Pet Physical Therapy of San Diego

One of the most important tools we have at our disposition is our under-water treadmill. Because of its natural properties of low impact, high resistance and important thermal effects, water possesses incredible therapeutic properties and benefits.

For this reason, the under-water treadmill helps kick-start the recovery process sooner than later. Often, an injured dog will be hesitant or refuse to use a limb on land, but will do so in water. Thus, the under-water treadmill allows for low impact workouts that help increase muscle strength, endurance and allows for a quicker and more complete recovery.

A recent study showed that dogs kept lean lived longer and had fewer medical problems. Similar studies in people and lab animals have similar findings. It seems so simple however love for our pets sometimes leads to excessive treats, table food and uncontrolled feeding. Weight control diets are of benefit, however, when used as the sole means of weight control, results often are often not rewarding. Controlled exercise along with diet are a much more promising and proven way of weight management. Unfortunately for some of our obese pets, exercise is not possible due to the effects of deconditioning and/or other medical issues. Controlled exercise programs in water using our state-of-the-art treadmill can be the solution in these situations.

The natural buoyancy of water decreases the weight bearing demand (unloading) on the obese patient's bones and joints making movement easier. Exercise in this type of controlled environment will aide in weight loss, muscle strengthening and improved cardiovascular conditioning. Highlights of the program:

• Doctor consultation to assure the patient is healthy for exercise and ensure that diseases which may lead to obesity have been medically ruled out.
• Measurements of the patient including body condition score are monitored throughout the program.
• Veterinary weight loss diets are recommended.

Our certified professionals will use an array of manipulations, including:

• Soft tissue manipulations
• Stretching
• Corrective exercises These therapies will relax muscles, relieve pain, soreness and stiffness, as well as increase the range of motion in your companion's limbs and joints. Massage techniques can be used after injuries, surgery, or poor athletic performance, and in pets with arthritis and neuromuscular diseases.

Rehabilitative and corrective exercise programs are designed to fit each individual patient. Those include:

• Stretching exercises to increase flexibility and range of motion.
• Propioceptive techniques to help raise the pet’s spatial and body awareness.
• Weight shifting exercises to help pet regain core strength and to balance their gate. Ambulation exercises used in the event that the patient suffers severe loss of limb function

Heat therapy increases circulation and flexibility, which aids in healing and comfort. Cryo-therapy treats pain and inflammation. Both techniques aid the healing and provide comfort during the recovery process. Hot packs, cold packs, ultrasounds and lasers employ these thermal therapies.

Acupuncture has been used in medicine for over 5,000 years, and has been scientifically proven as a viable medical option for humans and for animals. Through the insertion of very fine needles at very specific points of the body, acupuncture promotes: pain relief, nerve regeneration, muscle spasm relief, increased blood flow

Also known as photobiomodulation, laser therapy uses specific forms of light which is absorbed by tissues and results in stimulation of metabolic healing. The treatment is painless, improves healing time, reduces pain, increases circulation, and decreases swelling. Laser therapy can help with: Osteoarthritis, joint pain, ligament sprains, muscle strains, wound management, post-operative pain, neck and back pain, hip dysplasia, and post-operative healing.

Using electrodes directly applied to the skin, low voltages of intermittent electric current are delivered to stimulate the nerve endings of the area benefitting the patient in reduced post exercise soreness, reduced edema, and increased muscle strength. Electrical stimulation can also be helpful to cure acute pains, prevent atrophy, swelling, and tendonitis.

A custom fit dog wheelchair can enable your dog to walk, run and play again, get the exercise they need, and live a happy, healthy life. Designed to help animals with paralysis, hip and leg conditions, including degenerative myelopathy(DM), arthritis, hip dysplasia and spinal/neurological disease. Custom cart fittings available by appointment. Please call or e-mail for information.