Physical rehabilitation is the treatment of injury or illness to decrease pain and restore function. A rehabilitation veterinarian treats acute injuries soon after they have occurred and chronic injuries or diseases that have been affecting your pet for a long time. Veterinary rehabilitation includes a broad range of physiotherapy techniques (manual and touch therapies, LASER, etc.), exercise therapies and veterinary advice. The program of care is tailored to suit the lifestyle of each patient and owner. Rest alone after injury usually does not relieve the problems caused by inflammation and spasm; for example, a muscle in spasm cannot get adequate blood supply to heal. The body adapts and protects the injured area long after healing has started. These protective mechanisms alter movement of the whole musculoskeletal system and increase strain on other areas. Rehabilitation should start as soon as possible after injury.
There are many indications for veterinary rehabilitation, and therapy deals with a number of injuries, diseases, and circumstances.
Post-surgical or injury rehabilitation increase the speed and the level to which your pet recovers from an injury.
Weight management: Reduce your pet’s weight and enhance his or her everyday comfort and quality of life. Lower the risk of future health problems.
Sports medicine and conditioning: Optimize your dog’s athletic potential.
Geriatric care: Address the normal effects of aging and keep your cat or dog active and pain free.
