 |
 |
|
vancouver animal wellness hospital healing as nature intended homeopathy | nutrition | acupuncture | chiropractic | full-service surgery | physiotherapy/rehabilitation |
|
|
 sitemap |
|
|
|
› about us
› our services
› homeopathy› nutrition› recipes› conventional medicine› routine exams› in-house laboratory› x-rays› dental› spay/neuter› full service surgery› anesthetic› intensive care› emergency› overnight monitoring› physiotherapy› hydrotherapy› acupuncture› chinese medicine› chiropractic› reiki› vaccinations/titres› behaviourist› grief counselling
› site map
› home
|
|
|
› services: physiotherapy & rehabilitation
Modalities and Procedures: Cold Therapy (Hypothermia): Local hypothermia decreases the messages sent through the nerves, thereby creating mild pain reduction. It produces blood vessel constriction in localized tissues to decrease swelling and relax skeletal muscles. Heat Therapy (Hyperthermia): Local hyperthermia increases tissue temperature, thereby producing pain relief, sedation, and an increase in local metabolism. Heat therapy facilitates the healing process by producing blood vessel dilation, thereby enhancing local blood flow and decreasing edema. In addition, localized heat may enhance subsequent soft tissue massage and exercise therapy, and thus should precede these supplemental therapies. Soft Tissue Massage: The objective of massage is to increase blood and lymph flow through the massaged tissues. This will increase the delivery of nutrients to the area and hasten the removal of waste products and edema fluid. Specific soft tissue mobilization myofacial release techniques may be used to decrease soft tissue contracture of affected musculature if present. Massage can also stretch tendons and decrease the potential for fibrosis. H-Wave: Electrical stimulation in the form of milliamperage, facilitates the reduction of postoperative swelling & edema. H-Wave produces a series of repeated muscle contractions, which allows the blood and lymphatic vessels to constrict and relax rhythmically, in an effort to remove localized edema from the surgical site. H-Wave can also be used at high frequencies, to produce a "TENS" effect or pain relief. Acuscope: Electrical stimulation in the form of microcurrent promotes and facilitates the healing of neurological and musculoskeletal tissues. This is accomplished by producing normal electrical activity to affected tissue sites, thus creating "homeostasis", or an ideal environment for healing to occur. Studies have also demonstrated that acuscope treatments have a cumulative effect. Ultrasound: In ultrasound therapy, electrical energy is converted into high frequency sound waves by means of a piezoelectric crystal, Thermal effects, probably the most useful, are beneficial for musculoskeletal problems, such as muscle spasms, adhesions, tendon and ligament injuries. Ultrasound is particularly useful in helping to decrease soft tissue contracture of musculature that has been affected during the surgical process, and assisting in breaking down scar tissue. Neuromuscular Stimulation: In an effort to prevent disuse atrophy of affected muscle tone during the healing process, the use of an electrical stimulation device creates an artificial contraction of weakened or paralyzed muscles. Neuro-muscular stimulation has also proven to be effective in promoting muscle reeducation. Passive Exercise (Passive Range of Motion): Passive exercise maintains the normal range of motion and prevents soft tissue and joint contracture. It also improves blood flow and sensory awareness of affected joints and limbs. Paralyzed or weakened pets may be supported by a sling or cart during passive exercise. Treatment should involve flexing and extending the limbs through a normal painfree range of motion. Active Exercise: Active exercise helps to improve muscle strength, coordination, and cardiovascular function. Depending on the level of function of each individual patient, active exercise may include the following: Active exercise should be performed 1-2 times daily working within the patient's tolerance. Client Education: It is important that you encourage and support your pet during their physical therapy. Home care programs may include passive and active exercise, neuromuscular stimulation, hot and cold packs as appropriate and hydrotherapy if available. Goals of Physical Therapy: 1. Decrease pain and facilitate healing of inflamed and injured neurological and musculoskeletal tissues. 2. Maintain normal range of motion in affected joints, i.e.; hind limb, fore limb. 3. Prevent soft tissue contracture and fibrosis in weak or paralyzed limbs. 4. Prevent further disuse atrophy of affected musculature of hindlimb/forelimb during the healing process of neurological and musculoskeletal tissues. 5. Improve strength and function of weak or paralyzed limbs. 6. Maximize postsurgical recovery and function of the patient. 7. Provide positive psychological effects for the patient and owner. Physical therapy is particularly helpful in expediting and maximizing recovery of the following patients: 1. Elbow/Shoulder 2. Spinal 3. Stifle/Hip 4. Brain Disorders
|
|
|
vancouver
105 east broadway |
 photo by Heidi Zutter |
|
k9phodography.com fine art pet photography |
|
|
|
vancouver animal wellness hospital Michael Goldberg, DVM; Erik Irre, DVM 105 e. broadway, vancouver, bc v5t 1w1 / phone: 604.738.4664 / fax: 604.738.4694 Hours of Operation: Monday, Thursday & Friday: 9am - 6pm, Tuesday & Wednesday: 9am - 7pm, Saturday: 9am - 5pm © Copyright 2004-2006. vancouver animal wellness hospital. All rights reserved. › Contact Us › Privacy Policy › Sitemap › Home |