Numerous athletes
around the world are treating injuries they have sustained during their
training and performances in the Olympics. Some of these athletes have
defied great odds to continue in their sport and perform at the elite
level. Many of the techniques used with human athletes are now being
performed with canine athletes. Canine physical therapy is one of the
fastest growing areas of veterinary medicine throughout the United States.
Veterinarians are beginning to learn the benefits of rehabilitation for
pets. Veterinarians and owners are finding that injuries that were once
career ending are no longer. With the development of new surgical procedures,
in conjunction with physical therapy, career-ending injuries are declining
and dogs are returning to their respective sports in shorter timeframes.
Used appropriately, physical therapy is the best tool in the medicine
bag for certain cases.
Physical therapy can be used to treat a wide variety of conditions
with dogs. It is effective for preoperative and postoperative cases,
traumatic injuries whether it is musculoskeletal and/or neurological
impairment, conditioning and strength training, weight loss, tendonitis,
osteoarthritis, muscle strains and ligament injuries to list a
few. Animals benefit by gaining range of motion and improving strength
and function
with less pain. Disuse muscle atrophy, joint contractures and muscle
stiffness can be prevented. Recovery times are improved and the
dog is able to return to its prior level of functioning much faster and
safer.
In addition, physical therapy can be utilized to enhance performance
and reduce the risk of injury to healthy dogs. Numerous owners
are taking advantage of these techniques and principles creating high
performance
canines. Your dog must be physically trained to reduce the chance
of injury, improve strength and endurance, and gain the competitive edges.
A number of physical therapy modalities can be used to treat specific
conditions: heat and cold therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical
stimulation, sound wave therapy, pulsed radiofrequency therapy and magnetic
wave therapy. Some of these items have been utilized for a long time
with proven effectiveness while others have little documented medical
research to substantiate the effects. Therefore, owners and caregivers
must be cautious when receiving or providing treatment for their pet
as some items on the market have unproven effectiveness. Another treatment
tool in physical therapy is therapeutic exercise. Several examples include
passive range of motion, stretching, strengthening, endurance, and balance
and coordination exercises. Numerous problems affecting people and dogs
can be attributed to muscle imbalances, meaning some muscles are too
weak while others are too tight. This can lead to mal-alignment problems,
overuse injuries, muscle spasms, joint contractures and neurological
conditions to name just a few. Any of these can lead to further joint
problems, traumatic injury and poor performance. A full physical examination
including range of motion measurements, girth measurements and even force
plate analysis can help detect some of these subtle differences. A therapeutic
exercise program can then be prescribed to address these problems. The
exercises prescribed must be tailored to the specific problem and/or
specific sports Passive range of motion exercises can improve joint mobility,
decrease pain and decrease muscle tightness. Stretching will improve
flexibility. Strengthening exercises prescribed for the weak musculature
will decrease fatigue and improve strength. Other exercises can be given
that address musculoskeletal and cardiovascular conditioning, as well
as balance and proprioception. If a problem doesn't exist, the program
should be geared toward the specific sport or activity the dog will perform.
Numerous pieces of exercise equipment are available to use with
your dog. Your imagination is the limit in devising ways to exercise
them. A few examples include weave poles, tunnels, ramps. trampolines,
balance boards, sand boxes and hoops. My favorite exercise device is
the underwater treadmill. This has been adapted from human medicine but
manufactured specifically for dogs. The dog is loaded into the front
of the treadmill through the hinged door. Water fills from |
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the bottom
to the desired levels. The water level is determined by the desired therapeutic
effects. Due to the buoyancy provided by the water, weight bearing forces
on the extremities decrease. Concussive forces are reduced in the joints
allowing effective exercise with less discomfort. The presence of water,
surrounding a dog with poor balance and weak musculature, provides feedback
and comfort reducing the fear of failing. Dogs also benefit from heated
water by improved circulation to the musculature, improved joint flexibility
and less pain. Whirlpool jets can be utilized to enhance these effects.
The water also provides resistance for the extremities which can improve
strength as well as endurance. The clinician can be in the tank with
the dog to provide additional support and comfort if needed. Flotation
devices give additional buoyancy.
Numerous conditions benefit from aquatic therapy. Several of these
include arthritic conditions, postoperative cruciate and total hip replacement
cases, fracture repairs, neurological impairments and soft tissue injuries.
A good example of the use of the underwater treadmill is rehabilitating
dogs with cranial cruciate ligament repairs. With many tibial plateau
leveling osteotomy (TPLO) cases, dogs can begin underwater treadmill
work when the sutures are removed. Some clinicians will start sooner
if the incision is well sealed. This early intervention allows quicker
recovery times. At one time, a cranial cruciate ligament injury was a
career-ending event. Now through the use of advance surgical techniques
and physical therapy, these dogs can return to full function in as little
as 12 weeks whether it be field trials, hunting or agility. Not all dogs
will progress the same; therefore, recovery rates will vary and therapy
programs should be adapted accordingly. The underwater treadmill can
also be utilized for swimming. Indications for swimming include dogs
that are severely debilitated or have a neurological condition with very
subtle signs of motor function. It can also be used with dogs that are
reluctant to bear any weight on the extremity, even with the added benefit
of buoyancy. Swimming allows the extremities to function through the
available range of motion, improve strength and endurance without joint
concussive forces.
The underwater treadmill can also be utilized to improve performance
in healthy pets by improving strength and endurance. Water level,
speed, and water propulsion are different characteristics of the underwater
treadmill that can be modified to vary exercise intensity. Swimming
can
also be used to enhance performance. Some facilities have a swim
tank that can be used specifically for this task. These tanks are designed
similarly to the underwater treadmill but lack the treadmill component.
Water levels are raised so the dogs. are floating. The dog must
swim
against the current provided by the jets at the end of the unit.
Different settings can change the force of the waters The exercise sessions,
whether
in the underwater treadmill or swim tank, can be enhanced by providing
a fun environment for the dog. Tennis balls, bumpers and other
devices are used to play with the dog while exercising. The retrievers
at our
facility are eager to start and difficult to stops.
Numerous facilities are present throughout the United States offering
canine rehabilitation services. Numerous people with varying backgrounds
are delivering these services. It is advisable to perform some homework
prior to initiating canine rehabilitation. It is important to discuss
the idea with your veterinarian and find a reputable, qualified professional
that you can trust with the care of your valued athlete.
Steve Jacobs, DVM, MSPT, owner of SPORTSVET Animal Medical Center
in Savoy, IL
Licensed veterinarian and physical therapist www.sportsvetamc.com
e-mail address: sjacobs@sportsvetamc.com phone: (217) 355-1442 |
