Saturday, June 9, 2018

Northern VA Canine Rehabilitation Facts

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.

Rehabilitative methods used by veterinarians require more than treadmills or exercise equipment. Therapy techniques for dog patients demand unique therapy plans and specific diagnostic techniques. The focus for therapists working with dogs is on soft tissues, rather than on joints and bones. They use treatments which improve mobility and improve the quality of life for your pet.

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.

Some of the manual techniques which rehab professionals use include exercise therapeutic stretches and joint mobilization. There are many tools and equipment items which are used in the course of dog therapy sessions. Depending on the type of treatment plan which is necessary, the therapist might use physioballs, rocker or wobble boards, treadmills or therapy bands. These tools help to increase flexibility, strength and coordination.

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.

In Europe, during the 1980s, practitioners began using canine rehabilitative methods. A decade later, United States therapists began to take notice of the methods. The AVMA added the physical therapy veterinary guidelines in 1996 and in 1997, the first certification program for practitioners in the United States was implemented. 17 veterinary colleges now provide programs in canine therapy and other facilities are planning for PT therapy rotations or electives.

Two organizations are stakeholders in the discussions about veterinary rehabilitation qualifications. The APTA and AVMA have each claimed to be the primary provider for the techniques. In fact neither group has the final say in regulation of the profession. Instead, the requirements are set by the province or state in which the service is provided.

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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