Physical Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is the application of physical therapy treatments to animals

Why Rehabilitation?

Increase strength, endurance, mobility, and performance
Reduce pain, swelling, and inflammation
Accelerate healing of injured tissues
Restore and maintain range of motion, flexibility, and muscle mass
Improve balance and coordination
Provide conditioning and weight loss
Improve and prolong quality of life

Common Conditions Treated

Pre-and post-operative orthopedic surgery
Cruciate ligament tears
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Fracture, joint luxation (dislocation), trauma
Medial shoulder instability
Arthritis
Back injury and intervertebral disc disease
Muscle strains, tendon injuries, muscle weakness and atrophy
Paralysis, degenerative myelopathy, other neurologic diseases

YOUR PET’S APPOINTMENT

Initial Consultation

During your first visit, Dr. Wheel will observe your pet’s movement, noting any problems with gait,
standing, sitting, etc. She will then carefully examine your pet’s joints, muscles, flexibility, pain
sensation, and neurologic function. Measurements of joint range of motion and muscle mass may be
taken to objectively monitor progress with treatment.

Review of any radiographs and a thorough history completes the initial evaluation. We also
take time to discuss your specific concerns and goals.

With this information, we will develop an overall treatment plan customized to your pet’s individual
needs. We will finally discuss and practice specific initial treatments to be performed at home.

Therapy Sessions

For most pets, further therapy sessions with Dr. Wheel will be recommended to reach the goals set
during your initial consultation.

AVAILABLE SERVICES

Manual Therapy

Myofascial release, joint mobilizations, massage, stretching, passive range of motion
Increase flexibility, improve neurologic function, decrease muscle spasm, pain relief

Thermotherapy/Cryotherapy

Pain relief, increase blood supply to healing tissues, decrease swelling, muscle relaxation

Therapeutic Ultrasound

Decrease scar tissue formation, increase strength of new tissue, speed healing, deep heating, muscle relaxation, increase tendon extensibility

TENS and Neuromuscular Stimulation

Use of a small electric current to block pain signals or to stimulate muscle contractions
Pain relief, prevent muscle atrophy

Therapeutic Exercise

Balance boards, wobble disc, theraballs, cavaletti rails, weave cones, tunnels, etc.
Improve flexibility, strength, and function
Facilitate limb use
Neurologic re-education: proprioceptive and balance training to improve coordination, mobility, and neuromuscular communication

Therapeutic Splints, Supports, and Carts

Pain Management Consultation

Referrals

While most of our patients are referred by a primary veterinarian or surgeon, we do
accept self-referrals. Please be sure to bring your pet’s medical history.
Referral forms and client questionnaire are available here.