A Brief Explanation Of Northern VA Canine Rehabilitation

By Marie Nelson


For many people with a dog as a pet, there are injuries and degenerative conditions which can require physical rehabilitation. Some veterinarians today are adding physical therapy measures to the previous course of treatment. Some of the techniques used by the Northern VA canine rehabilitation team, are adapted from the methods used to help humans overcome pain and improve function and mobility. Rehab methods are used following injuries, or when the patient is in pain. Dogs with degenerative diseases or who have age-related deterioration can be helped.

A veterinarian who offers rehabilitation requires more than just exercise equipment or a treadmill. The canine therapy methods require a totally different diagnosis and therapy plan. The therapists who practice dog rehab focus on soft tissues, rather than on bone and joint alignment. The purpose of the treatment is to improve mobility, while enhancing the animal's quality of life.

Certification for rehabilitation professionals require many hours of hands on training and classroom work. Students learn how to perform comprehensive evaluations, manage therapy plans and identify the effectiveness of the methods throughout the sessions. Rehabilitation professionals employ specialized tests to identify abnormalities in soft tissues, as well as to find tendinopathies. There are precision instruments which measure such factors as range of motion and joint rotation.

The tools which are employed in the therapy sessions are designed to address specific problems. Stretches and mobilization of joints may form useful procedures to assist the animal's recovery. Other tools which can be used include rocker or wobble boards, physio-balls and therapy bands. The tools are designed to increase strength, coordination and flexibility.

As the field of dog rehab expands, more professionals are trained to make use of physical modalities. These include ultrasound, electrical stimulation and laser. More and more practices are investing in underwater treadmills and therapeutic pools. For many patients, hydrotherapy is an option.

In Europe, during the 1980s, practitioners began using canine rehabilitative methods. A decade later, United States therapists began to take notice of the methods. The AVMA added the physical therapy veterinary guidelines in 1996 and in 1997, the first certification program for practitioners in the United States was implemented. 17 veterinary colleges now provide programs in canine therapy and other facilities are planning for PT therapy rotations or electives.

Two organizations are stakeholders in the discussions about veterinary rehabilitation qualifications. The APTA and AVMA have each claimed to be the primary provider for the techniques. In fact neither group has the final say in regulation of the profession. Instead, the requirements are set by the province or state in which the service is provided.

The Northern Virginia team of therapists comply with all licensing and certification requirements for the State. The approved levels of training and qualifications are obtained by each of the therapists working with your pet. Regardless of the type of injury or condition, a consultation with a therapist is often a way to get the dog a reduction of pain levels, healing of injuries and a better quality of life.




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