print

Physical Rehabilitation for Dogs

PLEASE NOTE that we are NOT a veterinary clinic and do not provide any veterinary medical services.  If you require veterinary services for your dog, please consult your regular veterinarian.

Physical rehabilitation is becoming an increasingly important tool as an adjunct to veterinary medicine following surgical intervention, injury, chronic pain, and neuromuscular ailments. Physical rehabilitation aids in the prevention of injury and recovery from trauma, therefore expanding the physical potential and quality of life of our canine companions.

Are you looking for the following?

  • A thorough evaluation of your pet from head to toe to tail?
  • A diagnosis for your pet’s physical condition or lameness?
  • A plan to treat your pet’s condition which includes information on what you can be doing at home?
  • A possible alternative to surgery?
  • Post-operative care, guidance, advice, support, prognosis, realistic expectations, and/or return to sport recommendations?
  • Management of your pet’s existing condition (such as arthritis) and/or pain control  as an adjunct or alternative  to pharmaceutical therapies?
  • Weight loss management?

How Can Physical Rehabilitation Help?

  1. Assessment
    At The Canine Fitness Centre Ltd, after receiving medical clearance from your veterinarian, a physical therapist trained in animal rehabilitation will evaluate your animal’s movement, spinal and joint function, strength, co-ordination and other physical abilities and properties. This will enable your therapist to determine the impact of an injury, degenerative or inflammatory condition or disability.
  2. Physical Diagnosis and Treatment Plan
    Your therapist will determine how best to restore proper movement and reduce the pain from an injury or disability to your dog. Your therapist’s knowledge and experience is based on scientific rationale and a thorough assessment of your pet’s condition, environmental factors, and lifestyle. He or she will work with you, the owner, to plan an individualized treatment program. Your therapist will also act as a source of support throughout the rehabilitation process.
  3. Evaluation and Treatment
    Therapists engaged in animal rehabilitation utilize a variety of tools and methods in order to evaluation and treat patients. Manual therapy encompasses mobilizations, manipulations, massage therapy and stretching. Our therapists have specialized training in biomechanics of the spin and extremity joints as well as muscle origins, insertions, and actions. ’Modalities’ is a term which refers to the tools or machines commonly utilized by physical therapists. These may include ultrasound, laser, electrical muscle stimulation, magnetic field therapy, and acupuncture to name a few. Lastly, exercise prescription becomes a fundamental tool to return your dog to a state of normalcy. The science of physical therapy entails specialized training that enables these professionals to assess and appropriately address exercise needs for neuromusculoskeletal conditions or injuries at every stage of healing and rehabilitation. We are here to provide the same for your four legged family member.

What should you expect?

  • A full, 1 hour and 15 minute, rehab evaluation which includes assessment, treatment and a written home program
  • We will contact your veterinarian to request a referral and any pertinent medical history of your pet. He or she will then be updated on our assessment findings, treatment plan, and your animal’s progress.
  • Even after discharge, you are welcome to contact us with questions and/or to book a check-up appointment for your pet as needed.

 

Website Security Test