Methods of physiotherapy

The animal physiotherapy methods used in Aisti are hydrotherapy, both in swimming pool and on the underwater treadmill, manual therapy, (mobilisation, massage, stretching), therapeutic exercise, thermal modalities, electrotherapy and instructions to owners. Also assisting devices and supports for paralyzed patients can be arranged through Aisti. The physiotherapist in Aisti has further education in hydrotherapy and manual therapy.

The choice of treatment methods depends on the veterinary diagnosis and treatment, the physiotherapy examination, clinical reasoning and patient cooperation. It is seldom in physiotherapy that just one single method is used. Usually the combination of several methods is indicated. Also the intensity and durance is selected and combined according to an individual rehabilitation programme. The use and effect of the chosen methods are carefully assessed throughout the rehabilitation process to make sure the most optimal physiotherapy treatment possible is given to the patient.

Therapeutic exercises

Therapeutic exercises are acting through functional skills of the patient to influence animal’s physical ability and to re-educate the animal to move again optimally. Therapeutic exercises include various types of training: cardiovascular, muscle strength, endurance, joint motion, coordination, balance, body awareness and neuromuscular function. Performance of therapeutic exercises include designing of active training program and assisting the owner and dog in carrying it out. Hydrotherapy is one form of therapeutic exercises.

Some examples of therapeutic exercises will follow. We do not recommend to use them at home on your sick, operated or injured animal without contacting the specialist.

Front limb spasticity (rigidity) is decreased with exercising on a thera-ball.

The paraparetic dog during balance training.

Thera-band (rubber band) is good for strength training.

Daily activities such as stair climbing are a great part of rehabilitation.

For the paralyzed patient therapeutic exercise can be sitting and lying in functional position initially.

Manual therapy

Manual therapy includes mobilisation of soft tissues and treatment of muscles, ligaments, tendons with different manual techniques. Manual therapy includes also passive range of motion exercises as well as mobilisation of extremity joints and vertebral column to increase movement and restore the optimal function of joint and the surrounding tissues.

Scapular mobilisation improves movement and decrease muscle tension.

Stretching

Stretching increase joint motion and muscle elasticity. The effects of stretching are decreased muscle tension, improved joint range of motion and increase blood flow. Stretching can be combined with other treatment methods or be done alone as preventive care.

Stretching of front limb (brachiocephalicus).

 Stretching of hind limb (gluteal).

Massage

Massage can be introduced in the rehabilitation program during the first week when the acute phase of inflammation is over. Massage of a sick or operated animal must be done with caution and always according to advice of specialist.

Massage for healthy animals is an excellent and safe preventive care method. Regular massage combined with other preventive methods will improve performance capacity. The physiotherapist will guide you how to massage your dog for the best result.

The effects of massage are in decrease of muscle tension, muscle relaxation, reduction of swelling, increased elasticity in the muscles, pain relief and prevention of adherences and scar tissue formation. Massage also has a positive psychological effect on the dog through relaxation resulting in increase in trust and bond between the patient and the owner (or caretaker).

Massage of the muscles in the thoracic area.

Physical modalities, electrotherapy

Electrotherapy is a physiotherapy method which is leading electrical current into the tissues with the help of electrodes. Electrotherapy is beneficial in the rehabilitation of neurological patients in increasing neuromuscular control, preventing muscle atrophy and in activation of muscles and nerves. For orthopaedic patients electrotherapy is used to prevent muscle atrophy and to reduce pain.

Indications for electrotherapy are pain, scar tissue, muscle activation, prevention of muscle atrophy, stimulation of the sensory system, increasing blood flow and muscle relaxation. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) physical effects are based on the gate theory. According to the gate theory the function of the pain perception cells in the spinal cord is inhibited if the cell is receiving another sensory stimuli from the painful area. TENS is mainly used for pain reduction. In neuromuscular electric stimulation (NMES) the motor nerve is stimulated to cause a contraction of the muscles. NMES is the most commonly used form of electrical stimulation in animals and is used mainly for strengthening of muscles and prevention of muscle atrophy. Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS) excites the denervated muscles directly. Indications are swelling, soft tissue injuries and pain.

Electrical stimulation in the thigh muscles.

Thermal agents

Cryotherapy, (cold packs, ice cubes, cold water) decreases the temperature in the tissues, causes vasoconstriction and reduces swelling. Cold decreases nerve conduction what relieves pain. Cold will slow down the metabolism and decrease inflammation. Indications for cryotherapy are acute trauma or inflammation, swelling and pain.

Locally applied warm pack increases superficial blood flow and metabolism by increasing the temperature in the tissues. This is causing pain relief, muscle relaxation and increased elasticity in the connective tissues and muscles. This will improve range of motion. Indications for warmth are muscle stiffness and pain, also warming up of tissues before stretching, passive range of motion or mobilisation.

A cold gel pack can be used to reduce swelling and pain in the acute phase after surgery. A warm pack is beneficial and easy to use in the home treatment of arthritic patients.

Instruction and guidance

Guidance of the owner is an essential part in animal physiotherapy. The home training programme carefully carried out is usually a decisive factor for an optimal outcome. We are trying in Aisti to clear the instructions for the owners sufficiently. Usually the exercises which will be performed at home are showed practically to the owner in the clinic and in addition the owner will receive written instructions home. Do not hesitate to contact us if there are any questions about the home exercises!

Carpal joint support.

Assisting devices and supports

Functional supports and assisting devices are used in physiotherapy to improve functional ability, to make movements possible and in order to prevent immobilisation of the joint. Different devices or supports may be used to protect or support the injured or operated extremity. It is possible to order assisting devices if needed through our clinic!

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