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Let’s Talk Physical Rehab…for Pets
If you’re like most, you’velikely never considered including a physiotherapist in your pet’s heath care team.
When it comes to our furry friends, we often go to great lengths to ensure that they are happy and healthy. But what happens when they face medical challenges, particularly after serious operations? This is where the expertise of a pet physiotherapist can be invaluable.
Understanding Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation
Veterinary physical rehabilitation is the adaptation of human physiotherapy techniques tailored for animals. It is a valuable branch of medicine that uses evidence-based techniques to improve your pet’s quality of life. Just like humans, our pets have complex bodily structures that can suffer from damage, injury, and ageing. They have the same anatomical components, including skin, fascia, blood, nerves, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones. A veterinary physiotherapist undergoes specialised training and must be registered with a recognised body, such as the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC).
Conditions Treated
Pet physiotherapy can be particularly beneficial in the following scenarios:
- Post-Orthopedic and Spinal Surgery: Surgery can be traumatic for soft tissue. Physiotherapy aids in tissue repair and pain relief, potentially reducing the need for pain medication.
- Chronic Conditions: These include osteoarthritis, hip and elbow dysplasia, ligament diseases, and more.
- Soft Tissue Injuries: Acute and chronic injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be treated with physiotherapy.
- Obesity: With a staggering number of pets being overweight, weight management is crucial.
In 2022, the APOP (Association for Pet Obesity Prevention) survey revealed that veterinarians classified 59% of dogs and 61% of cats as overweight or obese. What’s even more concerning is the fact that a third of pet owners with overweight pets think that their pets are at a healthy weight. Excess weight can exacerbate joint issues and lead to further health problems.
What benefits can your pet gain from physical rehabilitation?
- Pain reduction
- Improved joint mobility
- Stronger muscles
- Better balance, coordination and body awareness
- Better recovery after injury
- Prevention of further injury
- Weight loss
- Improved quality of life
