WHY PHYSIOTHERAPY?

One of the most frequent things I hear as a veterinary physiotherapist is, "I never even knew this existed".

It is true animal physio, specifically in small animal practice, is becoming more popular and more well known amongst vets and owners.

Additionally, physio is becoming a normal addition to your pets life, as a geriatric maintenance plan, post operative rehabilitation or fitness conditioning for canine athletes, for example.

We have definitely seen the countless benefits, and advantages of physio on your pets life. But, if you are on the fence about starting physio or are questioning if it is worth your time and money, this is probably for you.

Ramsay Rehab works predominantly on vet referral, following a consultation with your vet. If your vet feels that physio will benefit your pet, they will send them to us. In almost every case teamwork and communication with the vet is crucial to avoid reinjury or regression. It is important that we know what and how much we can do, and that at any signs of excessive pain or lameness, we refer back to the vet.

Here are few examples of when physio might be indicated for your pet:

Geriatric management.

Just like humans, your pet gets old, and experiences the same aches and pains that we do. Patients with arthritis and age-related deterioration are one our most frequent physio cases. Our goal for these patients is to support them as they get older, to slow down deterioration and to manage pain and discomfort.

Surgical cases.

Post operative care and rehabilitation is an area of physio that is so rewarding. Our physio goals are to get these patients back to their normal life, and to ensure that they are strong enough, and comfortable enough to cope with normal life.

Neurological.

There are a number of types of neurological cases we treat, either post-surgical or conservative. We aim our treatments into improving or maintaining motor function and limb awareness, strengthening, pain management and compensation management.

Congenital skeletal pathologies.

Most of us know about hip and elbow dysplasia. These are examples of pathologies that some animals are predisposed to, and have at younger age. Often the signs and symptoms become more prevalent at older age. We focus on slowing down the progression of these pathologies, as well as ensuring your pet is strong enough to support these sore joints and their bodies as they get older

Soft tissue injury.

Muscle, ligament and tendon are all examples of soft tissue. When injury occurs to one or some of these, physio can be imperative in your dogs rehabilitation. We can help with tissue healing, contracture prevention , strengthening and return to normal function.

Conservative management.

Sometimes surgery is not possible, whether due to owner finances, underlying or concurrent health issues with your pet, old age or non-surgical cases. In these cases, physio is focused on managing pain, maintaining function and strength, and optimizing quality of life. In these patients, we are always aware that there is a limitation in their progress, as well as the risk of deterioration. However I have actually seen so many dogs, that are conservatively managed, that do incredibly well .

Conditioning.

This involves improving your animals fitness, strength, coordination, endurance ect. In these cases, there isn't necessarily a pathology we are treating, more so focusing on improving their performance if they are an agility athlete or a working animal, for example.

Weight loss.

Just like in humans, being overweight places excess strain on the body and sore joints, as well as increasing the risk of injury. Physio can help with weight loss, and we can also advise on how to help your pet lose weight at home.

Now, we can't say physio is indicated for any cat or dog. There are some cases that are not candidates for physio, as there is potential for physio to cause deterioration.

This is why a vet referral, as well as a full diagnosis is so important.

Physio, in conjunction with vet care and treatment creates the best outcome and optimizes your pets quality of life. We love all of our patients, and love to see them improve and flourish, whether they are long term or short term clients. It is our absolute goal to make your pets life as comfortable and easy as possible, after injury, surgery or into old age!