The benefits of physiotherapy and rehabilitation for animals can be tremendous. When dogs (or other small animals) are in need of therapy, a veterinary physiotherapist, working in collaboration with a veterinary surgeon and his team, can design individualised programmes to restore movement, reduce pain, and return the animal to optimal function.
Physiotherapy can help with a wide range of conditions, including:
Orthopaedic:
- Arthritis
- Hip dysplasia & elbow dysplasia: conservative care
- Degenerative joint disease
- Post-operative rehabilitation: e.g. stifle or hip surgery, arthrodesis, amputation, ligament/tendon repair
- Trauma and wound care
- Acute & chronic soft tissue injuries, involving muscle, tendon, joint capsule or ligament Sports/working injuries
- Back/neck pain
Neurologic:
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Post-operative rehabilitation: e.g. laminectomy, decompression
- Central or peripheral nerve injuries
- Balance/vestibular disorders
- Fibrocartilaginous embolism
Other Indications:
- Pain management
- Athletic/working dogs: performance problems, improving strength & endurance
- Obesity
- Depression
- Elderly care
Veterinary physiotherapists assess each patient, to determine the goals of treatment, and the most appropriate treatment modalities. Modalities currently available to Brian include:
- Joint mobilisation
- Soft tissue mobilisation, including massage and soft tissue/myofascial release
- Acupressure and trigger point work
- Stretches
- Therapeutic ultrasound and laser
- Electrical muscle stimulation and TENS
- Cold/heat therapy
- Gait re-education and training
- Development of appropriate exercise programmes to restore/improve strength, suppleness, stamina and proprioception
- Hydrotherapy
Generally speaking, manual techniques are useful in normalising muscle tone, reducing soft tissue adhesions, improving joint mobility, relieving pain, and helping to restore normal movement patterns. Electrotherapy equipment such as ultrasound and laser are used to aid tissue healing, as well as reducing pain. Electrical muscle stimulation helps in mobilising muscle, normalising tone, and strengthening individual muscles. TENS can be useful for pain relief. Exercise programmes are individually prescribed to increase flexibility, strength, endurance and proprioception (especially important following any form of injury). Hydrotherapy can be a tremendous benefit when used in conjunction with the above, as part of a total rehabilitation package.
Depending on the condition treated, various combinations of the above can be used to restore normal movement patterns and regain an optimal level of performance and function. Some techniques will, of necessity, have to be carried out by the physiotherapist, but whenever possible, owners are taught techniques to allow more frequent treatment.
