Physical Rehabilitation
What is REhab?
Physical rehabilitation is the veterinary equivalent of physical therapy for people. It can reduce pain and lameness, improve function and quality of life, and enhance recovery from injury, surgery, and neurologic conditions. Rehab often includes some or all of the following forms of treatment:
Manual Therapy (e.g. massage, stretching, passive range of motion, and joint mobilizations)
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMF) via an Assisi Loop or PEMF bed
Therapeutic Laser (class IV)
Therapeutic Exercises to improve function, coordination, strength/muscle mass, balance/core strength, body awareness/proprioception, and range of motion
Hydrotherapy (e.g. underwater treadmill) - available only at a separate location in Arvada, CO
Dr. Leavitt is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner (CCRP) through the University of Tennessee. She will bring all necessary equipment to your home and will formulate a customized home exercise program for your pet.
What conditions can benefit from rehab?
Injuries and Conservative Management of Conditions
Cranial cruciate ligament (CCL/ACL) tear
Patellar luxation
Muscle strain (e.g. iliopsoas)
Tendinopathy/tendinitis (e.g. biceps or supraspinatus)
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Post-Operative Recovery
TPLO/TTA or extracapsular (excap) surgery for CCL injury
FHO
Total hip replacement (THR)
Fracture repair/stabilization
Spinal surgery such as hemilaminectomy or ventral slot
Limb amputation
Neurologic Disease
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
Fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE)
Degenerative myelopathy (DM)
Wobblers syndrome (Wobblers)
Geriatric Care and Pain Management
Osteoarthritis (OA) / Degenerative joint disease (DJD)
Muscle loss and weakness
Decreased mobility
Weight Loss for Overweight or Obese Pets
Fitness, Conditioning, and Injury Prevention for Athletes, Show Dogs, and Family Pets
