Animal Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
As we have had so many questions and enquiries as to how this actually works, I have asked Heather Witfield from PawsAtive Abilities to do a series of articles for us using case studies so that everybody can find out more. I have know Heather personally through TTouch for many years and she really is absolutely fantastic at what she does and the results speak for themselves. Thanks for this Heather, I know you love sharing info about dogs as much as we do!
Heather's contact info can be found at the bottom of page.
Heather's contact info can be found at the bottom of page.
Over the next couple of months I would like to take this wonderful opportunity to introduce animal lovers to the most rewarding aspect of Animal Rehabilitation. I will focus on what Animal Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy is; what the objectives of Rehabilitation for Surgical Patients is and lastly methods of Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy.
Before starting with any form of rehabilitation, it is very important to state that animal rehabilitation and physical therapy treatments must takes place in consultation with the animal’s veterinarian and it is highly recommended that you only make use of a qualified therapist.
Animal rehabilitation involves many different types of treatments such as Hydrotherapy, Massage, Therapeutic Treatments and Exercises, Electrical Muscle Stimulation, Agility, Gait Re-education, Balance and Proprioception Training, Thermotherapy, Photizo Light Therapy and Assistive Devices such as carts.
Rehabilitation and physical therapy is the scientific process of restoring and maintaining optimal function therefore physical therapy and pain management are very important for successful recovery after orthopedic-and-neurosurgery. Rehabilitation therapy takes a combined approach to enhance muscle strength, range of motion, pain control and the speed of recovery.
Animal physical rehabilitation is based on the principle of active recovery thus the body and injury will recover faster with controlled activity than with complete rest (passive recovery). Through controlled activity, body tissue, muscles and articular cartilage maintains elasticity and higher levels of functioning, so patients that are involved in physical rehabilitation tend to recover quicker, maintain more muscle mass and lose less motion of their joints. The main objective of rehabilitation for surgical patients is to enhance healing and early return to function in companion animals with orthopedic problems and/or neurological dysfunction.
Physical therapy is a profession with an established scientific basis in humans, companion animals and horses. In providing physical therapy, the goal is to restore, maintain, and promote optimal function, optimal fitness, wellness, and quality of life as they relate to movement disorders and health. The goal is to prevent or minimize the onset, clinical signs, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions and injuries.
Indications for physical therapy include pre-surgical, post-surgical, post-injury, orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. Animal rehabilitation and physical therapy might include one or a combination of the following modalities: Hydrotherapy, Massage Therapy, Tellington TTouch, Therapeutic Therapy, Electrical Stimulation, Light Therapy, Ultrasound and Thermotherapy
In my next article, I will focus mainly on Hydrotherapy and related modalities and how it can be applied when your best friend is in need of Rehabilitation Therapy.
Animal physical rehabilitation is based on the principle of active recovery thus the body and injury will recover faster with controlled activity than with complete rest (passive recovery). Through controlled activity, body tissue, muscles and articular cartilage maintains elasticity and higher levels of functioning, so patients that are involved in physical rehabilitation tend to recover quicker, maintain more muscle mass and lose less motion of their joints. The main objective of rehabilitation for surgical patients is to enhance healing and early return to function in companion animals with orthopedic problems and/or neurological dysfunction.
Physical therapy is a profession with an established scientific basis in humans, companion animals and horses. In providing physical therapy, the goal is to restore, maintain, and promote optimal function, optimal fitness, wellness, and quality of life as they relate to movement disorders and health. The goal is to prevent or minimize the onset, clinical signs, and progression of impairments, functional limitations, and disabilities that may result from diseases, disorders, conditions and injuries.
Indications for physical therapy include pre-surgical, post-surgical, post-injury, orthopedic and neurological rehabilitation. Animal rehabilitation and physical therapy might include one or a combination of the following modalities: Hydrotherapy, Massage Therapy, Tellington TTouch, Therapeutic Therapy, Electrical Stimulation, Light Therapy, Ultrasound and Thermotherapy
In my next article, I will focus mainly on Hydrotherapy and related modalities and how it can be applied when your best friend is in need of Rehabilitation Therapy.
This article is copyrighted and remains the property of the author. Individuals are welcome to print or copy same for their own use in furthering their knowledge of dogs. However, no reproductions or alterations/variations are allowed without the express written consent of the author.