Pet Rehabilitation Services
Pet Rehabilitation Services
Pet Rehabilitation Therapy
Rehabilitation Therapy & Canine Sports Medicine is a relatively new field to Veterinary Medicine in Australia. Whilst it has been regarded as standard care for human patients to receive physical therapy post-surgically or after an injury we have only recently been able to offer this service to our 4-legged friends.
What is Rehabilitation Therapy?
Rehabilitation therapy includes a combination of physical therapy techniques and home care programs to reduce pain, maintain and improve muscle mass, improve coordination & balance to improve your pet’s overall quality of life.
Pet Rehabilitation Aldinga & Willunga
Our aim is to make your pets recovery as pain free and comfortable as possible.
If your pet is experiencing pain and discomfort from conditions such as osteoarthritis, invertebral disc disease, orthopaedic surgery, soft tissue injuries, obesity or increasing difficulty with daily activities, he or she can benefit greatly from the various forms of rehabilitative therapies.
Rehabilitation therapy can also be used to help your pet regain mobility sooner after orthopaedic surgery including cruciate repairs, patella luxation, fractures and spinal surgeries. Recovery can be greatly improved by receiving regular rehabilitation in the days and weeks immediately after surgery.
Patients range from young active sporting or working dogs who need muscular conditioning or the management of minor injuries; through to senior and geriatric dogs (and cats) who may have multiple chronic problems and need an exercise program tailored to their specific needs to maintain their strength and co-ordination as they age.
Techniques used in Rehabilitation Therapy
- Soft tissue massage
- Acupuncture
- Joint mobilisation
- Trigger point therapy
- Electrical stimulation & TENS
- Therapeutic exercise & home care programs
- Diet and lifestyle advice
What is a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist?
A Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist has undergone post-graduate training to attain a formal qualification in the field from a recognised Canine Rehabilitation Therapy Training Institute.
Only a veterinarian with the required special training in Animal Rehabilitation can provide whole body care, prescribe needed medicines and perform a diagnostic evaluation prior to designing a treatment plan.
Our Rehabilitation Team
Dr Clare Ellis completed her training with the Canine Rehabilitation Institute in the USA to become a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Therapist (CCRT) in July of 2018. Since then Clare has been seeing many patients post-orthopaedic surgery and the clinic has instituted a post-cruciate rehabilitation package that is included in all cruciate surgeries. Clare has found that her previous qualification in Veterinary Acupuncture is very complimentary to Rehabilitation Therapy and will often use both techniques side-by-side. Clare has also had great success in helping to manage geriatric patients with arthritis and other problems through the use of rehabilitation techniques, acupuncture and home exercise.
If you think your pet may benefit from Rehabilitation Therapy please contact the clinic on 08 8556 2075 for an appointment.
Willunga Vet Services
(08) 8556 2075
37 Main Road
Willunga SA 5172
Mon - Fri: 8am to 6:30pm
Sat: 8am to 2:30pm
Sun: closed
Aldinga Vet Services
(08) 8556 5498
16 Heathersay Avenue
Aldinga Beach SA 5173
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5:30pm
Sat: 8am to 2:30pm
Sun: closed
Mt Compass Vet Services
(08) 8556 2496
2018 Victor Harbor Road
Mt Compass SA 5210
Mon - Fri: 8am to 5:30pm
Sat & Sunt: Closed
On Call 24 Hours