~ Initial Evaluations -
During the Initial Evaluation the Physiotherapist reviews the records sent over by the referring veterinarian, gets a complete history of the animal, and does a complete assessment of the dog's current status. This includes several types of measurements, neurological evaluation, pain evaluation, movement evaluation, etc. Photographs and Video may be taken as well.
Once a baseline is established, the physiotherapist designs a treatment plan for the individual animal, and treatment is begun. Frequently treatment consists not only of exercises to be done with the therapist, but also of exercises to be done at home.
In future visits, measurements will be taken again so that we can see how much progress is being made, and make any necessary refinements to the treatment plan.
~ Hydrotherapy -
The water helps to support the weight of the animal and reduces stress on the animal's joints. This means that animals who may not be able to support themselves outside water yet can walk in the water.The water provides additional resistance when the animal moves, so the animal can get more of the exercise in less time!
~ Electrotherapy - consists of E-Stim, Ultrasound, TENS(trans cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
The Electrical Stimulation Machine can be used for the following purposes:
- Pain Relief
- Promote Healing
- Reduce Edema
- Retard Muscle Atrophy
(during a period of disuse such as temporary
paralysis)
- Regain Strength after Disuse or Nerve Trauma
(due to injury or surgery)
The E-Stim unit is exactly the same type used in human physical rehabilitation, and is used in the same manner. The current is applied at a rate that produces a comfortable tingle or mild muscle contraction. Dogs enjoy their E-Stim treatments- frequently relaxing so much that they fall asleep.
The Ultrasound Machine generates sound waves at a very high rate. These sound waves penetrate the tissues and create energy within the tissues to increase circulation in a specific area. Increased circulation can help to speed the healing process. The Ultrasound can also generate heat which helps to relax muscle spasms, and thus reduce pain and increase flexibility.
~ Exercise therapy - ROM{range of motion}
Range of Motion and Stretching Exercises are used to improve the motion available to a specific area of the body. Most animals can benefit from Range of Motion and Stretching exercises.
~ Spinal Mobilizations & Joint Mobilizations -
Joint Mobilizations are gentle oscillations to a stiff joint that are used to improve mobility, to improve, range of motion, and to reduce pain.
Joint Mobilizations are used to help animals with arthritic joints, and who have joints that have recently undergone surgical intervention.
~ Core Strengthening
~ DTM {deep tissue massage}
~ Massage therapy -
Massage and Soft Tissue Work is used to stimulate circulation and to relieve stiffness and tightness.
Massage and Soft Tissue work are often combined with one of the other modalities, or may be used prior to stretching exercises as a warm-up.
Most animals find massage and soft tissue work to be very relaxing, and quite enjoy this quiet time spent with the Therapist.
~ Heat and Cold therapy -
Heat increases blood flow, and is used when we want to increase circulation. Heat may be used to help loosen an area where the muscle has become stiff and tight. Head can be used priot to an activity to warm-up and loosen the muscles.
Cold decreases blood flow, shrinks swelling, and can relieve pain by desensitizing nerve endings. Cold is often used immediately following an acute injury, and after activity.
