Physical Therapy Facts:
Physical Therapy has been an accepted traditional medicine intervention for over 80 years. Physical therapists address problems involving the nerves, muscles and bones. Clinicians focus on increasing mobility and function, preventing injury and improving quality of life. By definition, in New York State, Physical Therapy is performed on people. In Veterinary medicine, we use the term “rehabilitation.”
The idea of applying rehabilitation principles and techniques to animals is not new in the United States. In fact, many of the treatment protocols for humans were developed in the 1960’s using animal models. The very foundation of our traditional Physical Therapy practice is linked to Veterinary medicine.
Common Conditions Treated by Physical Therapy
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Care after surgery Muscle and tendon injury Lameness Arthritis Weight Management Senior Care Critical care/trauma recovery Cruciate Injury |
Improving performance in athletes Neck and back problems Joint injury or fractures Pain Management Wounds Nerve damage Hip dysplasia |
The Evaluation
Our Physical Therapist Lin McGonagle (who has over 20 years of experience in both human and animal medicine) will do an extensive initial evaluation that can take about one hour or more depending on the animal and the problems to be addressed. The medical history, Veterinarian contact, diagnosis, results of testing, past treatment and results, current medication or remedies or supplements, routine function or “work,” social/home considerations and history of present illness would be discussed prior to an intervention.
Objective tests and observations are made to help identify the impact of the injury or disease. Typical areas of assessment are gait, posture, balance, functional skills (stairs, standing up, rolling), sensation, pain, range of motion, strength, muscle girth, swelling, neurological screen and weight bearing.
Treatment
Based on the evaluation results, our physical therapist develops an individualized treatment program to resolve specific problem areas in the most efficient manner. A pet’s program may include a combination of the following treatments:
- Underwater Treadmill Therapy
- Cart fitting & ordering
- Massage
- Muscle Stimulation
- Heat
- Stretching
- Cold
- Joint Mobilization
- Ultrasound
- Active Exercise
- Laser
- Custom splints
Home Program
Pet owners are an integral part of the success of our rehabilitation and fitness programs. Lin provides pet owners with a comprehensive plan and the necessary training so that they can carry over activities to the home.
Underwater Treadmill
Colonial Veterinary Hospital is unique among hospitals in this region because of our Underwater Treadmill.
Benefits
Improved strength and muscular endurance
Positive effect on heart and lungs
Increased joint mobility
Improved gait
Decreased pain
Minimized stress on joints
Decreased swelling
Common Conditions
Post-surgical recovery
Arthritis
Weakness
Trauma and Fractures
Nerve Injury
Stiffness
Back problems
Lameness
Pain
Paralysis
Weight Reduction
Injury to muscles, tendons and ligaments
Fitness and conditioning for performance or service dogs
Features
Variable depth of water – perfect for dogs of all sizes
Speed flexibility: 0.4 to 5.7 mph
Buoyancy of water under-weighs the joints from 10% to 90%
Warm water allows for muscle relaxation and pain relief
Digitally controlled speed, distance and time
FUN for you and your pet!
Frequency and Fees
Most of our patients use the Underwater Treadmill once or twice per week, depending on their goals. Please contact our staff for pricing information and package discounts.
Referrals
A veterinary referral is required for all rehabilitation services. Once an initial evaluation is completed, the referring veterinarian is contacted and a treatment plan is proposed. The treatment program is modified as the animal’s condition improves and the referring veterinarian is provided with periodic updates.
