Rehabilitation medicine includes modalities such as physical therapy and laser therapy.
Physical therapy can be used, just as in people, to address health issues such as post-surgical rehabilitation or physical injuries caused by specific exercises.
Laser therapy is light energy which has a chemical effect on tissue cells to increase cellular metabolism to speed healing and reduce fibrous tissue (scar) formation. It accelerates wound healing, increases circulation, reduces pain and inflammation, improves nerve function, and can be used to release muscle trigger points and stimulate acupuncture points.
There are many conditions that benefit from laser therapy. A few include anal gland inflammation, arthritis, degenerative joint disease, dental disease – stomatitis, ear infections/hematomas, hot spots, intervertebral disc disease, lick granulomas, muscle trauma, post-surgical healing and pain relief.
Some patients enjoy an almost immediate response, but most feel the most benefit after 3 or 4 repeated treatments depending on the condition being treated. Each patient responds differently. Treatment times vary depending on the condition being treated.
Treatments can be short as 3 minutes or as long as 45 minutes. Treatment sessions are performed with the patient fully awake. There is no pain involved and many patients enjoy the warm sensation and become relaxed. Treatments are performed in the “therapy suite” on comfortable beds by one of our certified laser specialists.
Farrell came to Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates after being injured on a police call that involved him needing surgery to repair his knee. After surgery he had months of physical therapy in order to resume him to normal physical fitness so that he could go back to being a K9 cop. It was a pleasure to help in his recovery.
Regardless of the chosen modality, our Licensed Veterinary Technicians will work closely with you and your pet under the guidance of one of our Veterinarians to help your pet achieve a more comfortable and happy life.
Our sister entity, Hudson Valley, offers full-service rehab with consultation. Laser is still offered at Rondout Valley Veterinary Associates as a regular service. For more details on Rehab, refer to Hudson Valley.
