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An Overview Of Northern VA Canine Rehabilitation

By Marie Nelson


Rehabilitation for your canine friend is a growing niche in the field of veterinary medicine. The Northern VA canine rehabilitation professionals adapt the techniques used for physical therapy in humans for dog breeds of all types. The purpose of the veterinary rehabilitation sessions, as it is in humans, is to increase the function and mobility of joints and muscles. The techniques are designed to reduce pain and to speed up the recovery process after injuries, obesity, surgeries, degenerative diseases, and diseases related to age.

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.

Those who preparing for therapy careers must complete many hours of training and work in the classroom. The training components include performing thorough evaluations, managing therapy plans for canine patients and monitoring the effectiveness of the plan which is implemented. In order to determine the precise treatments, the pros use tests to identify any soft tissue abnormalities or tendinopathies. The therapists will also perform measurements to determine the level of joint rotation and range of motion.

Therapists use a range of manual techniques that improve the animal's mobility. Some of these include mobilizing joints and using therapeutic stretching. Therapists use various tools and equipment to assist with the customized therapy sessions. Each animal has customized care plans, which might include the use of therapy bands, treadmills, wobble/rocker boards or physioballs. The tools encourage enhanced coordination, flexibility and strength in the dog.

Dog's physical therapy is a field which is growing. Professionals are completing the training which allows them to utilize physical therapy. Some of the methods include electrical stimulation, ultrasound and laser. Underwater treadmills and pools are a part of the physical features in some veterinary practices. Hydrotherapy equipment is another useful tool to help pets.

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.

The Northern Virginia team of therapists comply with all licensing and certification requirements for the State. The approved levels of training and qualifications are obtained by each of the therapists working with your pet. Regardless of the type of injury or condition, a consultation with a therapist is often a way to get the dog a reduction of pain levels, healing of injuries and a better quality of life.




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