Physical Therapy with the region’s top specialists.
Having a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner perform physical therapy means your pet is getting the best care possible. The CCRP program through the University of Tennessee is a valid, scientifically based program recognized worldwide as the leader in canine physical therapy training.
The majority of physical therapy research is performed at the University of Tennessee and the physical therapy textbooks are authored by their staff. Instructors of the CCRP program are leaders in their field with an evidence-based approach.
In the CCRP program, students complete a rigorous course which includes an externship, numerous case studies, and rigorous certification examination prior to completion.
How can rehabilitation and physical therapy benefit my dog or cat?
We use rehabilitation and physical therapy to help patients heal after surgical procedures such as orthopedics, cruciate repairs, and femoral head osteotomies, as well as to assist patients who are having problems with arthritis.
Are there different types of therapies for my dog or cat?
Yes, we offer many different physical therapy options here. We use an underwater treadmill, a whirlpool, laser therapy, ultrasound, and a CC loop among the options we have available.
How do I know which option is the best for my pet?
Your doctor will help you decide which option is best for your pet and their specific needs.
What conditions or injuries can be treated with rehabilitation therapy for my pet?
We frequently use therapy for arthritis and post-surgical rehabilitation.
How many sessions will my pet need, and how long will they last?
Most pets start with 10 physical therapy sessions, and those sessions typically last between 30 and 40 minutes.
What types of exercises and treatments would I be able to do at home?
There are several things you can do at home, including hot and cold therapy, range of motion exercises, and following a guidebook we provide that includes sit and stand exercises, curb work, and more.
Can you explain what hydrotherapy is for my dog or cat?
Hydrotherapy involves having your pet use an underwater treadmill, which is filled with warm water to help loosen up the muscles. The water provides buoyancy and helps your pet achieve a better range of motion in the affected area.
Are there any risks associated with rehabilitation for my pet?
There are really no risks associated as long as we follow the pet's cues and allow them to go at their own pace.
Will they be in pain for my pet during or after the rehabilitation session?
The sessions themselves are not painful. However, you may notice your pet being a little more tired or tender afterward since we are challenging those areas a bit.
How soon can I expect to see improvements in my pet's condition after physical therapy?
It depends on your pet's condition. You can discuss this further with your physical therapist to get an idea of how long it might take for your pet to respond.
Is there any reason my pet couldn't do physical therapy?
The only reason your pet couldn't do physical therapy would be if they are not tolerating it or do not want to sit through the treatments. Otherwise, there should be no reason your pet can't undergo physical therapy.
How can I find a qualified rehabilitation therapist for my pet?
We have two therapists in the clinic here, so you can give us a call and we can put you in touch with them.
Therapeutic Laser
Therapeutic Laser Companion Therapy Laser is a surgery-free, drug-free, noninvasive treatment to; reduce pain, reduce inflammation and speed healing. It uses a beam of laser light to deeply penetrate tissue without damaging it. Laser energy induces a biological response in the cells called “photo-bio-modulation”, which leads to reduced pain, reduced inflammation, and increased healing speed. The laser light is delivered through a noninvasive hand-piece to treat the affected area. Your pet may feel a gentle and soothing warmth. Most treatments take a matter of minutes. Laser therapy has been scientifically proven to be successful in treating post-surgical pain and many acute and chronic conditions.
Aquatic Bioelectric Whirlpool
Aquatic Bioelectric Therapy is a new form of treatment combining the benefits of whirlpool therapy with the pain management benefits of electroceutical stimulation therapy. This represents an exciting new avenue for providing pain relief for a variety of conditions. Since incorporating aquatic bioelectric therapy into our regimen, we have seen dramatic results as early as the first treatment. Good candidates for aquatic bioelectric therapy are those patients that: Have an acute injury (sprains, strains). Are recovering from orthopedic surgery (knees, hips, elbows, shoulders, etc.). Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Any type of chronic pain.
Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a regenerative therapy that uses the healing benefits of an animal’s own blood to jumpstart recovery. How does PRP help? The stress of daily activity or work causes degeneration in tendons, ligaments, and joints which may lead to chronic pain and weakness. There is typically poor blood supply to these injured areas, so they do not usually heal from damage quickly. PRP helps to accelerate healing and provide symptom relief for a faster return to everyday activities. The growth factors and other proteins in PRP help to repair and regenerate connective tissues and keep them healthy, reduce inflammation, stimulate cells, relieve pain, and reduce scar tissue formation.
Soundwave Therapy
Also referred to as “shock wave”, the VersaTron4Paws technology used high-energy sound waves-called pulses or shock waves to stimulate and speed the body’s own healing process. These sound waves release higher energy and results in deeper penetration than an ultrasound or laser, for example. The waves travel through soft tissue at different depths to a specific treatment area and begin healing. How does it work? The high-energy sound waves stimulate cells and release healing growth factors in the body that reduce inflammation and swelling, increase blood flow, help bones to form and heal, and enhance wound healing. What can be treated with the VersaTron4Paws technology? Backed by more than a decade of clinical research, shock wave can be used to reduce lameness, improve mobility, and relieve pain in dogs with: Osteoarthritis, Tendon/ligament injuries, Wounds, Bone Fractures, Back Pain, Shoulder Instability, and more. Shock wave is noninvasive so it can be used in these conditions as an alternative to surgery, instead of increased non-steroidal pharmaceuticals, or as part of a rehab plan.
Assisi Loop
The Assisi Loop offers targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (targeted PEMF) in a portable, easy-to-use device that can be used in clinic or in the home/stable. The Loop has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation and has been cleared by the FDA for palliative treatment of post-operative edema and pain. By emitting bursts of micro current electricity, the Assisi Loop creates a field which evenly penetrates both soft and hard body tissue around the target area. This electromagnetic field causes a chemical cascade, which activates the Nitric Oxide cycle. Nitric Oxide is a key molecule in healing. The Loop increases Nitric Oxide production to help speed healing of soft and hard tissues-that includes skin, tendons, ligaments, bones and organs. The specific ratio of frequency to burst width used by the Loop has been found to be the most effective at delivering the amount of current that is similar to what is already used by the body. More is not always better, and too much Nitric Oxide production can actually slow healing. When choosing a PEMF device, it is good to know that more power is not correlated with faster healing. In general, tPEM can be used to speed healing, reduce inflammation, and lower pain levels. For any kind of orthopedic injury or surgery, the Loop is a great tool to use in the recovery stage. The field penetrates fur, bandages, and casts to reach all the tissue in the target area.
Electrical Stimulation
Electrical Stimulation (E-Stim) is the delivery of low-level electrical current, which results in muscle contraction and stimulation of superficial nerve fibers. E-Stim is used therapeutically for pain management, to prevent muscle atrophy following surgery or injury and to increase muscle strength. It is also used for neuromuscular regeneration.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound Therapeutic ultrasound is the use of sound waves for deep-tissue healing. This is great for musculoskeletal injuries including joint motion-limiting conditions, chronic arthritis and various soft tissue injuries such as muscle strains, muscle tears or tendon injuries. The benefits are increased localized circulation, increased range of motion, increased wound healing time, decreased scar tissue and decreased inflammation and pain.
Underwater Treadmill
Underwater Treadmill Therapy provides the ability to strengthen muscles while minimizing stress on the joints and bones through the buoyancy of the water. In addition to building and strengthening muscles, the warm water environment helps to increase overall flexibility and range of motion. There is a tremendous amount of variability to an underwater treadmill, including speed, water depth, and jet resistance.
Benefits of Underwater Treadmill Exercise
- Strengthens muscles while minimizing stress on the joints through the buoyancy of the water.
- The warm water helps to increase overall flexibility and range of motion.
- Buoyancy counteracts weight, allowing easier ambulation.
- Sessions are able to be adapted to each patient's needs via water depth, speed, jet resistance, and length of session.
What can the Underwater Treadmill be used for?
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Osteoarthritis
- Muscle spasms
- Muscle weakness
- Neurological impairment
- Weight loss/weight control
- Fitness
Our approach is holistic and personalized, our therapy sessions utilize various techniques such as therapeutic exercises and hydrotherapy to achieve optimal results.