Northern VA Canine Rehabilitation Facts

By Marie Nelson


Rehabilitation for your canine friend is a growing niche in the field of veterinary medicine. The Northern VA canine rehabilitation professionals adapt the techniques used for physical therapy in humans for dog breeds of all types. The purpose of the veterinary rehabilitation sessions, as it is in humans, is to increase the function and mobility of joints and muscles. The techniques are designed to reduce pain and to speed up the recovery process after injuries, obesity, surgeries, degenerative diseases, and diseases related to age.

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.

Professionals in the field of veterinary rehabilitation must obtain certification in most jurisdictions. There are many hours of classroom work and of training in the field before certification is obtained. Some of the techniques which are mastered are specialized evaluations, managing therapy procedures, and measuring the effectiveness of the methods which are employed during the sessions. The professionals use specialized tests to identify the areas in the animal's soft tissues which must be addressed. The experts use precise measurement devices to determine the amount of joint rotation and range of motion.

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 stakeholders are interested in the qualifications and governing body for veterinary rehab. These are the AVMA and the APTA. Each organization claims to be the providers of choice. However, the final decision is not up to either organization, but rather to the state or province in which the service is offered.

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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