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REHABILITATION CLINIC

We offer a variety of treatments including massage, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and laser therapy. 
Rehabilitation can be used to help a number of conditions such as:  
ORTHOPAEDIC CONDITIONS
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It can also be used in general fitness and strengthening.
Early conservative intervention promotes mobility and tissue healing, reduces pain and inflammation, improves balance and proprioception and reduces overall recovery time.
  • Cruciate ligament conditions
  • Patella luxation
  • Post-surgical healing and recovery
  • Hip and pelvis conditions
  • Shoulder, carpus and elbow conditions
  • Osteoarthritis
NEUROLOGICAL CONDITIONS
  • Vestibular syndrome
  • Invertebral disc disease
  • Canine degenerative myelopathy
  • Wobblers syndrome
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RVN Vikki McKay, our Canine and Feline Rehabilitation Therapist runs a clinic on a Thursday evening at our Blackmore branch from 4pm - 6.30pm. If you feel your animal may benefit from rehab therapy, Vikki can offer a free  assessment and provide a taster session where appropriate. Call us to arrange your appointment - 01277 823808

PHYSIOTHERAPY

Physiotherapy helps by reducing pain,  improving mobility and restoring normal muscle function.

 

This is very helpful in orthopaedic and neurological conditions.

A typical physiotherapy session consists of a full gait and postural analysis by our Rehabilitation nurse, in depth exercises using specialised equipment in practice, demonstration of exercises that can be used at home and a home exercise plan tailored to your pet.

These sessions typically last 30 - 60 minutes and the frequency of sessions needed will be discussed during the first session, with a home exercise plan given containing 4 weeks of exercises to follow.

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MASSAGE

Our nurses are able to show you basic techniques for massaging your companion at home, as well as offering a more in-depth massage in practice.

 

Massage has many benefits such as  improved flexibility, improved immune system, reduction in age-related issues, reduction in arthritis and hip dysplasia discomfort.

 

For patients with more chronic or painful conditions we recommend they come into practice for a massage session 1-2 times a week. For a more athletic patient we recommend they come for a massage 1-2 times a month.

A typical canine massage will entail a gait and postural analysis, discussion about                 expectation in therapy, a full massage session and a home care plan. 

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These appointments typically last from 30-45 minutes and the total amount needed varies from case to case.

LASER THERAPY

Low level laser therapy is a non-invasive, pain free, surgery free and drug free procedure that uses light to stimulate cell regeneration and increase blood circulation. This helps to repair damaged tissues.  Pain relief is provided by reducing inflammation and by activating the lymphatic drainage system in swollen areas.

  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Wound healing
  • Post surgical
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Musculoskeletal pain and discomfort
Laser therapy can be used to help a number of conditions such as:  

Treatments vary in length and frequency depending on condition and the response but most require 5 – 10 minute applications. We recommend 2-3 sessions per week to start, which will then decrease gradually to once a week, then once every 2 weeks.

For more information about laser therapy, click here.
HYDROTHERAPY

Hydrotherapy uses the properties of water - buoyancy, viscosity, resistance and hydrostatic pressure to enable a dog to move their joints.

The warmth of the water provides a medium that assists with pain relief and the reduction of muscle spasms.

Hydrotherapy can be used to help a number of conditions such as:  
  • Orthopaedic conditions including post surgical
  • Neurological conditions including post surgical
  • Muscular conditions
  • General fitness

Our Blackmore hospital has a hydrotherapy tank which is effectively an underwater treadmill. The water in the treadmill makes the body buoyant so when submerged the weight of the body is supported. This means the dog is not fighting gravity. The buoyancy reduces the stress on their joints and can also help to improve balance, co-ordination and increase overall energy levels all while reducing pain. 

For more information about hydrotherapy, click here.

The amount of sessions needed will vary from patient to patient and this can be discussed at the first session.

Call us to book an initial free assessment / taster session with RVN Vikki McKay, our Canine and Feline Rehabilitation Therapist - 01277 823858

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