| Hydrotherapy | Electrical Stimulation | Joint Mobility | Therapeutic Exercise |
| Land Treadmill |
Hydrotherapy - Canine Underwater Treadmill
The Canine Underwater Treadmill provides low impact exercise in a reduced gravity environment. This treatment combines heat therapy of warm water with strengthening exercise while eliminating impact and concussion to the joints. Due to the buoyancy of the water, the underwater treadmill provides the ability to strengthen the animal’s muscles in an environment of little or no pressure on the joints.
The underwater treadmill provides the therapist with a controlled environment that can be adjusted to the pet’s needs, including water height, treadmill speed and degree of incline for added resistance. Upon being introduced into the treadmill tank for the first time, the dog can proceed at a slow pace, thus eliminating the fear that may be incurred during the first session.
The benefits of underwater treadmill therapy are numerous. It allows dogs to exercise with less pain. Weak, unbalanced and arthritic pets can move around more freely without falling. It allows an earlier return to exercise after surgery. The underwater treadmill can also be used for weight loss.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a deep tissue-heating agent, used to treat musculoskeletal injuries. Opposed to superficial heat treatment that can cause excessive heating of the skin, ultrasound produces temperature changes deep within the underlying tissues. Ultrasound is helpful in treating joint motion limiting conditions, soft tissue injuries, and chronic conditions. Therapeutic ultrasound increases blood flow to the affected area which accelerates the wound healing process.
Benefits of therapeutic ultrasound include increased joint mobility and range of motion, decrease in scar tissue formation and a decrease in pain and muscular spasms.
Neuromuscular and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation
Neuromuscular Stimulation is the use of a small electrical current to stimulate muscular contractions. The current is delivered through electrodes placed on the skin over a muscle or a muscle group. This type of therapy is excellent for post surgical patients who are non-weight bearing or have very limited use of certain muscles. Neuromuscular Stimulation is used to prevent muscle atrophy or increase strength of muscles that are under utilized.
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation is used therapeutically for pain management and to increase circulation and promote healing. Electrodes are applied directly on the skin and deliver low voltage intermittent stimulation to the surface nerves of the skin.
Transmission of pain signals are blocked by the release of endorphins. The benefits of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation include acute and chronic pain relief, reduced post exercise soreness and reduced edema.
Massage and Joint Mobility Therapy
Massage and Joint Mobility Therapy are generally used in conjunction with other modalities to relieve tension and improve muscle function.
Massage helps with reduction of pain, improved circulation, reduction in muscle knots and spasms, reduction in anxiety and stress and improves relaxation. Massage techniques are used to relieve muscle tightness resulting from injury, surgery, poor conformation, or athletic performance.
Massage and joint mobility therapy stimulate the lymphatic system and help reduce local swelling and edema. It is also beneficial for breaking down adhesions and scar tissue.
Therapeutic Exercise
Exercise is an important part of the rehabilitation process offered at Shaker Veterinary Hospital. The purpose of these exercises is to improve flexibility, muscle strength and mass, improve balance, enhance cardiovascular performance and prevent further injury.
The various types of therapeutic exercises include assisted walking exercises, stair climbing, physioroll exercises, wobble board exercises, balance board exercises, weave poles and Cavaletti rails.
Exercises are generally developed specifically for each individual patient’s condition and goals of therapy.
Land Treadmill
The land treadmill provides additional therapeutic exercise options for some patients. It has a broad range of resistance and incline positions which help with strengthening and encourage bone growth. It is excellent for transitioning patients who have "graduated" from some of the other modalities. The land treadmill is also used as an alternative to the underwater treadmill for pets that aren't receptive to hydrotherapy.