Northern VA Canine Rehabilitation Facts

By Marie Nelson


For many people with a dog as a pet, there are injuries and degenerative conditions which can require physical rehabilitation. Some veterinarians today are adding physical therapy measures to the previous course of treatment. Some of the techniques used by the Northern VA canine rehabilitation team, are adapted from the methods used to help humans overcome pain and improve function and mobility. Rehab methods are used following injuries, or when the patient is in pain. Dogs with degenerative diseases or who have age-related deterioration can be helped.

Rehabilitation by a veterinarian must have equipment beyond simple exercise devices or treadmills. The methods utilized by rehab practitioners begin with specific diagnoses and development of a plan of therapy. Using the information gathered by the therapist, a plan is developed which will improve mobility and will enhance the quality of life for your canine pet. The focus is on soft tissue.

Certification for rehabilitation professionals require many hours of hands on training and classroom work. Students learn how to perform comprehensive evaluations, manage therapy plans and identify the effectiveness of the methods throughout the sessions. Rehabilitation professionals employ specialized tests to identify abnormalities in soft tissues, as well as to find tendinopathies. There are precision instruments which measure such factors as range of motion and joint rotation.

The tools which are employed in the therapy sessions are designed to address specific problems. Stretches and mobilization of joints may form useful procedures to assist the animal's recovery. Other tools which can be used include rocker or wobble boards, physio-balls and therapy bands. The tools are designed to increase strength, coordination and flexibility.

Interest in the field of canine physical therapy is growing and more veterinary practices are using the techniques of rehabilitation for their canine patients. The modalities which are utilized include laser therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation. A growing number of veterinary practices have chosen to invest in therapeutic pools and underwater treadmills. Hydrotherapy methods can be utilized for some patients.

The history of canine rehab therapy can be traced back to European practitioners as early as the 1980s, with growing interest in the United States early in the 1990s. The American Veterinary Medicine Association included the category of veterinary physical therapy to its guidelines in 1996. One year later a certification program was added, the first in the nation. At present, seventeen vet colleges offer programs in dog rehab and others are planning to offer rotations and student electives.

Two stakeholders are interested in the qualifications and governing body for veterinary rehab. These are the AVMA and the APTA. Each organization claims to be the providers of choice. However, the final decision is not up to either organization, but rather to the state or province in which the service is offered.

Therapists in Northern Virginia hold all the needed licenses and certifications set by the State of Virginia. The professionals have acquired the needed qualifications and training in order to provide the optimum plan of therapy for your canine friend. The methods are applies in a way to bring about a healthier and more pain-free life for the dog.




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