Companion Animal Rehabilitation: Bringing Back Health and Wellness

What is animal rehabilitation? The Animal Rehabilitation Division of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association has a comprehensive definition of animal physical rehabilitation. Animal rehabilitation is a branch of therapy aiming to help animals reach their full physical potential whether the animal has sustained an injury, is recovering from surgery, is an athlete, or is just stiffening up in his golden years. Animal rehab therapists focus on improving outcomes. They use a combination of familiar treatment techniques to treat animals. The goal of rehabilitation is to help animals regain normal function, restore a full range of mobility and strengthen injured body parts as best and as quickly as possible.

Let me now introduce the various forms of physical therapy for animals! Acupuncture, massage, therapeutic exercises, underwater treadmill therapy, electrical stimulation, and laser therapy are examples of what can be prescribed. Underwater treadmill therapy is a useful strengthening tool for canines. It eases the load on joints while working on the muscles to improve their effectiveness and function. The overhead hoist system offers a helpful way to elevate large, heavy dogs who cannot walk. Electrical muscle stimulation, also known as “e-stim,” is a treatment tool commonly used to heal animals and relieve pain – in particular, after injuries and surgeries related to neurological (brain, spinal cord, and nerves) or orthopedic (muscles, bones, joints, ligaments, and tendons) issues. It can also be used to build muscle strength for older animals and improve mobility. Cold laser therapy, also known as low-level laser treatment (LLLT), is another technique used in physical therapy to improve health. It utilizes a low-intensity light setting to activate the affected tissue area. This can lead to muscle regeneration, wound and joint healing, and pain relief.

Let’s now hear about some successful animal rehabilitation stories.