Rehabilitation for Pets
While receiving rehabilitative treatment at our veterinary facility, your dog or cat will receive targeted treatments and therapies in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
Dr. Robert Santos is certified in rehabilitation techniques and has worked to create a comprehensive rehabilitation program for pets in Turlock.
From manual rehabilitative techniques and cold laser therapy to low-impact aquatic exercises, our team is fully equipped to create custom rehabilitative programs for your pets and enact them safely and effectively.
Treatment & Therapy Options
A customized physical rehabilitation program can consist of several therapeutic techniques, including:
- Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves inserting tiny needles into an animal's body at precise points called meridians, where the blood vessels converge with the nerves.
The needles help guide vital energy along these meridians, supporting the nervous system and promoting circulation while enhancing the body's healing abilities.
- Hydrotherapy
Low-impact aquatic therapy (also called hydrotherapy) and exercises can help to improve your pet's range of motion, endurance, and strength.
The buoyant properties of water help to minimize the weight-bearing function of your pet's joints, helping them to support their weight if doing so normal is a struggle because of pain or inflammation.
Aquatic therapy is appropriate for:
- Post-operative orthopedic procedures
- Neurological conditions
- Osteoarthritis patients
- Overweight patients
Our underwater treadmill promotes controlled weight-bearing by varying water levels. This is especially effective for osteoarthritis and weaknesses related to neurological conditions.
- Manual Techniques
Manual techniques refer to massage, passive range of motion, stretches, and joint mobilization.
These are all important components of any rehabilitation program and can help alleviate pain, increase circulation, promote relaxation and improve tissue extensibility.
Passive range of motion exercises is a special kind of manual therapy for pets, encouraging the maintenance, recovery, and growth of cartilage by moving your pet's limbs and body through the natural movements of taking steps or other activities without them having to do so themselves.
- Cold Laser Therapy
Cold (low-level) laser is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy frequently used with rehab patients to increase the quality, speed, and tensile strength of tissue repair. It is also helpful for reducing pain and inflammation.
This safe, effective and precise therapy is used to treat several conditions such as soft tissue injuries, post-operative conditions, arthritis, and wounds.
Treatment & Therapy FAQs
Read our most frequently asked questions about treatment and therapy for pets, or contact us to ask a different question.
- Why does my pet need physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a critically important part of your pet's recovery from their injury, illness, or invasive surgery, regardless of the specific cause of their condition.
With a custom rehabilitation and therapeutic program, we can focus on pain management and prioritizing his or her overall health while reaching your pet's goals, which may include building your pet's balance and coordination, endurance, and stamina.
All of these are conducive to healing, to ensure your pet feels their best and that the two of you get to spend many more years together.
- What conditions can physical therapy be used to treat?
While we often use our rehabilitation techniques on patients that have undergone orthopedic surgery, physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions your pet may have, such as:
- Obesity
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic pain
- Spinal injuries
- Disc disease (IVDD)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Recovery after major surgery
- How long will my pet need to attend physical therapy?
Based on your pet's condition, and an assessment from our experienced veterinary specialists and therapy team, we can determine your pet's unique therapeutic requirements, including the duration of their customized treatment program.
- What can I do at home to achieve the best results possible from physical therapy?
Depending on your pet's condition and requirements, at-home exercises may help promote healing and progress in physical therapy.
Always consult your veterinarian and/or therapy team on if and when at-home exercises should be part of your pet's treatment, and which ones would be helpful.
New Patients Welcome
Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Turlock companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.