What is canine rehabilitation?
Canine rehabilitation is an emerging field of therapy used in dogs with the goal of decreasing pain, improving fitness, restoring function and treating injury or disease through the use of specific techniques. Similar to a physical therapist for humans, canine rehabilitation therapists, such as our own veterinarian Dr Jessica Goh need to complete additional training and certification in order to fulfil this specialised role.
Canine rehabilitation is often performed on dogs, however other species can also benefit from rehabilitation.
Why would my pet benefit from canine rehabilitation?
Canine rehabilitation can provide pets with a variety of benefits including:
Reduced pain and inflammation
Increased muscle strength
Improved balance and coordination
Increased range of motion
Restoration of normal movement
Restoration of normal muscle mass
Weight loss in obese patients
Improved overall quality of life
Common conditions or injuries suited to canine rehabilitation
Many pets can benefit from canine rehabilitation. Examples of common conditions or injuries suited to the techniques used in canine rehabilitation include:
Ageing issues and chronic conditions
Pets that suffer from arthritis or other degenerative joint conditions can benefit from canine rehabilitation to reduce their pain, improve mobility and enhance their quality of life. Therapy goals can include strengthening the muscles that support painful joints, improving joint mobility and range of motion, promoting joint health and reducing pain and inflammation.
Canine rehabilitation can also help pets with chronic conditions such as muscle atrophy or hip dysplasia to reduce pain, strengthen the effected muscles, improve and maintain range of motion and soft tissue flexibility and enhance gait patterning.
Post-surgical recovery
Similar to physical therapy for humans, rehabilitation can be beneficial for pets after surgery to improve the speed and effectiveness of healing after surgery, reduce pain and discomfort and encourage muscle, joint and bone functioning.
Injury recovery
Canine rehabilitation can help pets recover from an injury such as tendon, ligament or muscle damage or traumatic injuries (ie. hit by a car). Targeted programs can help improve the speed of soft tissue healing, alleviate pain and decrease tissue inflammation.
Weight management
An overweight pet often faces a range of health problems and it can have a significant impact on their quality of life. Their extra weight can put strain on their joints, which can cause pain and mobility issues. Part of their weight loss program can include a rehabilitation program that incorporates gentle, low impact exercises to help them loose weight.
Competitive canine athletes
Canine rehabilitation can be used to maintain peak performance in dogs that perform in competitive activities such as agility or flyball. Therapy can help aid recovery, promote optimal conditioning and increase body position awareness.
Treatments and therapies available
A rehabilitation plan can involve regular appointments that may take place over several months. There may be multiple therapies included in the program that can be completed at home or during a consultation to ensure a successful outcome. Some of the common therapies include:
Massage and manual therapy
Massage therapy involves rubbing or kneading soft tissues on targeted parts of your pet’s body which can include their skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Massage therapy can offer pain relief, improve circulation, promote mobility, reduce stress and help your pet feel more relaxed.
In addition to massage, manual therapy can also include hands-on techniques such as joint mobilisation which is the use of slow, passive movements targeting the joint, designed to reduce pain, increase range of motion and improve overall joint function.
Exercises and stretching
A wide variety of exercises can be recommended to help improve strength, balance, flexibility and coordination. These exercises can be designed to target specific muscle groups, promote core strength and rebuild muscles after injury or disuse. Exercises can include the use of balance blocks, theraband’s and exercise balls. Incremental weight and resistance training may also be recommended.
Stretching exercises are commonly used in canine rehabilitation programs to loosen your pet’s muscles before, during or after exercise. Stretching helps to restore flexibility and improve range of motion which can help reduce the risk of reoccurring injuries. Stretching can also restore posture by relieving tight tense muscles. It can also increase blood flow to and from the muscles helping to bring an increased supply of oxygen to the affected area to help speed up recovery and reduce muscle soreness.
Laser therapy
Depending on your pet’s needs, treatment may involve veterinary laser therapy. This uses penetrating light directly onto the injured or effected area to reduce pain and inflammation and stimulate the healing process of soft tissues within your pet’s body.
Hydrotherapy
Water based exercises and swimming guided by a canine rehabilitation therapist is a form of physical therapy for dogs. Hydrotherapy uses buoyancy of water to minimise weight bearing stress on recovering or painful joints. This low impact treatment can help build strength, improve range of motion and endurance.
Canine Rehabilitation with Dr Jessica Goh
You may be referred to a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist by your veterinarian if you pet is injured, lame or requires post-surgical support. You may also request an appointment if you have specific concerns about your pet.
During your initial consultation, our Canine Rehabilitation Therapist, Dr Jessica Goh will look at the veterinary history for your pet. She will also conduct a full examination, including an analysis of your pet’s gait, range of motion, muscle mass and signs of pain. Your feedback on your pet’s situation, behaviour and movements will also be discussed so it’s important to observe your pet and take note of any signs of pain or special needs.
Following this appointment, a rehabilitation plan will be developed outlining the treatment program and schedule that will support your pet towards achieving their individual goals. Jessica works closely with each client to set and achieve realistic goals taking into consideration the pets age, activity level and medical history.
Canine rehabilitation is a growing field of veterinary treatment that can be very beneficial for pet. If canine rehabilitation has been recommended to you or if you think your pet may benefit, please call us for more information on 03 8784 4444.