The Journey of Pet Rehabilitation Therapy
When we hear the phrase rehabilitation therapy, we might think of humans who have been injured or who are recovering from surgery. This medical discipline is not limited to people, though. Pet rehabilitation can be incredibly beneficial for our four-legged patients. Animal Medical Hospital & Urgent Care knows that this growing area of veterinary medicine can be invaluable to pet recovery from surgery, injury, or chronic conditions.
Pet Rehabilitation Therapy Basics
Pet rehabilitation therapy focuses on the anatomy and function of the bones, tendons, muscles, and nerves to improve the patient’s comfort and ability to move. It can aid in pet recovery from an injury, surgery, or disease, but it can also help support pets with longer term challenges.
A pet rehabilitation plan is often comprised of a combination of multimodal techniques that may include:
- Therapeutic massage
- Pet rehabilitation exercises to improve strength, range of motion, and function
- Laser therapy
- Acupuncture
- Pet chiropractic techniques
- Hydrotherapy/underwater treadmill
- Nutrition and supplements
Most often pet rehabilitation services are administered through a pet rehabilitation center. These facilities, like Vet-REC in Indian Trail or Long Animal Hospital, have expert rehabilitation veterinarians and technicians as well as pet rehabilitation equipment to help achieve results.
Helping Pets Thrive
Pet rehabilitation therapy has many uses, and we love to see how our patients thrive with its benefits. Patients who benefit include those who are:
- Recovering from a surgery
- Rehabbing from an injury
- Affected by chronic conditions such as hip dysplasia
- Seniors
- Affected by neurological problems
- Plagued by osteoarthritis
- Struggling to lose weight
- Performance athletes
A pet rehabilitation plan can be tailored to the individual patient’s needs. Strengthening and healing is accomplished without pain and force, and many patients are quite happy to come to their rehab sessions.
Most treatment plans include several sessions a week. Depending on the goals, they may continue for just a few visits or a few years and can be adjusted according to the patient’s progress.
Veterinary pet rehabilitation therapy can be incredibly beneficial for a wide range of pet patients. With results including decreased pain, increased range of motion, improved strength, and a better quality of life, there is little not to like. If you would like to discuss how your pet could benefit, contact us. We are happy to discuss your options.