While recovery from injuries takes time, certain therapies can help speed up healing, reduce pain and improve the potential outcome. Here, our vets in Cumming discuss physical therapy for dogs and cats, including the benefits of veterinary rehabilitation.
What is physical therapy for dogs and cats?
Veterinary rehabilitation (also sometimes referred to as animal physical therapy) can be one tool for helping cats and dogs recover from injuries or surgical procedures or manage chronic health conditions.
In the past, pet parents were given basic instructions about how to care for their pets after surgery. But we now know more can be done to help them recover, stay active, get appropriate exercise, and maintain quality of life.
What are the benefits of physical rehabilitation?
- Improved function and quality of movement
- Reduction of pain, swelling (inflammation), and complications
- Improve muscle strength
- Minimize muscle loss (atrophy)
- Increased speed of recovery
- Increased strength, range of motion, endurance, and performance
- Non-invasive approach
- Psychological implications for both animal and owner
- Improved and prolonged quality of life
- Prevention of other injuries
- Decreased need for NSAIDs or other medications, e.g., Metacam
- Improvement or preservation of muscle, nerve, and joint function
Enhance Mobility for Dogs & Cats
Pets who suffer from mobility challenges due to age-related issues, orthopedic conditions, or neurological disorders can find hope through physical rehabilitation.
A customized program of exercises, aquatic therapy, and more can help dogs and cats regain strength and flexibility in their muscles and joints.
Whether it's a senior dog struggling with arthritis or a cat recovering from a spinal injury, rehabilitation can help them move with greater ease and grace, renewing their love for life.
Effective Pain Management for Dogs & Cats
Pets suffering from chronic pain can experience a significant reduction in their quality of life, making it difficult for them to participate in everyday activities.
While medications may provide temporary relief, they can also have side effects. On the other hand, physical therapy treats the underlying cause of the pain.
Cold Laser therapy and aquatic therapy are examples of therapeutic modalities that can ease the pain by improving blood circulation, reducing inflammation, and triggering the release of natural painkillers called endorphins.
By addressing the root cause of pain through rehabilitation, dogs and cats can regain their comfort and enjoy a pain-free life again, with the ability to engage in activities they love.
What are the common physical rehabilitation options?
- Passive range of motion (PROM) exercises during which a caretaker gently flexes, extends or rotates affected joints
- Stretching
- The application of heat or cold to affected areas
- Physical therapy
- Adding weights or resistance to any exercise
- Underwater treadmills (hydrotherapy)
- Swimming
- Neuromuscular electrical stimulation
- Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
- Low-level laser therapy
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Shockwave therapy
Pet Physical Therapy at Crestview Animal Hospital & Emergency
Our veterinarians offer a range of cat and dog physical therapy and rehabilitation services to help your pet live a happy and healthy life. These include:
Therapeutic Exercises
Therapeutic exercises improve the movement of synovial fluid, reducing enzymes that break down cartilage, thus promoting healthier joints in cats and dogs.
Our team uses a variety of therapeutic exercises, including treadmills, balance boards, surface variation, changing inclines/hills, stair climbing and more, to reintroduce healthy movement. This is designed to help increase mobility and reduce the pain associated with inflamed joints and degeneration while closely monitoring their abilities.
Aquatic Therapy
Aquatic therapy for dogs involves using exercise performed in water as a treatment to help relieve pain and increase physical rehabilitation.
Completing physical therapy in water gives your pet buoyancy, which in turn helps reduce pressure on joints. The resistance offered by water exercise has also been proven effective in increasing muscle strength and range of motion.
Cold Laser Therapy
Pet laser therapy uses low-intensity lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to help relieve pain, stimulate and enhance cell function, and improve healing. Several conditions affecting pets, including muscle and joint pain, arthritis symptoms, and muscle spasms, have significantly improved with cold laser therapy.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.