What is physical rehabilitation?

Why does my dog need physical rehabilitation?

Physical rehabilitation is a branch of canine rehabilitation that focuses on restoring function and quality of life for any dog experiencing any type of physical impairment.  Carolyn works closely with each client to set and achieve realistic goals for each dog. This will depend on the type of improvements that are possible for the individual dog based on the issue and the dog's age, activity level, and medical history. 

Like people, dogs can experience a wide range of injuries. Sometimes these injuries are acute and the result of a specific incident, like a twisted knee while playing fetch in the park or a bad landing off of an agility jump. On the other hand, sometimes these injuries can be chronic. These are issues that appear slowly and get worse over time, and may appear as on and off again limping or a reluctance to use stairs. In these cases, you usually have a sense that something is just not right with your dog, but you might not know exactly where the issue lies.

ARD strongly advocates that rehabilitation of animals be provided by properly trained phsyiotherapists upon veterinary referral if an animal is lame, injured, or requires post-surgical services. We work in conjunction and collaboratively with veterinarians to provide the best possible care for your dog. If your dog is coming in for fitness evaluation (or pre rehabilitation) a vet referral is not needed. 

How will physical rehabilitation help my dog?

Physical rehabilitation works by:

• Identifying the underlying issue and addressing it directly
• Decreasing swelling and stiffness,
• Increasing muscular strength, flexibility, and symmetry
• Improving circulation and proprioception
• Making changes to your dog's lifestyle to help them become and stay well
• Empowering you, the owner, to help you manage your dog's health in between sessions and after treatment is complete

What should I expect?

 Physical rehabilitation has three major components:
1. Ongoing assessment and treatment provided by Carolyn during a session. Types of treatment are described below.
2. Owner education, to make sure all your questions and concerns are addressed,and that you are comfortable completing any homework between sessions.
3. Homework in between sessions- you will play a major role in your dog's recovery by keeping up with any prescribed exercises, stretches, or lifestyle changes to facilitate healing

​Physical rehabilitation assessment

Before a treatment plan is developed for your dog, Carolyn completes an in-depth comprehensive and functional assessment of your dog from head to tail. During this hour, a full evaluation of your dog’s movement, spine and joint function, strength, range of motion and other physical abilities will be evaluated. Carolyn then works closely with you, as the dog's owners, to develop realistic goals and a plan that considers the unique considerations of your lifestyle and your relationship with your dog. A progressive, individually tailored exercise program will be provided with written exercises.

Involving you is very important to Carolyn- this is an excellent opportunity to develop a deeper bond with your dog by keeping up with any prescribed exercises or stretching routines at home. 

Follow up visits
After your initial assessment, Carolyn will recommend when a follow-up appointment should be scheduled. The frequency and total number of sessions that is optimal to restore your dog's physical abilities will depend on the nature of the injury/pain.

During follow up visits, Carolyn will continue to use therapeutic modalities to promote healing. The exercise program will be reviewed with you again to make sure you are feeling confident about how to perform each exercise, and if your dog is ready, the exercises will be progressed to further challenge your dog. ​

What happens in physical rehabilitation?

Types of Treatment Used in Canine Rehabilitation:

• Functional based exercises: a specific exercise program designed based on your dog's individual needs is one the most important aspects of their treatment program.  Following the exercise program in between sessions is very important to ensure your dog recovers as soon and as well as possible.
• Laser: The use of light energy on affected tissues can help decrease swelling, pain, and nerve inflammation, as well as decrease muscle spasms, break down scar tissue, and promote wound healing.

• Ultrasound: Ultrasonic waves are applied through a round-headed probe that makes gentle circles around the affected areas. It is often used to promote wound and soft tissue healing, break up scar tissues, and decrease irritation stemming from bursitis, capsulitis, and tendonitis.
• Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS): The use of electrical current can help increase muscle activation in tissues. This helps to improve muscle firing patterns, decrease joint swelling, improve tissue healing, and reduce pain
• Manual therapy: Manual therapy consists of passive mobilizations that Carolyn will perform on your dog. These consist of stretching, soft tissue massage, joint mobilizatons, traction, and myofascial release. They are used to improve tissue length, increase range of motion, promote relaxation, mobilize soft tissues and joints, reduce muscle inhibition, and reduce soft tissue swelling, pain, inflammation or restriction.
• Splinting and assistive devices: The use of braces can be helpful to stabilize weak joints. Carolyn would recommend which products your dog needs and order them for you.

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e-mail: [email protected]
phone: 519-829-5529
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