Veterinary Rehabilitation Modalities
Canine rehabilitation is an umbrella phrase to encompass many of the modalities and techniques used in a program designed for a specific patient. The best modalities are chosen by a trained rehabilitation professional based on the patient, condition, and need for that session or day. Below is a selection of the modalities we commonly use at Red Sage that are not included in other areas of the website. Many of these modalities are also incoprtrated into a home plan!
Therapeutic Exercises
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This modality is an integral portion used for almost every case we see. There can be used on a wide range of use from non ambulatory patients to the working dog or canine athlete. Exercise can improve circulation, joint mobility, range of motion, strength, balance, flexibility, endurance, proprioception, and weight bearing or proper use of the affected limbs.Exercises can also be used to help cross train the canine athlete or working dog. This can help prevent injuries by getting your dog to use their bodies better which can improve overall function.
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Therapeutic ultrasound
This modality uses sound waves that are passed through the tissues to help warm them prior to stretching or exercises. Ultrasound can be used to help with swelling/edema/effusion or deliver medication to the site of concern known as phonophoresis. Some benefits of therapeutic ultrasound include reducing pain and muscle spasms, increase extensibility of collagen, and increase blood flow and tissue healing.
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We frequently use this modality at Red Sage to help with recovery from ACL injury, tendonopathies (tendonitis), and severe trigger points or muscle restrictions. We have the option of using our in-house unit, but also have units from home renal use to allow for more frequent treatments if indicated.
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NMES (Neuromuscular electrical stimulation)
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NMES is a non-invasive modality that uses low-frequency electrical current that travels through small pads placed on a specific muscle to produce a muscle contraction. This can help to mimic strength training or muscle use for animals that are not able to weight bear or not properly using the that certain muscle well. This modality can help with muscle re-education, prevention of muscle atrophy, and enhance joint movement. This modality is helpful when treating orthopedic or neurological diseases that cause muscle disuse.
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TENS (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation)
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TENS is a non-invasive modality that uses low-frequency electrical current that travels through small pads placed on the skin, typically on or over a joint or along the spine, and is primarily used to help manage pain. This modality can be used for both acute and chronic pain management.
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Land Treadmill
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Using a specially designed canine treadmill that is used to increase strength, balance, endurance, and coordination. We can also incorporate the treadmill with in our exercise sessions to increase difficulty.