Treatment Modalities
The following therapeutic methods are offered at the Animal Rehabilitation Center of Rochester. Please contact us if you have any questions, or would like more information about any of the following treatments.
Underwater Treadmill / Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy utilizes the buoyant properties and effects of water to offset the natural forces of water, thereby allowing patients to move their limbs in a stress free environment. The active resistance provided by the water allows the patient to improve strength, balance and coordination, while increasing circulation, flexibility and range of motion. The 90° water of the Ferno K-9 Underwater Treadmill System is specifically designed for canine rehabilitation, and allows patients to start the rehabilitation process earlier than normal as they are in a modified, weight-bearing environment.
Joint Mobilization Exercises
Exercises are an important part of the full line of services offered at ARCR. An “exercise” may consist of simple passive range of motion, stretching, or proprioceptive exercises. Exercises may also be as advanced as ambulation exercises that retrain an animal’s gait, strengthening exercises that target individual muscles or exercises that retrain paretic animals to walk again. Exercises are designed to meet the needs of each individual patient.
Cold and Heat Therapy
Cryotherapy and thermotherapy are the use and application of cold and/or heat over an injured or healing area of the body. Cryotherapy causes vasoconstriction (decreased blood flow) and decreases the rate of release of inflammatory mediators. This is often helpful to apply to tissues within the first few days after a surgical procedure, injury, or trauma. Cryotherapy will help decrease pain and inflammation therefore making your pet more comfortable.
Thermotherapy causes vasodilatation (increased blood flow), and increases enzyme activity which in turn speeds healing. Thermotherapy also aids in warming tissues before any movement or stretching. The application of heat is often used in the chronic stages of healing.
Orthotics, Splints and Braces
Many animals either recovering from surgery or that are advances in age and considered geriatric may need assistance in walking or supporting weak or previously strong joints. Boots, splints and supports, orthotics, carts and other assistive devices may be custom made to meet your pet’s needs. Animal Rehabilitation Center of Rochester will work with companies like Thera-Paw, Walkabout Harnesses, and Eddie’s Wheels to make your pet’s quality of life as functional and comfortable as possible.
Cart Fittings
Deciding to fit your animal for a cart may prove to be a difficult decision. The trained therapists at ARCR can assist you in measuring your pet for the appropriate device. There are several cart companies available to you on the market, however appropriately measuring your pet for the cart that will meet their biomechanical needs may be helpful. The therapists at ARCR monitor the industry standards and will be able to provide you with information about the different cart companies and the benefits of each device, in order to choose the cart that will best meet the needs of your pet. ARCR also has dozens of carts that you may rent in order to see if you pet will tolerate the use of a cart.
Soft Tissue Massage
Soft tissue massage aids in relaxing muscles, increasing blood circulation, and improves the healing time for strained ligaments and muscle tissue. Massage assists in reducing inflammation, improving range of motion and joint flexibility, and decreasing spasm. Soft tissue massage is easily performed and may be a benefit to alleviating your pet’s symptoms. Massage can assist in improving your pet’s performance in addition to having a positive impact on your pet’s clinical state. We would be happy to show you specific techniques that would be appropriate for you to use on your pet, in addition to the full line of services we offer in-hospital.
Neuro-Rehabilitation
Serving as the direct referral center for the Veterinary Specialists of Rochester, ARCR has made it a priority to perfect outpatient and home therapy programs for patient’s suffering from, and requiring management for, chronic neurological disabilities. The neuro-rehab programs at ARCR are designed to meet your pet’s needs whether they are suffering from intervertebral disc disease, sciatic deficits associated with age or trauma, or post-operative care for lesions in the central nervous system.