Physical Rehabilitation
What is physical rehabilitation?
Physical rehabilitation is the action of restoring a pet to health or normal life through training and therapy after an injury. Physical rehabilitation is increasingly being used in animals to help improve function, mobility, and quality of life.
Physical rehabilitation can consist of a number of modalities including: therapeutic exercises, laser therapy, shockwave, massage and other manual therapies, NMES/TENS, therapeutic ultrasound, treadmill or aquatic therapy.
How can physical rehabilitation help my pet?
The benefits of physical rehabilitation include:
• Reduced pain and inflammation
• Increased range of motion
• Improved balance and strength
• Weight loss and/or improved muscle mass
• Improved quality of life
What qualifications should I look for when seeking rehabilitation services for my pet?
It is important to seek services from a veterinarian that has completed certification specifically in physical rehabilitation, or if they are not certified themselves, has a certified technician or physical therapist working with them.
There are currently 4 programs available for certification – University of Tennessee (CCRP), Canine Rehabilitation Institute (CCRT), Chi University (CCRV) and NC State (CCAT). Each of these programs offers comprehensive training in physical rehabilitation to veterinarians (and in some cases veterinary technicians and human physical therapists). To complete the certification, there are multiple learning modules, hands-on labs, case reports, and a final certification exam and practicum, ensuring the graduates have full understanding of the course work.
What do I need in order for my pet to receive physical rehab services?
It is very important to know what underlying condition we are treating. We will request your pet’s full veterinary record for review, and any radiographs (x-rays) that have been taken. After the initial evaluation, more diagnostics may be discussed and requested if there is concern for lack of a true diagnosis.
A successful program requires knowing the extent of injury or disease so that the best plan can be put into place for your pet. I will work with your primary care veterinarian to ensure we get appropriate diagnostics if needed.
Read Success Stories
of Holistic Therapies
Stay up to date on our practice and read our blog for the latest case studies and informative resources.