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Human physicians have understood the benefits physical therapy holds for their patients for many years. Physicians have prescribed physical therapy for their patients recovering from surgery, suffering from injury, suffering from chronic or debilitating diseases such as arthritis, and for other issues.
Rehabilitation of veterinary patients is equally beneficial, and many of the same therapies are used for both human and animal patients. The Veterinary Medical Center of CNY has always prescribed a simple plan of exercises to our post-surgical patients. In keeping pace with the complex, advanced surgeries and other treatments available at the VMC, we now offer a broad spectrum of physical rehabilitation options.
The VMC of CNY is proud to be at the forefront of veterinary physical rehabilitation in the Central New York region with the opening of our Physical Rehabilitation Suite.
Our Physical Rehabilitation services are offered under the direction of our surgical director, Dr. Tim Robinson. Dr. Robinson has maintained an interest and belief in physical rehabilitation throughout his career as a veterinary surgeon, and has seen the benefits of physical rehabilitation exhibited over and over by his post-surgical patients. Dr. Robinson has long desired to provide comprehensive physical rehabilitation options for pet owners in the CNY area, and is pleased that the VMC’s new facility will make that dream a reality.
Physical Rehabilitation Options
Physical Rehabilitation for pets encompasses a number of treatment options, or modalities. The VMC currently offers the following modalities, and will expand options in the coming months:
Home based exercise program: We will develop and demonstrate a personalized home-based rehabilitation program for your pet, which may be implemented immediately. Performed appropriately and consistently, this is perhaps the most important aspect of many rehabilitation programs.
Underwater Treadmill: The VMC offers canine (or very brave feline) patients use of an underwater treadmill as part of the rehabilitation program. An underwater treadmill offers all of the muscle strength and endurance increasing benefits of a standard treadmill, as well as the additional buoyancy and resistance of water. The water temperature is heated to provide a soothing, healing environment for tissues. Water level is fully adjustable to accommodate patients of all sizes.
Supervised Physical Rehabilitation Exercises: Patients will perform exercises using tools made to address specific aspects of rehabilitation such as balance and muscle strengthening. Some of this equipment is based upon human physical therapy equipment, but has been specially redesigned to accommodate our canine and feline patients.
COMING SOON:
Therapeutic Ultrasound: This modality provides deep tissue healing. It speeds wound healing, increases range of motion, and relaxes muscle spasms.
Electrical Stimulation Therapy: This therapy releases low voltage impulses into affected areas. These impulses increase muscle tone and aid in pain management.
Laser Therapy: The application of low level laser light to affected areas. This is sometimes known as “cold” laser therapy. Laser therapy improves wound healing, increases blood flow, and stimulates the body’s natural pain methods of pain control.
Physical Rehabilitation FAQS
What are the benefits to my pet?
The goal of Physical Rehabilitation is to minimize the amount of time your pet feels less than “100%.” Physical rehabilitation can:
- Significantly speed recovery time after injury, illness, or surgery
- Significantly enhance your pet’s own natural pain-fighting mechanisms
- Lessen the amount of time your pet feels “abnormal.” Pets can experience psychological distress and exhibit behavioral changes after an injury, surgery or illness.
What kind of patients benefit from Physical Rehabilitation?
Pets that may benefit from a formal physical rehabilitation program include those:
- Recovering from surgery
- Recovering from an illness
- Suffering from arthritis or other chronic orthopedic diseases
- On a weight loss program
- Working dogs and athletes involved in strenuous physical activity
- Pets in need of an increased fitness level
How can my pet become a patient of the VMC Physical Rehabilitation service?
Your family veterinarian must refer your pet to our Physical Rehabilitation service. It is very important that we are able to review your pet’s complete medical history, and that your family veterinarian is able to inform us of any potential complications. If your pet is already under the care of one of our other services, we will assist you in obtaining the necessary referral.
Can my pet receive post-surgical Physical Rehabilitation at VMC if the surgery was not performed there?
Yes, but a referral from your family veterinarian and/or the veterinarian who performed the surgery would be required.
When should post-surgical rehabilitation start?
The first stage of post-surgical physical rehabilitation begins immediately after surgery and consists of Cryotherapy (icing of the inflamed areas). Over the course of the next 1- 2 days, passive range of motion exercises are added. These exercises should be continued by the pet owner once the pet is home. Other modalities, including electrical stimulation and massage therapies, may be indicated during this time.
Hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill) is begun after the surgical sutures or staples are removed. Other modalities are also added, varying with the type of surgery or injury.
Put simply, the goals of Physical Rehabilitation for your pet are to improve mobility and decrease pain, thereby speeding recovery and improving health.
We hope the use of the VMC Physical Rehabilitation program will improve the day to day realities of your pet’s life.
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