Physical Therapy for Prevention and Treatment
Dawn Jones – courtesy of www.canineconcepts.co.za
Physical therapy for animals is a growing area of treatment for problems with the musculoskeletal system. Owners are looking to reduce the need for long term usage of anti-inflammatories and hence reduce the side- effects. The therapy may take the form of massage, myofascial release, craniosacral therapy, acupressure, soft tissue release, acupressure, acupuncture or chiropractic.
It could also include modalities such as laser ultrasound, pulsed magnetic field therapy or electrical muscle stimulation.
Hydrotherapy is also an extremely useful form of therapy, particularly when strengthening is required.
The use of physical therapy after injury or surgery assists the body to heal itself, mostly through promoting blood circulation and improving cellular function. With correct mobilization and passive joint movement, adhesions and contractures can be reduced, resulting in a better outcome for the animal in terms of functional ability. A guided active exercise programme assists the strengthening of the body following the necessary rest or restricted exercise.
It is important to use the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. The initial stages of treatment are focused on reducing pain and swelling and maintaining function where possible. Time is required for the healing to take place. Each tissue type has different healing times and this will vary depending on the severity of the injury or the nature of the surgery. Active strengthening exercises should only begin once the injured tissue is strong enough. Hydrotherapy can often begin earlier than land-based exercise as the buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of the water offers support to the body. Wounds must be nicely healed and stitches out before hydrotherapy can begin.
Your animal therapist needs to be someone who:
* Works closely with you and your vet and is aware of your animal’s medical history.
* Assesses the whole animal and not just the injured body part/s.
* Takes your animal’s, home environment, character and your personal circumstances into consideration when planning a rehabilitation protocol for your animal.
* Is aware of his/her own limitations and is prepared to refer to other practitioners when appropriate.
* Is willing to spend time teaching you skills to manage your animal’s condition, particularly if it is chronic e.g. arthritis.
* Explains what they are doing and why.
* Has appropriate qualifications.
Therapy for prevention is particularly relevant for animals who participate in sport e.g. dogs who do agility or field trials and horses who compete in showjumping, dressage, racing or eventing as well as animals who have been diagnosed with or are prone to any musculo-skeletal problems. By maintaining healthy muscle and joint function the risk of injury is reduced. If your animal is checked over regularly, small problems can he picked up early and treated before they become big problems.
Pain is not well recognised in animals and the vicious cycle of pain-reduced function-muscle atrophy-compromised joint function-pain can be picked up by an animal therapist and treated Physical therapy is suitable for all animals. The success of the therapy is dependant on the compliance of the animal and the input of, and communication between, all members of the team: the vet, the owner, the therapist/s and in the case of horses, the team may also include the farrier, the trainer, the saddler and the dentist. For the sake of the animal, find yourself a good team.
Dawn Jones can be contacted through her website www.animalphysicaltherapy.co.za or 021-761-9448.
This article was first printed in ‘The South-African Pet-Friendly Directory’, 4th edition 2006/7, p199.
Reprinted with permission from the author and editor of above mentioned publication.
It could also include modalities such as laser ultrasound, pulsed magnetic field therapy or electrical muscle stimulation.
Hydrotherapy is also an extremely useful form of therapy, particularly when strengthening is required.
The use of physical therapy after injury or surgery assists the body to heal itself, mostly through promoting blood circulation and improving cellular function. With correct mobilization and passive joint movement, adhesions and contractures can be reduced, resulting in a better outcome for the animal in terms of functional ability. A guided active exercise programme assists the strengthening of the body following the necessary rest or restricted exercise.
It is important to use the appropriate treatment at the appropriate time. The initial stages of treatment are focused on reducing pain and swelling and maintaining function where possible. Time is required for the healing to take place. Each tissue type has different healing times and this will vary depending on the severity of the injury or the nature of the surgery. Active strengthening exercises should only begin once the injured tissue is strong enough. Hydrotherapy can often begin earlier than land-based exercise as the buoyancy and hydrostatic pressure of the water offers support to the body. Wounds must be nicely healed and stitches out before hydrotherapy can begin.
Your animal therapist needs to be someone who:
* Works closely with you and your vet and is aware of your animal’s medical history.
* Assesses the whole animal and not just the injured body part/s.
* Takes your animal’s, home environment, character and your personal circumstances into consideration when planning a rehabilitation protocol for your animal.
* Is aware of his/her own limitations and is prepared to refer to other practitioners when appropriate.
* Is willing to spend time teaching you skills to manage your animal’s condition, particularly if it is chronic e.g. arthritis.
* Explains what they are doing and why.
* Has appropriate qualifications.
Therapy for prevention is particularly relevant for animals who participate in sport e.g. dogs who do agility or field trials and horses who compete in showjumping, dressage, racing or eventing as well as animals who have been diagnosed with or are prone to any musculo-skeletal problems. By maintaining healthy muscle and joint function the risk of injury is reduced. If your animal is checked over regularly, small problems can he picked up early and treated before they become big problems.
Pain is not well recognised in animals and the vicious cycle of pain-reduced function-muscle atrophy-compromised joint function-pain can be picked up by an animal therapist and treated Physical therapy is suitable for all animals. The success of the therapy is dependant on the compliance of the animal and the input of, and communication between, all members of the team: the vet, the owner, the therapist/s and in the case of horses, the team may also include the farrier, the trainer, the saddler and the dentist. For the sake of the animal, find yourself a good team.
Dawn Jones can be contacted through her website www.animalphysicaltherapy.co.za or 021-761-9448.
This article was first printed in ‘The South-African Pet-Friendly Directory’, 4th edition 2006/7, p199.
Reprinted with permission from the author and editor of above mentioned publication.