Sunday, June 10, 2018

An Overview Of Northern VA Canine Rehabilitation

By Marie Nelson


A relatively new treatment niche in the field of veterinary medicine is canine rehabilitation. The therapeutic methods used on humans have been adapted to use on your canine companion. The Northern VA canine rehabilitation pros identify the techniques which will assist pets in better mobility and functionality of their muscles and joints. These therapeutic processes help to reduce pain and to accelerate the speed of recovery when your pet is recovering from injuries, is overweight, has undergone surgery or has disease which are part of growing older.

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.

Interest in the field of canine physical therapy is growing and more veterinary practices are using the techniques of rehabilitation for their canine patients. The modalities which are utilized include laser therapy, ultrasound and electrical stimulation. A growing number of veterinary practices have chosen to invest in therapeutic pools and underwater treadmills. Hydrotherapy methods can be utilized for some patients.

The history of canine rehab therapy can be traced back to European practitioners as early as the 1980s, with growing interest in the United States early in the 1990s. The American Veterinary Medicine Association included the category of veterinary physical therapy to its guidelines in 1996. One year later a certification program was added, the first in the nation. At present, seventeen vet colleges offer programs in dog rehab and others are planning to offer rotations and student 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.

Therapists in Northern Virginia hold all the needed licenses and certifications set by the State of Virginia. The professionals have acquired the needed qualifications and training in order to provide the optimum plan of therapy for your canine friend. The methods are applies in a way to bring about a healthier and more pain-free life for the dog.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment