What is therapeutic exercise?
Therapeutic exercise is an overarching term for modalities that promote optimal functioning within the specific condition of the patient. An initial evaluation by an Integrative Pet Care veterinarian and physical therapist ensures that the exercises prescribed will be tailored to the unique diagnosis of your pet. Goals of therapeutic exercise include pain-free range of motion, muscle growth and strengthening, improved balance and performance of daily activities, weight loss, increased confidence and a reduction of lameness. Some of the most common exercises utilize gym equipment like theraballs, balance boards, tension bands, cavaletti bars, individual trampolines and land treadmills but can also be performed by repurposing household items in creative ways.
What is the history of therapeutic exercise in veterinary medicine?
In the 1980’s, when interest in rehabilitative care for pets began to grow, elements of human land based exercise were some of the first to be adapted for animal use. While the therapeutic exercise format used for animals draws heavily from proven methods that have been developed for humans over decades, there are still innovative techniques being developed out of the continued collaboration between the veterinary and physical therapy communities.
On which types of animals is therapeutic exercise practiced?
Because of their high level of activity horses and dogs most commonly receive therapeutic exercise for injuries, medical conditions, conditioning, post-operative rehabilitation or age related ailments. Cats can also benefit in many of the same ways if they are experiencing similar issues.
Who practices therapeutic exercise?
Our doctors at Integrative Pet Care are experts in anatomy and physiology especially related to rehabilitation medicine. They work closely with our trained therapists to create customized hands on exercise sessions. Having the exercises supervised by a trained professional means that every session is an opportunity for reassessment and the duration, frequency and speed of the exercise routine will be able to evolve in step with the progress of your pet. Our therapists and veterinarians attend weekly meetings to stay informed about new techniques and to discuss treatment methods. In some cases detailed instructions are passed on to the owner so that therapeutic exercise “homework” can be completed.
What conditions are most often treated with therapeutic exercise?
Because of the wide assortment of treatments available and the ability to individually tailor these options, therapeutic exercise is a suitable method for treating many different orthopedic and neurological conditions as well as conditioning for sports and specific activities. Some of the most common issues that therapeutic exercise can address are: Intervertebral Disc Disease, Osteoarthritis/Degenerative Joint Disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, paralysis, atrophy, Pre-surgery conditioning and strengthening, Post-surgery rehabilitation, obesity and sports injuries.
How can my pet benefit from therapeutic exercise?
Therapeutic exercise is fundamental within a rehabilitation program that aims to improve quality of life. Targeted exercise is not only helpful for restoring balance and unassisted active ambulation in animals with decreased mobility but also improving neuro-muscular functioning. Continued practice will improve circulation, confidence and proprioception, which is the patients own sensory awareness of their body. By working to treat the source of pain your pet is less likely to need additional pain reducing medication. In some cases therapeutic exercise can even help pets avoid having to undergo surgery and has slowed the progression of chronic disease.
How successful is therapeutic exercise?
After establishing a set of primary goals based on the specific condition of your pet, achieving these goals will depend on correctly and consistently guiding the patient through the exercise practice during therapy as well as implementing any prescribed restrictions or activities while at home. Though treatment goals vary from patient to patient, positive results of some measure are clinically expected based on the successful application of therapeutic modalities used to treat similar human conditions.
How safe is therapeutic exercise?
Watchful supervision of movement as well as site and condition specific exercise is essential for a safe and effective healing process. Consulting with a doctor about any medications your pet is taking is important so that pain and discomfort during exercise are not masked. This allows for the provider to guide progression within the exercise program at an appropriate pace. Consistent and properly controlled movement will encourage tissue to be strengthened while decreasing the risk of complications and tissue damage that can arise from over stimulation.
Can therapeutic exercise be combined with other types of veterinary medicine?
The effectiveness of therapeutic exercise can be optimized by including it within a treatment program prescribed by an Integrative Pet Care doctor. Warming up in the Underwater Treadmill before exercise will increase blood flow and loosen joints tissue. Following exercise with a massage that includes stretching and hot/cold packs will decrease stiffness and inflammation .In general, therapeutic exercise integrates well into a treatment plan that utilizes either traditional or alternative forms of veterinary medicine. If a non-veterinary therapist is used for therapeutic exercise, the veterinarian and therapist must communicate to combine their knowledge and skill to develop an appropriate treatment plan. If your companion animal is receiving therapeutic exercise from a practitioner other than your regular veterinarian, it is imperative that both individuals are kept updated about the ongoing treatment in order to provide coordinated care of your pet, to allow proper evaluation of treatment and to minimize any avoidable interactions or interferences. At Integrative Pet Care, our veterinarians who are well-trained and versed in a variety of rehab modalities including therapeutic exercise collaborate with the pet’s primary care veterinarian to appropriately coordinate care.
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