What is rehabilitation?
Most people are familiar with
physical rehabilitation as a common
practice in human medicine
provided by licensed
physiotherapists. The therapist
uses different techniques and
modalities to help patients recover
from an injury or surgery, reduce
pain, strengthen muscles and/ or
regain lost function. Physical
therapy is becoming commonly
used in veterinary medicine to help
our pets heal in the same way. This
practice can be successfully
provided to our furry friends and
improve their quality of life along
with or in some cases in place of
medication.
Rehabilitation has many benefits including:
• Increases speed of recovery post
orthopedic/ spinal surgery
• Decreases pain • Improves
biomechanics and flexibility
• Improves the quality of movement
• Increases strength and endurance
• Decreases the need for pain
medication • Helps to prevent the risk
of re-injury • Client education/bonding
with their pet
• Non -invasive approach
Pets that would benefit from
rehabilitation include those who
have been diagnosed with:
• Osteoarthritis/ degenerative joint
disease • Cruciate rupture • Hip
dysplasia • Luxating patellas
• Muscle strain • Neurological issues
Or if your pet has needed or
experienced:
• Orthopedic surgery • Back/spinal cord
surgery
Services Offered
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
A thorough assessment will be done on every pet prior to any therapeutic modalities or exercises being performed. After the assessment one of the following modalities may be used to decrease pain, improve circulation, decrease inflammation or help with strengthening: Class 4 laser therapy, TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation), NMES (Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation). The pet will then partake in a series of exercises using different types of equipment to help them achieve their rehabilitation goals.
Laser Therapy
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation
"Laser therapy or photobiomodulation, is the use of specific wavelengths of light to create therapeutic effects. These effects include improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation and decreased swelling."
Laser therapy can be offered as an individual service separate from other services if this is the best course of treatment for your pet.
Conditioning
Rehabilitation
Conditioning
Your pet may benefit from conditioning if they are involved in sports like: agility, flyball, disk, dock diving, hunting or if they need assistance with weight loss.
Conditioning training can help with strengthening, coordination,
improving the quality of a movement, strengthening the bond between you and your pet and help to prevent an injury. Our Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner will work with you and your pet to come up with appropriate exercises to help
achieve your conditioning goals.
Meet Our Rehabilitation Therapist
Ailsa Schmitt RVT, CCRP
Ailsa Schmitt RVT, CCRP
Ailsa Schmitt RVT, CCRP
Ailsa graduated from St. Clair College in 2016 and became a RVT shortly after. Ailsa has always shown an interest in physical rehabilitation for animals and in January 2022 she graduated from the University of Tennessee and added Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner to her credentials. Ailsa also has a special interest in conditioning and is working towards her Canine Strength and Conditioning Coach certificate. In Ailsa's spare time, she trains and competes in agility. She understands the physical needs for sporting dogs.
Ailsa Schmitt RVT, CCRP
Ailsa Schmitt RVT, CCRP
Ailsa Schmitt RVT, CCRP