Departments

Physical Rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation is a powerful adjunct therapy to the post-operative orthopedic or neurological surgeries provided by the C.A.R.E. Center. Rehabilitation Therapy can speed recovery and return your pet to pre-injury function. Physical rehabilitation is also beneficial for patients who have other conditions such as: non-surgical orthopedic conditions, non-surgical neurological conditions, athletic injuries, cancer, and wounds. The following are some of the conditions that can be treated:

Orthopedic conditions:

• Degenerative joint disease (Osteoarthritis)
• Hip and elbow dysplasia
• Stifle surgery: CCL repair, patellar luxation
• Fracture repair and amputation
• Tendonitis
• Athletic injuries (muscle tears, sprains, and strains)

Neurological conditions:

• Intervertebral Disk Disease (IVDD)
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Wobbler syndrome
• Paralysis

Other conditions:

• Wound management (i.e lick granuloma)
• Geriatric support care
• Pain management
• Obesity
• Agility, performance, and working dogs

Sample Services offered:

Hydrotherapy: Underwater treadmill

• Allows for standing/walking in water when the dog can’t support itself sufficiently on land
• Warm water is soothing and relaxing for muscles and joints
• Decreases pain, edema, and swelling
• Decreases or prevents muscle atrophy
• Aids in weight loss

Cold Laser Therapy

• Acute and chronic pain relief
• Stimulates nerve function
• Reduces inflammation
• Facilities the transfer of nutrients and waste out of joints

Therapeutic Ultrasound

• Deeper heating for decreased pain and increased range of motion
• Decreases edema and inflammation
• Increases wound healing

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation

• Decreases pain and edema
• Supplement to therapeutic exercises: enhances muscle performance (increase ROM, strength, endurance, muscle re-education, & conditioning)

Massage therapy: including joint mobilization and stretching

• Encourages blood flow, delivery of nutrients, & soft tissue extensibility
• Reduces muscle knots and spasms
• Maintains mobility of compensating limbs
• Relieves stress, anxiety, and pain
• Enhances well-being

Therapeutic Exercises

• Builds strength and endurance
• Encourages use of limbs
• Increases cardiovascular fitness
• Increases proprioception (awareness of limbs), balance, and coordination

Heat and cold therapy

Orthotics and assisted devices