Rehab for Pets: Using Rehabilitation Therapy to Maximize Recovery

After surgery, rest is usually recommended, but it's important to include supervised exercise and rehabilitation workouts as part of our go-home instructions. Strict and prolonged exercise restrictions can cause muscle, tendon, and ligament atrophy, leading to a loss of strength. Bones can also become weaker and more susceptible to fractures with excessive exercise limitations. Just like human patients benefit from physical therapy after an injury or surgery, pets also gain advantages from post-surgical rehabilitation.

Veterinary rehabilitation uses targeted physical therapies with a goal of returning the patient normal or as close to normal function as quickly as possible. Benefits of rehabilitation therapies  include:

• Improved muscle strength and tone

• Enhanced circulation and joint health

• Prevention of muscle atrophy and contractures

• Stimulation of nerve function and potential for recovery

• Increased mobility and independence

• Enhanced overall well-being and quality of life

At VNIoC, we use many different rehabilitation therapy modalities.

Acupuncture has been used in veterinary practice in China for thousands of years. Acupuncture is indicated for functional problems such as those that involve paralysis and pain. In small animals such as dogs and cats, insertion of acupuncture needles is virtually painless, and the pet is generally relaxed, even sleepy. We use both electro-acupuncture (shown at left) and traditional needling at VNIOC.

Veterinary manipulative therapy is a hands-on approach used to assess and treat musculoskeletal and nervous system issues in animals. It aims to restore proper joint motion, reduce pain, and improve overall function by addressing imbalances in the spine, muscles, and nervous system. It is the veterinary equivalent of human chiropractic care.

Another hands-on therapy we use is massage therapy, which can help relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain.

Laser therapy, also known as photobiomodulation (PBM) or  low-level laser therapy (LLLT), is used to manage pain, inflammation, and promote tissue repair using red and near-infrared light. This therapy stimulates cellular processes, leading to reduced pain and inflammation, and enhanced wound healing and tissue regeneration. It is non-invasive, pain-free and can help animals recover faster and regain normal function after injuries or surgery.

Right: A dog undergoing laser therapy.

Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain in pets. This non-surgical therapy which generally can be provided without sedation, can promote cell regeneration, increase blood circulation, and break down calcifications, aiding in tissue repair. The treatment is relatively quick, typically lasting only a few minutes, and often requires one to three sessions spaced a few weeks apart. 

Underwater treadmill therapy is a versatile therapy used for various conditions in dogs and cats. It uses a treadmill submerged in water to help animals recover from injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve mobility.  Exercising in water provides buoyancy and support, reducing stress on joints and muscles. Hydrotherapy can improve muscle strength, cardiovascular fitness, and range of motion.

Therapeutic exercise, similar to physical therapy in humans, primarily focuses on reducing pain and inflammation while restoring mobility and function.  This can include:

• Passive range of motion (PROM) exercises: These exercises involve manually moving the pet's limbs through their full range of motion. PROM helps maintain joint flexibility, prevent muscle tightness, and improve circulation.

• Assisted standing and walking: With support from a harness or sling, pets can practice standing and taking steps. This helps build strength, improve balance, and stimulate nerve function.

• Balance and coordination exercises: These exercises focus on improving balance and coordination, which are essential for mobility and independence.

STAY SAFE with Rehabilitation: As with humans, continuation of prescribed exercises at home is important to maximizing recovery. Important safety considerations for pet owners to remember include:

• Always supervise your pet during exercise.

• Start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of exercises.

• Be gentle and avoid causing pain or discomfort.

• Use appropriate equipment and support devices.

• Monitor your pet for signs of fatigue or distress.

• Remember to be patient, consistent, and supportive throughout the rehabilitation process.