Canine rehabilitation is a new field that enhances the recovery of dogs after an injury or surgery, and returns them to as normal a function as possible. Rehabilitation is accomplished using a number of different techniques.

Therapeutic Exercise (TE), is often the most cost effective, accomplishing the desired result of returning animals to more normal function through increased strength and cardiovascular fitness.

Forms of TE include:

• PROM (Passive Range of Motion): stimulates new cartilage and increases cartilage nutrition at the joint
• Weight Shifting Exercises: helps your pet to shift weight to the affected side for a more balanced walk
• Stretching Exercises: aids in circulation and increased muscle flexibility
• Strengthening Exercises: used to strengthen individual muscles or muscle groups

Services

Rehabilitative therapy is used to enhance, accelerate and optimize function after surgery or injury. It may also be used conservatively prior to surgery or prophylactically if an animal is at risk for disability. Rehab has a positive effect on bone healing, recovery or damaged neurologic tissues, muscle, tendon, ligaments and cartilage.

Treatments may help with strength training, range of motion deficits, balance problems, edema and pain control, lameness, poor endurance, gait deviations, decreased activity or function, and weight loss. Specific treatments are determined after an in-depth evaluation is performed. Goals are set based on objective and subjective findings as well as client expectations, but ultimately focus on returning the pet to their previous level of function.

Our physical therapist works closely with your pets’ surgeon and/or primary care veterinarian to develop a detailed rehabilitation plan to be able to optimize your pets’ recovery period.

Physical therapy helps to service patients with the following conditions:

• Orthopedic (surgical or non-surgical patients)
• Osteoarthritis
• Hip Dysplasia
• Disc Disease
• Post-cruciate surgery
• Sprains and strains
• Neurologic
• Loss of strength, motion or function
• Sport Conditioning
• Rehabilitation after total Joint Replacement Surgery (hip, elbow, knee)

Consultation

The Animal Medical Center of New England proudly offers the services of certified canine rehabilitation therapist (CCRT), Sandra Murley. Sandra has a master’s degree in Physical Therapy and is an orthopedic specialist by the American Physical Therapy Association and became certified in veterinary physical therapy via The Animal Rehabilitation Institute. Sandra has been practicing physical therapy for 13 years and offers an array of services to aid in companion animal rehabilitation.

What to expect at the initial consultation?

At your initial consultation, our therapist will evaluate each patient to asses the condition. She will then design a specific treatment program that maximizes function and reduces complications following surgery, injury or illness. Some treatment plans may include massage therapy, stretching, range of motion exercises and therapeutic exercises. Sandra will help to educate you on the various ways to continue progress at home, with a detailed hand-out with step-by-step instructions. Sandra will demonstrate each exercise and then, have you re-demonstrate the exercise to ensure proper understanding.

What do I need to get started?

Our Physical Therapy Program requires your pets’ primary care physician or surgeon to fax a written referral to our office. It is also, very helpful to have your pets’ most recent medical records or any pertinent information regarding the injury or surgery.

Consultations are currently by appointment only. Please contact our office 603-821-7222 to schedule an appointment.