Surgery of the stifle joint is the most common orthopedic procedure done by specialists. Stabilization of CCL ruptures and medial and lateral patellar luxations are the most common stifle joint surgeries. Rehabilitation after stifle joint surgery, particularly after reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament, has definite benefits.
Pet Rehabilitation
What Does Rehab Involve?
Immediate postoperative rehabilitation includes passive range-of-motion exercise, ice application, stretching, and weight-shifting exercises; later rehabilitation primarily comprises protected strengthening exercises.
Is Your Pet a Candidate For Rehab?
Rehabilitation is particularly important in patients facing permanent complications or in those with severe disease, including patients predisposed to permanent loss of joint motion because of age, trauma severity, repeated surgeries, long-term joint immobilization, or limb disuse. Patients with limited mobility due to size, age, body condition, fitness level are also important candidates for rehabilitation.
A Positive Experience
The patient should perceive rehabilitation as a positive experience. A quiet, comfortable environment; positive reinforcement; and adapting the rehabilitation protocol to the patient’s personality help achieve this goal. Most patients undergo rehabilitation without sedation. This allows the therapist to more objectively assess the pain management protocol as well as the joint.
Manage the Pain
With proper pain management, patients tolerate gentle manipulation of the joint throughout the early postoperative period. Pain is assessed at regular intervals and managed aggressively.
Implementing a comprehensive pain management protocol is critically important to develop a positive relationship with the patient early and to sustain this relationship throughout therapy. Schedule an appointment online or call us at (904) 209-5740!
Underwater Treadmill
Utilizing underwater treadmill, we can help improve an orthopedic or neurologic condition, restore dysplasic function after a surgical procedure, improve fitness and health, provide comfort in geriatric or painful pets, or just a fun exercise. The warm water in the treadmill aids in supporting the weight of the patient during a session. The gentle movement of the belt stimulates motion allowing for non-traumatic and comprehensive exercise training. It can improve a patient’s core strength, endurance, and helps build muscle.
We also see improvements with joint mobility along with overall gains in cardiovascular fitness. The treadmill has adjustable options including incline, and variable speeds and water to customize an individual patient’s therapeutic needs.
Who can benefit from an underwater treadmill?
- Geriatric patients
- Surgical rehabilitation (pre and post operative)
- Injured non-surgical patients
- Obese patients (fitness guidance and health education)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Patellar luxation
- Muscle, tendon, ligament sprain or strain
- Chronic degenerative disease
- Neurologic patients
- Orthopedic patients (fractures and amputations)
- Canine athletes
- Working dogs
- Alternative to surgical or medical management
- Cats!
This is just to name a few!
