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Most dogs could benefit from physical therapy. Canine physical therapy is a specialty under the umbrella of "canine rehabilitation." As in physical therapy for humans, a licensed doctor of physical therapy with advanced training in canine rehabilitation uses manual therapy (our hands), modalities (laser therapy, electrical stimulation, etc.), therapeutic exercise, and a slew of other techniques to promote recovery in our patients and meet our client's goals.
Based on the medical diagnosis contributing to your dog's movement difficulties, the ultimate goal may be to:
Restore as much function as possible, such as after orthopedic surgery or injury
Manage and slow the progression of a chronic disease such as arthritis or degenerative myelopathy (DM)
Reduce the risk of injury
Below are the stages of treatment in physical therapy. Your physical therapist will constantly be assessing which stage your dog is in and customize her treatments accordingly.
No two dogs, nor two equal injuries, heal the same. A canine physical therapist will be able to guide your dog through the above stages based on their specific healing times and needs. Dogs don't always follow the textbook recovery process!
Classic signs your dog may benefit from physical therapy include:
Stiffness when getting up after a nap
Hesitating before jumping onto the couch or using the stairs
Nail scuffing or stumbling when walking
Less confidence in her favorite activities
Sitting or walking funny
Knocking down poles in agility or behaving oddly during field exercises that used to be no problem
Trust your gut when it comes to your dog's wellbeing. If you have concerns about your dog's mobility or potential pain, call us to discuss if your dog may be a good candidate for physical therapy. We will collaborate with your veterinarian to ensure your dog gets the best treatment. At On Point Rehabilitation Therapy, we want your dog to be comfortable and fully recover as fast as possible.
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