they were in a vet clinic.