Many people have recovered from surgeries and injuries thanks to rehabilitation or physical therapy. Physical therapy is increasing in animal rehabilitation to aid in restoring mobility, function, and quality of life. While it is typically utilized in dogs, physical rehabilitation can be included in any animal treatment plan.
The utilization of non-invasive techniques to improve function and speed up the healing process from recent and long-term illnesses is known as rehabilitation through physical therapy. Physical therapy for vets can help patients recover faster from trauma, surgical procedures, or chronic diseases and allow them to return to normal activities sooner.
Types of Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation
Nearly every pet who suffers from chronic inflammation or recovering from an injury or accident can benefit from veterinary physical therapy. Many strategies for rehabilitation for pets can be used together to get the maximum benefit of treatment. You can visit a veterinary physical rehabilitation and parasite prevention page to know more.
Therapeutic Exercises
It is among the most crucial physical rehabilitation methods. The goal is to aid your pet in regaining maximum performance, decreasing discomfort, and enhancing its overall living level.
Exercises for therapeutic purposes can be included in the rehabilitation program of any patient to aid them in improving their balance, strength, and coordination. Different workouts target specific muscles, strengthen the core muscles and help recover their strength after a period of inactivity. Examples include exercises for joint motion training, conditioning, and enhancing balance and proprioception exercises.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy utilizes water buoyancy and resistance to assist patients in walking through the treadmill underwater. Patients with paralysis or chronic illnesses can move faster underwater than they would on land, and a faster return to regular activity is essential to their rehabilitation.
The treadmill underwater can aid those with arthritis because the water eases joint pain and lets the pet move more quickly. Due to the resistance of the water, it is an ideal exercise for dogs and obese patients, who receive an activity that is more intense than walking on the ground.
Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy utilizes bright light to ease inflammation and pain while boosting healing for patients suffering from surgery-related incisions, arthritis, and other injuries. Laser therapy is often used to speed up recovery following surgery or a severe injury, like the loss of tissue following a car accident, or to reduce discomfort in pets suffering from chronic diseases like arthritis.
Laser therapy can ease discomfort in soft tissues, bones, and joints. Laser therapy also helps reduce inflammation and speed up healing and tissue regeneration.
Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation
Electrical stimulation is an excellent option for animals suffering from temporary paralysis or being unable to use specific muscles briefly to build their muscles and stop muscular atrophy. Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a different method to stimulate the release of pain-reducing chemicals from nerves. The muscle contractions produced through this therapy may help animals suffering from muscle atrophy caused due to inactivity or improper use of their legs. Consult your veterinarian about cat or dog rehabilitation for additional information.
Passive Range of Motion
Physical therapists aid patients in doing passive exercises to reduce the loss of function, help patients regain normal functioning throughout healing, and to improve the circulation of cartilage to aid in recovery. Exercises that increase range of motion are essential for joint lubrication, increasing flexibility, and improving the mobility of joints following an injury or surgical procedure. Follow this link to learn more about improving your pet’s physical and dental health.
