Rehabilitation

In our rehabilitation clinic, we use integrative modalities such as acupuncture, chiropractic, massage, cold laser therapy, and rehabilitation techniques to help control pain and maintain physical condition. Rehabilitation therapy is especially important for patients who have undergone surgery for orthopedic or neurologic problems.

What To Expect at the Initial Rehabilitation Evaluation:

1. Initial Discussion (approximately 20 minutes) The doctor will ask a series of questions to help clarify your goals for your pet. This might be something simple such as relief of pain or better mobility, but can range from regaining the ability to stand and walk to being able to return to a sport. Additionally, the doctor will also ask questions to get a clear sense of the home environment and what is required for your pet to adequately get around your home. The doctor will review your pet’s history, length of the problem, and any records, radiographs (x-rays), and blood tests with you as they may pertain to the rehabilitation therapy. She will also ask about your pet’s diet and discuss whether it may need to be modified to help your pet to lose or gain weight. If you have been referred by your veterinarian specifically for rehabilitation, we will not be able to take you on as a regular client other than for rehabilitation.

2. Gait and stance analysis (approximately 15 minutes) – The doctor will observe your pet sitting, standing, walking, and sometimes trotting and will analyze their movement. She will make note of any gait or stance abnormalities and discuss with you what they may mean.

3. Physical Examination (approximately 10 minutes) – The doctor will perform a thorough general examination of your pet to ensure that we are not missing something that may be important.

4. Palpation and measurements (approximately 20 minutes) – The doctor will thoroughly palpate your pet’s neck, shoulders, back, tail, and all 4 limbs. Measurements of muscle mass (using a Gulick tape measure) will be recorded. Joint range of motion will be measured using a goniometer and recorded. Flexibility will be assessed and the limbs will be checked for evidence of nerve impingement. These measurements (which will be repeated at the 4 and 8 week re-evaluation) will help us to determine your pet’s progress towards your goals. During this time a neurologic examination will also be performed.

5. Discussion of findings (approximately 10 minutes) The doctor will discuss her findings with you as it relates to your pets physical limitations and/or pain.

6. Formulating a Plan (approximately 10 minutes) The doctor will draw up and document a plan for your pet. This will include a combination of all or most of the following: in clinic manual therapy, acupuncture, laser, massage heat or cold, pulsed electromagnetic therapy, and a home exercise and stretching plan. It may also include medication recommendations in addition to what your pet may already be taking.

7. Going over the plan (approximately 5 minutes) – The doctor or a staff member will review the plan with you and make sure that you are comfortable with how to perform the exercises for your pet.

8. Scheduling treatments


REHABILITATION SERVICES

Integrative Nutritional Supplementation

When tissues such as ligaments and muscles are injured or stressed they may require additional nutrients beyond what the diet can provide. This is especially true post operatively and in geriatric patients.

We can provide you with advice on which nutritional supplements will benefit your pet as well as supplying these supplements to you.

Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy is light energy used to stimulate healing, reduce inflammation and pain, and reduce scar tissue formation. Some of the well known biological effects of laser are cartilage stimulation, immune system stimulation and improved blood flow. Indications for use of laser include reducing post-operative pain and inflammation, degenerative joint disease, neuritis, wound healing, joint swelling, tendonitis, tendonosis, bursitis, tendon/ligament injuries, muscle spasms, osteoarthritis and myositis. Laser therapy can allow newly formed scar tissue to become more pliable for increased range of motion.

Therapeutic Exercise

We perform and teach you how to perform various therapeutic exercises customized to help your pet improve their level of strength, comfort, coordination, and range of motion.

Therapeutic Support

We fit patients for ankle, wrist, elbow, hip, paw, full body support systems and carts.


Contact Us

Location

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Office Hours

Monday, Saturday, Sunday:

Closed

Tuesday:

9:00 am - 6:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am - 7:00 pm

Thursday:

Appointment Only

Friday:

9:00 am - 5:00 pm