Physiotherapy of sports

The physiotherapy in Aisti also offers treatments and training possibilities for sporting and working dogs, like hunting, obedience, agility and tracking dogs. It is beneficial for every sporting dog to include regular visits to the physiotherapist into the training program. The functional ability of the dog in daily activities as well as in the sport performance will be carefully analyzed and assessed by the physiotherapist in the beginning.

An individual training programme is created on the basis of the movement analysis, the needs of the dog and the expectations of the owner. The progress is monitored on a regularly basis and the training program updated when needed.

Preventive care is a big part in animal physiotherapy and, in addition to the individual training programme, includes massage, stretching, warming up, and cooling down, water training and guidance of the owner. The physiotherapist will give instructions and advice the owner how to exercise and take care of the dog at home. Exercising in water is effective in improving endurance and strength. Water training is also an excellent possibility to maintain effective training during the winter.

The metabolism in a tense muscle is always poor. Tension in muscles affects the movements of the extremity joints and of the spine. This decreases body awareness and increases the risk of injury. Inappropriate movement patterns and overuse cause tension in muscles. Tension causes more tension and pain which again will cause more inappropriate movements. A stiff muscle tires fast, the elasticity within the muscle is poor and this will cause decreased range of motion in the joints.

Muscle care, massage, stretching and appropriate warm up and cool down will prevent stress injuries, enhance recovery and improve the performance capacity.

Effective prevention of injuries and overuse is careful warm up and cool down. The aim of the warm up is to warm and soften the tissues so the body is able to function optimally. The blood flow and elasticity of a warm muscle is optimal which increases the tolerance to stress and decreases the risk of injury. The warm up should be 15-30 minutes and may include short stretching exercises with the aim of checking the range of motion in the joints before the performance.

The cool down is as important as the warm up. The waste products disappear from the body quicker if the dog exercises lightly during the recovery phase. Exercise is the most effective cool down method. Waste products decrease conduction of impulses to the muscles and result in poor coordination. Waste products in the muscles are inhibiting muscle energy production, increasing cell damage and may in worse cases cause inflammation, swelling and pain. It is important for the optimal function that the stiffness and swollenness in the muscles are gone before the next performance. A swollen and stiff muscle will increase the risk of injury.

Massage of muscles in the scapular area.

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