Pet Canine Rehabilitation

Massage uses physical manipulation of muscle tissue to relieve tension and improve muscle growth. This technique increases blood flow to the affected muscle, increasing your pet’s rate of recovery and reducing discomfort.

Your pet’s range of motion can be increased through stretching and joint extension exercises. This technique is used to restore mobility and decrease joint pain, dramatically improving your pet’s quality of life.

A core component of canine rehabilitation, strengthening exercises restore muscle function using targeted training and movements. Specific workouts are used to develop certain muscle groups and build tissue to increase strength and durability. Common exercises are incline walking, leg stands and sit-to-stands.

Underwater treadmills encourage the development of muscle, strength and fitness. They are particularly useful for dogs with poor balance, cruciate ligament ruptures, neurological conditions and spinal conditions, which can all make dogs reluctant to bear weight on their limbs. It can also benefit dogs that do not particularly like water and are unlikely to participate in pool or spa therapy sessions. Underwater treadmills are great for weight loss as well.

Balance and coordination exercises use dynamic training, like obstacle courses and balancing exercises, to improve your pet’s coordination and awareness.

Thermotherapy and cryotherapy are often used in conjunction with other treatments to enhance their efficacy. Heat is applied to the affected area prior to physical manipulation to improve range of motion, increase blood flow and reduce stiffness, amplifying the therapeutic benefits of all treatments and exercises. Post-therapy cooling then decreases discomfort and muscle soreness.

The Assisi Loop uses low-level pulses of electromagnetic energy to reduce inflammation and pain and speed recovery. It’s most successful when used in conjunction with other treatments. It is especially effective in combination with laser therapy, acupuncture, chiropractic treatments and medications that reduce pain and inflammation. The Assisi Loop can be used at the clinic or at home to supplement in-office treatments.

Acupuncture uses very thin, sterile needles to stimulate blood flow and the nervous system to maintain your pet’s homeostasis—bodily balance—and general wellness. It increases circulation, relieves pain, releases endorphins, and regulates hormones.

4Paws Rehabilitation & Wellness Clinic is a rehabilitation referral facility only. Ask your Circle L Animal Hospital veterinarian about rehabilitation and treatment options that could help make your pet more comfortable, and we will begin the referral process.

Low-level laser therapy works by directing cold laser light to an injured or otherwise affected area of your pet’s body. The light increases blood flow and stimulates the cells in the area, encouraging faster healing and reducing inflammation and pain.

During each treatment, both the technician and the pet will be wearing eye protection. There may be some warmth at the treated site and each ‘dose’ lasts between 1 and 10 minutes pending the size of the pet and the sites being worked on. At home, you may see an increase in activity or marked relaxation as pain and inflammation are reduced. Results will vary per patient, with some experiencing relief after 1 session and others requiring more pending the complexity and severity of your pet’s condition.