Therapeutic Exercise

Therapeutic exercise programs are developed on an individual basis depending on the condition or surgical recovery, age of your pet, overall body condition before and after surgery, stage of healing, and much more. There is a wide range of equipment used for performing these exercises. Sometimes, the equipment may be as simple as our hands and dog treats, but a very important factor in performing therapeutic exercises. Other equipment involved with therapeutic exercises include physioballs, balance boards, steps and cushions, cavaletti rails, weave poles, and much more. Our goal in therapeutic exercise is to gain function and strength. This may be achieved through passive or active exercises. Passive exercises to gain flexibility may be through massage and passive range of motion while the pet is relaxed. Active exercises to gain flexibility may be to teach the dog to sit “square” to improve hip, stifle and hock flexion. Therapeutic exercises increase range of motion and flexibility, strengthen the muscles, improve endurance, and improve proprioception, coordination and body awareness. For most pets, this is their favorite time in physical rehab because it means treats and more treats!

Indications:

Surgical recovery
Pelvic limb weakness
Neurological conditions
Geriatric patients
Athletic/sporting dogs
Decreased flexibility

Benefits:

Improves flexibility
Strengthens muscles
Improves proprioception
Promotes independence
Faster surgical recovery
Builds endurance