Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy with the region’s top specialists.

Physical Therapy

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.

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. 

physcial-therapyUnderwater 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.

Drop off is generally between 8AM and 9AM. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays physical therapy patients can also be dropped off between 7:00-7:30AM if prearranged.

Of course! Please discuss with Sarah, our physical therapist, and she will work with you to find the right time for your schedule and ours.

How often and when a patient comes to therapy is totally dependent on the dog and its conditions. This can be discussed with Sarah. Generally patients come in 2-3 times per week.

Payment is due at the time of service. Physical therapy is often paid for in packages with a set number of treatments. Treatments can be paid individually as well.

Yes, it is likely your pet will be placed on some restrictions. A care guide will be sent home with each patient laying out specific instructions for at home and between sessions.

Each case is unique; please discuss this with Sarah for the best recommendation.

There are always other options with physical therapy, most patients who don’t tolerate the underwater treadmill will tolerate whirlpool therapy.

Yes! Each patient will be given things to do at home which will be detailed in a take home book. This can be used right alongside physical therapy at Country Hills.