Range of Motion (ROM) and Stretching is used to flex and extend joints that
otherwise is not being used due to injury or surgery. ROM should only be
used after consulting your rehab specialist. Doing ROM incorrectly may lead to
further damage or injury. By performing ROM we keep the joints lubricated, keep
muscles from atrophying (wasting
away)
due to disuse, and it speeds the healing process.
Balance and strengthening Exercises
Balance exercises allows for use of muscles that the patient may not otherwise not want to use due to pain or surgery.
Balance exercise also helps strained or damaged nerve fibers such as in patients
with disc disease.
Strengthening exercises are often used as
healing occurs.
Strengthening helps maintain weight bearing tolerances, as well as improving
endurance and coordination.
Balance boards, balance balls, cavaletti's, and
obstacle courses are used as part of an overall recovery/strength program
designed to improve stamina and agility.
Electro-stimulation Therapy
Electrotherapy is often used when the pet is so painful that they are unable to move specific muscles.
Electrical stimulation, or e-stim, soothes aching muscles, treats spasms, pain,
and edema, and prevents atrophy.
Electrotherapy uses electrical nerve stimulation to reducing swelling
(edema) and increasing circulation (blood flow) to the affected or injured area. The
reduced swelling allows more blood to rush to the areas that need healing. The increase
in blood flow allows oxygen, nutrients, and healing cells
to travel to the injured area faster to repair the damaged tissue.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound works via sound waves. The energy from these
sound waves can penetrate into the muscle layers warming the muscles. This
deep tissue heating aides strengthening of tight or sore muscles as well as
sprains and strains that the pet may not otherwise allow.
