 |
Hydrotherapy
Water is a fabulous environment in which to exercise. The
principle of buoyancy combined with that of resistance make this a
most unique and safe method of rehabilitation. We have an underwater
treadmill that provides an opportunity to strengthen muscles with
little to no pressure on the patient’s joints. The warmth of the
water helps to increase flexibility and mobility of muscles,
tendons, ligaments that surround the joints as well as enhance
circulation.
It is not unusual for an animal that is not
using a limb on land to use it when walking in the water. They
often use it in an exaggerated motion which adds to the
therapeutic benefits of hydrotherapy.
We can adjust variables of speed, duration of
treatment and water level during each treatment to maximize our
treatment plan.
Benefits:
-
Comfortable Movement
-
Earlier Return to Function
-
Muscle Strengthening
-
Increased Cardiovascular Stamina
-
Neuromuscular Re-Education
-
Weight Loss
-
Increase in Patient’s Self Confidence
|
 |
|
|
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the insertion of thin needles into a
patient at specific locations resulting in targeted stimulation
of the nervous system. The nervous system is the body’s
communications network, and it is capable of altering the
biochemical and physiologic properties of any intact body
system.
Learn more about acupuncture. |
|
Animal Chiropractic
The purpose of chiropractic care for your
animals is to help them reestablish a clear communication pathway in
their nervous system, thereby allowing the body to function at an
optimum level. A chiropractic adjustment may consist of lighter
touch energy-type work as well as deeper force impulses into the
spine and extremities, stretching work, muscle work, gait analysis,
and lifestyle modification recommendations, depending on the
specific needs of the animal. The results of chiropractic
adjustments may include increased energy, balanced gait, increased
coordination, and an overall higher quality of life. Many owners
find that their animals find relief from pain and long term
dysfunctions with consistent adjustments. Regular wellness visits
are also just as important as those when the animal is in pain, as
pain is often one of the last signs our bodies will give us when
there is an underlying problem. A typical adjustment lasts between
15 and 30 minutes. All dogs and cats are welcome to receive
chiropractic care regardless of their age, function, and pain level.
|
 |
|
Pulsed Signal Therapy
We are proud to be the first rehabilitation center in
Northern California with the patented PST machine from
Biomagnetics Therapy System. (www.pstvet.com)
For over 20 years PST is used extensively in Europe for the
treatment of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and other injuries
in people and animals. Human clinical trials showed significant
improvement in pain and performance of daily activities in 85%
of treated patients. In the United State use is currently
limited to animals.
The principle behind the PST is based upon the
fact that there is an electrical field around each healthy |
|
|
joint and this field participates in the
continual regeneration of cartilage. Cartilage is the important
cushion between the bones that make up a joint. If inflammation
develops, as it does with arthritis, there is a disturbance in
the electrical field. As arthritis progresses the cartilage is
broken down and this causes pain with movement. The PST returns
the regenerative capabilities by repairing the electrical field
disturbance. This allows an increase in the production of
proteoglycans and collagen to aid in repairing damaged
cartilage. PST is a great addition to other therapies or as an
alternative for patients that can not tolerate NSAIDs. It is
painless and has not known side effects.
The treatment protocol is (9) thirty minute
consecutive daily treatments. A consolidated treatment regimen
can be done. Improvement can be noted in the treatment phase but
is usually not seen for several weeks. We consider the maximal
benefit evident at 16 weeks.
|
|
|
Low Level Laser Therapy
LLLT is used to increase quality and strength of tissue
repair, decrease inflammation and give pain relief. The effects
are photochemical, not thermal and happen at the cellular level.
Benefits include faster wound healing, increased vascular
activity, stimulated nerve function, reduction of scar
formation, and decreased inflammation.
Indications for therapy:
-
Wound management
-
Soft Tissue Injuries
-
Inflammation
-
Chronic Pain
-
Acupuncture
|
|
Therapeutic Exercises
We evaluate each patient and design a set of exercises
that are most effective in that patient’s rehabilitation. These
are designed to achieve the goals set for that patient’s
recovery. Exercises may be directed at helping the patient with
strengthening specific muscles or stretching to increase
flexibility or learning how to regain the feeling and use of a
foot or limb. We demonstrate each activity in our hospital and
teach our clients to perform these at home on a prescribed
schedule. We try to incorporate the special needs and skills of
patients and their families.
|
 |
|
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Thermal effects of a therapeutic ultrasound can be very
beneficial in treating soft tissue injuries. It can be used to
increase the flexibility of muscles while decreasing muscle
spasm and scar tissue. We have also found it can increase
circulation and minimize inflammation of damaged tissues.
|
|
Heat and Cold Therapy
Appropriately times in the rehabilitation process, cold
and heat can be very beneficial in decreasing pain and
inflammation.
Initially, in the first 72 hours, we use cold
therapy to decrease the pain and inflammation associated with
surgery or trauma. This occurs by decreasing pain perception,
decreasing blood flow and decreasing inflammation.
Heat therapy is used later in the healing
process to increase blood flow, increase muscle flexibility
decrease pain and increase healing.
Massage
Massage is not petting. Massage is a focused, intentional, and
deliberate touch of a variety of stokes. Massage is a non-invasive
way to improve your pet’s health. Massage utilizes soft tissue
manipulation to achieve different goals such as relaxation,
stimulation, and relief of muscle problems. It allows the body to
function efficiently. Massage increases circulation bringing oxygen
and nutrients to the tissues. Massage provides relief from many
common ailments as well as enhances performance.
What Massage can do:
-
increase circulation & oxygenation to the cells of
the body
-
decrease pain, soreness & stiffness
-
restore muscle tone
-
improve muscle function
-
increase flexibility & range of motion
-
relaxation and stress reduction
Dogs that may Benefit from
Massage:
|
| |
|
|
 |
