Therapeutic exercises for pets are specifically designed movements and activities that help improve strength, flexibility, and overall physical well-being. These exercises can be tailored to address specific issues such as joint pain, muscle weakness, or post-surgical recovery. Today, our Clarksville vets will discuss some examples of therapeutic exercises, and how they can help your dog.
Physical Therapy Exercises for Dogs
Canine physical therapy is often recommended for dogs recovering from an injury or surgery. It can also be recommended to dogs with genetic mobility issues as a way to improve mobility and quality of life. This type of therapy uses techniques and modalities similar to those used for humans, to reduce pain and increase function.
Physical therapy exercises for dogs tend to fall into two main categories: manual therapy and therapeutic exercises.
Manual Therapy Exercises for Dogs
Manual therapy refers to techniques used to improve the movement of joints, muscles, and other soft tissue.
Joint Mobilization/ Passive Range of Motion
Joint mobilization, also called passive range of motion (PROM) for dogs is a manual therapy technique used to improve joint range of motion, reduce pain, and promote healing. This hands-on approach involves gentle movements of the affected joint by a trained veterinary therapist to help restore normal function and mobility.
During joint mobilization, the therapist gently moves the joint or joints through flexion and extension. This can help break up adhesions, nourish the cartilage, improve circulation, and promote healing in the surrounding tissues, helping the dog to maintain function in the joint. Overall, joint mobilization can be a valuable tool for managing musculoskeletal conditions in dogs and improving their quality of life.
Massage
Dogs enjoy massages too! Much like humans, their muscles become sore and tight. A gentle massage can help helps decrease pain, swelling, stress, and anxiety, while improving circulation and maintaining muscle tone for your dog. This is best performed with your vet's guidance.
Cold Therapy
Cold therapy for dogs, also known as cryotherapy, involves applying cold temperatures to a specific area of the dog's body to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. This can be done using ice packs, cold water immersion, or specialized cold therapy products designed for pets. Cold therapy is commonly used to treat injuries such as sprains, strains, and muscle soreness in dogs.
When applying cold therapy to a dog, it is important to monitor the duration and frequency of the treatment to prevent frostbite or skin damage. Your veterinarian can tell you whether cold therapy treatment is appropriate for your dog’s specific condition and provide guidance on the proper technique and duration of treatment.
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold laser therapy for dogs is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. This type of therapy can help reduce inflammation, promote tissue repair, and alleviate pain in dogs suffering from various conditions, such as arthritis, muscle strains, and wounds.
During a cold laser therapy session, a handheld device delivers the light energy directly to the affected area of the dog's body. The light penetrates deep into the tissues, triggering biochemical reactions that increase circulation and promote faster healing. Many pet owners have reported seeing improvements in their dog's mobility and comfort levels after undergoing cold laser therapy sessions.
Warm Therapy
Warm therapy for dogs typically involves the use of heat packs, warm towels, or heating pads to help alleviate muscle soreness, joint pain, and stiffness. This type of therapy can be especially beneficial for older dogs or those recovering from injuries.It is important to monitor the temperature of the heat source to prevent burns or discomfort for the dog. Additionally, warm therapy should be used in conjunction with other treatments recommended by a veterinarian to ensure the best outcome for your furry friend.
Therapeutic Exercises for Dogs
Therapeutic exercise refers to the planned performance of physical activities.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy for dogs is a form of physical therapy that uses water to help improve mobility, reduce pain, and aid in recovery from injuries or surgeries. This can include swimming, underwater treadmills, and other water-based exercises tailored to the individual dog's needs.
The buoyancy of water helps support the dog's weight, reducing stress on their joints while allowing them to move more freely. Additionally, the resistance of the water can help strengthen muscles and improve overall fitness levels. Hydrotherapy can be a beneficial form of rehabilitation for dogs recovering from various conditions, such as arthritis, hip dysplasia, or spinal injuries.
Gait Training
This form of physical therapy is designed to improve a dog's ability to walk and move properly. Gait training is often used for dogs recovering from injuries, surgeries, or neurological conditions that affect their mobility.
During gait training therapy, dogs may work on exercises to strengthen their muscles, improve their balance, and correct any abnormal movement patterns. Therapists may use equipment such as treadmills, balance balls, and obstacle courses to help dogs regain proper gait mechanics. The goal of this therapy is to help dogs regain function and mobility so they can move more comfortably and confidently in their daily lives.
Agility Training
Agility training for dogs is a form of physical and mental exercise that involves navigating obstacle courses, such as jumps, tunnels, and weave poles. This type of training helps improve a dog's coordination, balance, strength, and overall fitness level.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.