Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy provides many benefits to patients. It is the ideal activity for the arthritic dog because the water provides buoyancy and decreases stress on the joints. At the same time the warmth of the water is soothing to the muscles, allowing them to stretch and increase range of motion. The water also provides resistance, helping to build muscle. Our treadmill is equipped with added jets to increase the difficulty for athletic training. The cardiovascular system is challenged under these conditions and becomes more efficient. As an added feature we can increase the water depth and use the jets to make it a static swim tank.
Types of patients that benefit from hydrotherapy include:
- Post-operative orthopedics
- Lameness
- Osteoarthritis
- Neurological problems
- Obesity
- Strengthening and conditioning
- Pleasure exercise
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy is the application of light to the tissues to: increase the speed, quality and tensile strength of tissue repair; provide pain relief; resolve inflammation; and improve function of damaged neurological tissue. Laser light causes each cell to send out all the natural biochemical messages associated with healing. Laser therapy improves a dog’s comfort level and often decreases their need for pain medications. It can help dogs with sore joints, poor nerve function, and ligament inflammation.
Therapeutic Exercise
An at home exercise programme can be beneficial to increase range of motion in joints. There is often loss of flexion and extension after orthopaedic surgery or injury. We can also provide activities that increase weight bearing to assist in reversing muscle atrophy and improving lameness.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy is the application of hands-on, deep tissue techniques to the muscular system. Similar to massage therapy for humans, the muscles are first warmed up, then treated with direct pressure, and finally closed off with calming strokes. Massage therapy is beneficial for athletes and companion animals. In the case of injuries and illness, massage therapy has shown to be successful in treating problems when provided in addition to veterinary care. There are numerous physiological and psychological benefits.
Electrical Muscle Stimulation
This treatment aids in decreasing muscle atrophy when a dog is non or poorly weight-bearing on a limb. Pads are placed on a muscle group and stimulated to contract. Most dogs get used to the sensation quickly and find the sessions relaxing.
Electromagnetic Field Therapy
This treatment is cleared by the FDA for treatment of post-operative pain and edema. It is also used for osteoarthritis, inflammation and wound healing. It is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy and can be performed at home after an initial evaluation in-clinic. A great option for the cat that is having difficulty moving around and finds visits to the vet stressful.