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If your animal is recovering from injury or surgery, physical therapy is frequently the next step in the healing process. Physical therapy is an adaptation of the same types of techniques and modalities used for humans. The goal is to decrease pain while increasing mobility, function, and overall quality of life.
Physiotherapy for animals aims to do the same by addressing musculoskeletal issues and improving function. It can help with conditions like arthritis, post-surgical recovery, and age-related decline, often involving techniques like massage, exercise, and hydrotherapy.
Dr Bernadette Bryan-Frankson, physiotherapist, at ‘Paws for Physio’, said the organisation came about as part of a love for animals and first-hand experience with her dogs who have had physical disabilities. Outlining the organisation’s larger vision, she says: “As a physical therapist I have spent my ... career improving the quality of life of my patients. I am now extending this to another species by enhancing and prolonging the mobility of dogs in Jamaica and the region through direct contact or virtual engagement.”
This, she said, includes addressing pain management, strength straining, joint range of motion and flexibility, bladder management, postural correction and advice to improve function within the home environment.
Dr Bryan-Frankson says that care is administered by first identifying the specific physical needs of the dog. “SMART goals are set and a programme developed to meet the particular problem for each dog. These may include pain management utilising modalities like LASERS, shock wave therapy, TENS, ultrasound and manual therapies.” “Strength training utilises therapeutic exercise as well as functional correction to address inadequacies such as how the dog transitions from one position to the next such as a sit to stand or stand to sit as well as the quality of the posture they assume whether in running, sitting, standing or lying,” she added.
Joint range of motion and soft tissue flexibility issues can also affect function such as how the dog walks. These are addressed with manual or functional stretches and joint mobilisations.
As a rehab therapist Dr Bryan-Frankson said she also educates the owners on home care which includes adaptation of the home environment and specific home exercise. “This may also include teaching bladder care by assisting owners with dogs who have retention of urine due to spinal injuries and who are unable to empty their bladder,” she said.
To date the options for addressing existing physical problems in Jamaica have been under the veterinarian’s care. This may include instructions and demonstrations, medication, surgery and in extreme cases euthanisation.
The addition of a canine rehab therapist she said complements the medical/surgical team. This by the introduction of skills to improve a dog’s mobility that may not have been included in a veterinary programme. Canine rehabilitation also offers an alternative in pain management to animals who are unable to take pain medications due to loss of kidney or liver function.
Five Benefits of Dog Physical Therapy:
There are five main benefits to physical therapy for dogs. Most common, physical therapy helps dogs get through a chronic medical condition or recover from surgery or an injury. However, physical therapy can also improve a dog’s mobility issues and overall well-being. Here are the five benefits of physical therapy for dogs.
1. Physical Therapy Helps Dogs Heal From Chronic Illnesses:
There are many chronic illnesses in dogs that can be partially treated with physical therapy. These conditions mainly include arthritis, neurological disorders, and some forms of cancer.
Certain forms of physical therapy, particularly underwater treadmills, can help arthritic dogs receive exercise without pain. This is because the water relieves pressure from the dog’s joints. Meanwhile, dogs with neurological disorders affecting movement could benefit from more structured exercise.
Some forms of physical therapy like cold therapy lasers have shown promise in treating certain types of cancer in dogs when combined with more traditional treatment.
2. Dog Physical Therapy Helps Them Fully Recover After Surgery:
Some dogs will have some mobility issues after surgery. This is especially true if the surgery was on one of the dog’s limbs or other important parts of the body such as the back, chest, or head. If your dog is about to undergo extreme surgery, it may be a good idea to speak with your vet about physical therapy for them afterwards.
3. Physical Therapy Helps Dogs Heal From Injuries:
Like surgery, extreme injuries can affect the way that a dog moves. As a result, physical therapy can be extremely therapeutic for dogs healing from an injury, and it may even be needed for them to make a full recovery. If your dog is healing from a severe injury, then it may be a good idea to speak with your vet about getting them some physical therapy.
4. Physical Therapy Prevents Muscle Loss in Dogs With Mobility Issues
Some dogs will experience an issue that affects their mobility during their lifetime. Whether the dog is in a wheelchair, has arthritis, or has a neurological disorder affecting their movement, dog physical therapy can help them in many ways.
5. Physical Therapy Helps Keep Dogs Happy
In many cases, physical therapy is something that dogs get excited to do, especially if they have a condition that affects their mobility. Physical therapy can be a fun and pain free outlet for your dog to enjoy some exercise and attention from other people.
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