When dogs have surgeries such as cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) stabilization or fracture repairs.... they typically have pain and swelling which require exercise restriction. Rehab therapy accelerates the reduction of pain and swelling immediately post-op through various methods, such as: massage, physical exercises, ultrasound and laser treatments. Rehab also allows us to return function and range of motion quickly. Another method of treatment uses our underwater treadmill. This allows dogs to safely return to activity quickly, as it facilitates proper walking motions (through the resistance of the water) without forcing them to bear the majority of their weight (through buoyancy of the water). Other methods include dry land exercises such as walking through a system of low rails, promoting proper flexion of the joints. We also perform weight shifting exercises which teach the peripheral nerves how to work properly again.

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Many dogs have osteoarthritis (OA).... usually a result of a previous injury or joint instability (such as dysplasia or a ruptured CCL). These dogs not only have pain in their joints, they also have reduced strength of muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as well as diminished range of motion. All of this contributes to a lack of mobility. Besides traditional pain medications, rehab offers a variety of ways to reduce pain in their joints. A properly selected combination of rehabilitation therapy leads to great improvements for dogs with osteoarthritis.

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There are a variety of neurologic conditions which are very responsive to rehab therapy... although each neurologic condition requires unique treatments, neurologic patients generally have weakness and lack of ability to use limbs can be painful, and many get worse. Our goals are to increase strength and ability to use their limbs, regain stability, and facilitate regeneration of nerves. 

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