Our goal at Kentlands Veterinary Hospital is to provide our animal patients with access to the same safe, effective, and noninvasive physical therapy modalities that are widely used in human medicine to ease pain, speed recovery, and maximize performance. Prior to beginning therapy, all canine patients are required to have a physical examination by one of our veterinarians.
We tailor the treatment to the needs of the individual canine patient, and we provide guidance and recommendations for home care. We also provide weight management and conditioning programs. Rehabilitation services are provided by Jessica Lorey, CCRP, RVT and Dr. David Handel.
Why choose physical rehabilitation for your pet?
Physical rehabilitation plays an important role in veterinary patients recovering from bone, joint, and muscular injuries; neurologic disorders; and surgery. Our goal is to improve mobility, manage pain, improve strength, and enhance the quality of life of companion animals.

What types of problems might make a dog a good candidate for rehabilitation?

• Post-operative orthopedics
• Tendon and ligament injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Gait abnormalities
• Post fractures
• Herniated discs
• Degenerative neurological problems
• Arthritis
• Obesity and poor conditioning
• Muscular degeneration
• Inflammation and swelling

What types of rehabilitation services are available?
We offer a range of rehabilitation services to help improve the quality of life of your canine companion. We are able to assist you in determining which of the following services might be right for your pet.

Hydrotherapy: 
Underwater treadmill therapy utilizes the buoyancy, resistance, and hydrostatic properties of water to promote an increased range of motion of the joints in a controlled environment. The buoyancy allows for an effective but low-impact workout. The water is kept at a warm temperature to promote muscle relaxation and pain management. This modality is beneficial when used correctly and at the proper time in the case of injury, post-surgical situations, conditioning, and/or weight management.
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Manual Therapy and Massage: 
Manual therapy techniques include joint mobilization and soft tissue mobilization. The therapies help to improve range of motion, increase local circulation, and assist in the return to normal, everyday life after an injury or surgery.

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Therapeutic Laser:
Laser therapy is a light energy used to stimulate blood flow and healing, as well as provide pain relief. Laser therapy is used to reduce inflammation, assist in wound healing, reduce joint swelling, provide pain relief over arthritic joints, and assist in the healing of a tendon or ligament.

Therapeutic Ultrasound:
Therapeutic ultrasound is considered an effective treatment modality for rehabilitating musculoskeletal conditions such as restricted range of motion, pain, and muscle spasms. It also promotes healing. An ultrasound can provide both thermal and non-thermal stimulation.

Electrical Stimulation:
Electrical stimulation is the administration of an electrical current generated by a stimulator that travels through leads to electrodes placed on the skin to depolarize the motor nerve and produce a muscle contraction. Electrical stimulation is used to increase range of motion, increase muscle strength, assist in muscle reeducation, and reduce pain, edema, and muscle spasms.

Customized Home Exercise Program:
Each canine patient and problem is unique; therefore, each needs a customized exercise program. Clients will be sent home with an at-home exercise program that is customized for their pet’s problem. Exercises will be demonstrated to all owners before the patient is sent home.

Measuring and Fitting for Carts and Braces:
We have worked extensively with various companies such as Doggon’ Wheels, Eddies Wheels, and Therapaw and are very familiar with custom fitting their products to assist your pet with mobility.
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Combination Therapy:
All of these rehabilitation modalities can be used along with acupuncture and chiropractic care to help improve results.

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