Here are some of the therapies quickly explained
Cryotherapy - is a procedure which uses extreme cold to deal with conditions of skin lesions, inflammation or pain. In some cases dogs may undergo a procedure without being put under anaesthesia. Cryotherapy is conducted with liquid nitrogen to burn off skin tags, or reduce inflammation of a joint.
Hydrotherapy - "Hydrotherapy allows for earlier intervention, with patients being able to begin moving within days of injury or surgery with little or no risk to reinjury" (Konilan 1999)
Animal Physiotherapy, Assessment, Treatment and Rehabilitation of Animals, 2007. Ed Catherine McGowan, Lesley Geoff & Narelle Stubbs
Hydrotherapy may also include the use of an underwater treadmill.
Thermotherapy- This therapy uses the application of heat. It is used to reduce muscle spasms.
Acupuncture use of needles at specific points to relive pain. It aids in not only neurological issues such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, and intervertebral disc disease, but also digestive problems, skin conditions, and respiratory issues.
Acupressure from traditional Chinese medicine, is a gentle non invasive therapy. It is performed by placing gently pressure on specific points. It can be used to relieve pain, digestive problems and anxiety.
Have you heard your vet or therapist use the term Range of Motion (ROM)?
The movements can be active, passive or active assisted. With the aim of achieving the full extent of movement for a patient. The movement is within the parameters of the joints ability. Post surgical exercises duration and intensity are decided by the surgeon and physiotherapist.
Watch passive range of motion movements to understand them .
(Please do not try and perform these on your dog- the video is for informational purposes only)
Skeleton and Muscular System Quick Guide
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Which aid does my dog need?
Spine - A spinal brace helps keep your dog comfortable while giving its spine support and rigidity,
Hips or Knees - a brace which is basically an external bandage type aid, specifically designed to support the hip or knee joint.
Hock or Carpal wraps are similar to a brace they are meant to give your dog support and flexibility.
Why is it important for your dog to keep moving?
Muscles when they are not used atrophy. This is a term which means your dogs muscles when they are not used enough will begin to waste away. When this happens, there is a loss of muscle mass.
Once this happens your physiotherapist will help your dog rebuild muscle through a range of exercises.
Exercise or physiotherapy depends on each dogs condition. What are these conditions- it could be injury, post operative care, genetic disorders. So there is no single therapy or exercise a vet or therapist can recommend.
Hydrotherapy may be suitable for one patient and not another- even with the same conditions in different dogs. Why is this so? Because each dog is an individual and each body must be attended to for its specific needs and injury.
Disclaimer: This article is only informative. It cannot be used to replace medical advise of a licensed therapist or veterinarian.
