Rehabilitation

Advances in small healthcare have led to the development of physical rehabilitation as an integral of a pets total health care.

Many protocols in human physical therapy have been developed using animal models.  Likewise, techniques used in human physical therapy are being adapted for small animals.  Physical rehabilitation at the MVRC is incorporated into our comprehensive services for excellence in the medical standard of care.  MVRC pet rehabilitation is individually designed for each patient's recovery goals.

Individualized Pet Rehabilitation

MRVC pet rehabilitation provides patient physical therapy under the directions of Gayle Hickok, LMT.  Under the clinical supervision of staff veterinarians, Gayle individually designs and implements physical therapies using her knowledge and experience of multiple modalities, the benefits associated with each and their indications and contraindications.  Upon recommendation by a MVRC doctor and following owner consent, patients will be evaluated to identify their limitations and set treatment goals for optimal recovery and quality of life.  The MVRC wind is specially designed for small animal rehabilitation and includes an underwater treadmill, ground treadmill, stationary and ceiling mounted track lift, cavaletti rails, therapy balls, and physical spaces designed with rehabilitation aids to create therapeutic conditions.

All MVRC  patients in an individualized rehabilitation program are under the clinical supervision of MVRC specialty veterinarians, are continuously treated by a collaboration between Gayle Hickok and the Specialty veterinarian, and have a sign consent for rehabilitation treatment.

Therapeutic Modalities Used at the MVRC

Thermal modalities:  Cryotherapy ( Cold Therapy) effects include inflammation and pain control.  Heat therapy effects includes improved circulation to tissues, increased in the rate of enzymatic and biochemical reactions to facilitate healing, and prior to stretching, allows greater extensibility of tissues during range of motion therapies.

Aquatic Therapy in an Underwater Treadmill:  Buoyancy, hydrostatic pressure, viscosity, resistance and surface tension are physical properties of water that can produce specific therapeutic benefits.  The many benefits of aqautic therapy include assisted weight bearing, improved strength and endurance, cardiovascular fitness, range of motion, agility, balance, proprioception, decrease joint effusion and peripheral edema.

Low Level Laser Treatment:  Increasing cellular ATP production by using laser energy increases the quality and speed of tissue repair and wound healing, stimulates nerve function, decreases inflammation and reduces pain.

Manual Therapies: Range of motion and stretching exercises help to improve joint motion and flexibility, prevent adhesions between soft tissue and bone and improve extensibility.  Neuromuscular therapy ( Trigger point therapy) is used to normalize soft tissue circulation and reduce muscle spasms and pain.

Therapeutic Exercises:  Assisted standing and walking exercise with therapy balls, controlled leash walks, treadmill, wheel barrowing site to stand activities, stair climbing, stepping over rails pulling or carrying weight, playing ball, decline and incline walking are examples of therapeutic exercises.  These exercises provide opportunity to develop endurance, balance and coordination, increase muscle tone and enhance a patient's psychological well being.

Benefits of Rehabilitation

*  Increased mobility
*  Pain relief
*  Decrease inflammation and swelling
*  Increased tissue extensibility and flexibility
*  Strengthening
*  Improved limb and joint mechanics
*  Weight loss
*  Cardiovascular and respiratory fitness
*  Relaxation of muscle spasm
*  Minimization of muscle atrophy and joint stiffness.
*  Improved quality of life ( psychological benefits)

Conditions Benefiting from Physical Rehabilitation

*  Post-operative recovery
*  Orthopedic conditions ( cruciate ligament injuries, luxating patellas, hip
    dysplasia, muscle tears, tendonitis)
*  Neurological conditions ( intervertebral disc diseae, spondylosis, degenerative
    mylepathy, disospondylosis neuropathy, Wobblers syndrome)
*  Chronic pain
*  Pain Management
*  Arthritic Conditions ( Rheumatoid Arthritis, Osteoarthritis)
* Obesity
*  Wound management
*  Soft tissue injuries
*  Geriatric conditions
*  Trauma recovery

Follow-up Rehabilitation at Home

Frequently owners are trained in selected therapeutic techniques to continue recovery at home.  For home follow-up rehabilitation care.  Gayle will demonstrate techniques, and make every effort to support the individual needs of the patient and skills and resources of owners and families.  In addition, owners will be discharged with detailed home rehabilitation programs and a prescribed schedule.

OPEN   24 hours, 7 days a week
1500 Technology Way
Enterprise Business Park
Scarborough, Maine 04047
Phone:  207-885-1290   Fax:  207-885-1293
Email:  MVRC@MaineVeterinaryReferralCenter.com