Your Pet’s Quality of Life Can Be Improved
If your pet has a medical condition that makes it difficult to carry out everyday activities such as walking, running or climbing stairs, can physical rehabilitation really improve their quality of life?
The answer is a definite yes!
Just as with humans, a professionally designed and supervised program of physical therapy can help your pet regain optimal function and return to the activities they enjoy most. Whether your pet has been injured, undergone surgery, or is dealing with the effects of aging or being overweight, rehabilitation has been shown to:
- Improve muscle strength, coordination and agility
- Help your pet recover from surgery
- Improve range of motion of the joints and limbs
- Help manage pain
- Reduce the risk of injury due to deconditioning
- Help with weight loss (learn more about our Pets Get Fit! Program)
- Promote physical and mental well-being
This is why we’ve built a spacious, well-appointed Rehabilitation Center. It’s the only facility in the area with a custom-designed, full-size therapy pool with a ramp for safe, easy access.
You’re welcome to attend rehabilitation sessions and observe your pet’s therapy in action at any time.
Plus, our director of rehabilitation has impressive credentials. She’s trained as a physical therapist for people, as a licensed veterinary technician, and as a certified canine rehabilitation therapist. She evaluates each pet’s condition, develops a customized plan designed to achieve the best results, and oversees its implementation.
The Conditions We See That Can Benefit from Rehabilitation
Veterinary rehabilitation can be helpful for pets with a wide range of conditions that affect their physical abilities, including:
- Arthritis
- Traumatic injuries
- Degenerative disc disease
- Orthopedic or other types of surgery
- Obesity
- Stroke
- Increasing difficulty with daily activities due to age or inactivity/deconditioning
The rehabilitation services Guardian Veterinary Specialists provides
After a comprehensive initial evaluation and physical examination, our rehabilitation expert will develop a plan of care tailored to your pet’s unique needs. This plan may include:
- Hydrotherapy (aquatic therapy using an underwater treadmill)
- Therapeutic exercise for improving range of motion, strength, coordination and balance
- Manual therapy (massage, stretching, joint and/or soft tissue mobilization)
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Cold laser treatment
- Electrical stimulation to help with pain relief
- Thermotherapy (heat and ice)
- Myofascial release
Also, as a pet owner, you’re given a home exercise program that includes a video and written instructions, to help you help your pet achieve the most successful outcome.
Can your pet benefit from rehab? Yes! Our Director of Rehabilitation explains the benefits:
Do pet owners appreciate our rehab program? Yes! A client explains the benefits.