Canine Rehabilitation

 Physical rehabilitation is the use of non-invasive physical techniques and modalities to reduce pain and restore function related to neuromuscular and/or orthopedic abnormalities. The desired outcome of rehabilitation is to relieve pain, minimize changes related to disuse, return normal function, prevent further injury, promote wellness and increase quality of life.  This is accomplished with treatment modalities that first relieve inflammation and pain followed by restoration of normal range of motion, balance, strength and endurance.  Any neuromuscular or orthopedic abnormality causing pain or decreased function can benefit from rehabilitation.

Rehabilitation is most commonly utilized after a physical injury or surgery.  Injuries with fractures or involved soft tissue repair result in physical limitations and pain that can lead to long-term physical compromise. Rehabilitation can decrease pain, improve recovery time and prevent long-term damage.  Cranial cruciate tears, patellar luxations, coxofemoral abnormalities and tendinopathies commonly utilize rehabilitation to relieve pain and promote quicker return to function. 

Rehabilitation is also used for treatment of osteoarthritis, geriatric weaknesses, obesity and congenital neuromuscular abnormalities.   Diseases with compromised physical endurance such as cardiovascular disease other metabolic diseases with loss of physical stamina/endurance can benefit from rehabilitation to rebuild strength.  Palliative care of the terminally ill can use rehabilitation modalities to alleviate pain, modulate inflammation and preserve functional mobility.  

Performance animals are treated with rehabilitation modalities to minimize damage of injuries, promote recovery and optimize strength and endurance.   Integration of these treatments is designed to more quickly resolve acute, minor injuries and optimize outcomes of more serious major injuries.  These animals benefit greatly from the involvement of a veterinarian specializing in rehabilitation.

What makes our rehabilitation different and we think much better? We focus on your pet with no distractions of other animals or people in the room. One size, or in this case, one rehabilitation protocol does not fit all. Dr McDowell directly supervises your pet during therapy, individualizing your pet's treatment by adjusting and responding to your pet's individual needs. The scope of modalities we offer allows selection of what is best for your pet's recovery whether exercise, water treadmill, laser, medical manipulation, acupuncture, myofascial work, piezowave, neuromuscular stimulation or pulsed electromagnetic field therapy. If you are curious or think your pet could benefit from rehabilitation therapy please stop by and visit our rehabilitation facility. Answering your questions is one of the favorite parts of our day.