Rehabilitation Offerings
Initial Evaluation:
The initial evaluation will consist of a 2 hour session. I will spend time going over medical records from your family and referring veterinarians prior to our first visit. At our first visit we will go over history and your current concerns. I will then perform a gait assessment and physical examination (inclusive of orthopedic, soft tissue and neurologic evaluation). At that point we will discuss my findings and concerns and come up with a plan going forward to get your four legged family member back on track.
Follow Up Sessions:
Follow up sessions will typically be an hour in length and will focus on what will be the most beneficial to the patient at that time in their recovery/rehabilitation process. From pain management to strength building or conditioning, each session will be all inclusive to allow me to tailor what I think will be the most beneficial at that time. Session frequency will depend on where your pet is in the recovery process and how quickly we start to see progress.
Acupuncture only sessions are also available.
Modalities
Laser Therapy: (Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation)
Laser therapy, or “photobiomodulation”, often referred to as cold laser therapy, is the technology of using specific wavelengths of light to treat pain, and promote healing. Laser utilizes light energy targeted at specific areas and tissues to stimulate inter-cellular activity. It enters the damaged cells and simulates the production of ATP which then promotes healing at a cellular level.
Laser therapy mitigates pain, decreases inflammation, decreases muscle spasming, and improves blood flow to the injured tissues. It increases cell replication (fibroblasts and collagen) to promote healing and tissue regeneration.
Laser therapy is non-invasive and well tolerated by animals. It significantly speeds up the healing process and tissue repair.
PEMF (Pulsed Electro-Magnetic Field) Therapy
PEMF therapy is the use of very low frequency pulsed magnetic energy to enhance healing and reduce pain and inflammation. The electromagnetic waves are used at specific frequencies to stimulate an animal’s natural recovery process. It is FDA approved for post operative pain and swelling and is a non-invasive way to provide comfort. It can be used in acute injuries as well as chronic degenerative conditions.
Examples of conditions PEMF can help with include:
Orthopedic injuries (CCL injury, fractures, sprains and strains)
Degenerative disorders (Osteoarthritis and conditions like Degenerative Myelopathy)
Post-surgical pain & swelling
Torn tendons and ligaments
Joint conditions like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia
Muscle injuries
Nerve damage
Internal inflammation
Wound care
Soreness associated with aging
Trans-cutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation and Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (TENS/NMES):
TENS is the use of low voltage electrical current to provide pain relief. It specifically targets the sensory nerves, which are responsible for sending pain signals to the brain.
NMES is the use of electric muscle stimulation (EMS) to cause excitement in the muscle tissue. We use these settings to help contract muscle groups in patients that have neurologic damage and wake up those muscles that are not contracting anymore.
Therapeutic Ultrasound Therapy:
Ultrasound therapy utilizes acoustic sound waves to penetrate tissues and reduce swelling or effusion (fluid accumulation). It decreases soreness and can break up scar tissue and mineralization. It can be used to heat up muscle bellies and tissues to increase blood flow and pliability/flexibility of the tissues. It aides in pain management and helps promote organization of fibrous tissues needed to heal injuries. All of these benefits of ultrasound speed up the healing process.
Acupuncture:
Acupuncture is the use of specifically placed, very narrow gauged needles, along channels or meridians on the body to promote healing and restore balance. It has been used for the last 2,500 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to heal numerous conditions and support homeostasis. The placement of the needles actually causes micro trauma (typically imperceptible) to specific nerve rich areas that then stimulate the immune system promoting increased circulation to the area, wound healing, and pain modulation. Electroacupunture is a variation of this modality that delivers small electric currents through the needles to promote nerve stimulation/regeneration and many times even better pain control. It is also very good for myofascial trigger point relief.
Manual therapy:
Manual therapy is the use of the therapists hands to manipulate tissues and joints to promote circulation, improve flexibility, and increase range of motion. Joint mobilizations, manual traction, massage, stretching and passive range of motion are all important aspects of this type of treatment. Relieving restrictions, increasing flexibility and range of motion are key to keeping our pets mobile and comfortable. Joint mobilizations should be carried out by a professionally trained therapist that has a good understanding of anatomy and the tissues involved.
Joint mobilizations typically consist of small targeted oscillations or gentle traction of a joint in specific directions to promote better range of motion or resolve restrictions in the soft tissues. These special hands on manual therapies stimulate nerve fibers, release tension and alleviate restrictions. This results in improved range of motion, increase blood flow, decrease swelling, decreased pain, decreased muscle spasms and tension as well as increasing joint nutrition (movement of synovial fluid and nutrient exchange). It is important to address all of these things before we start working on therapeutic exercises and strengthening. Manual therapy is key to restoring tissues that have been injured or traumatized. We have to be able to bend our knees before we can walk properly again.