Therapeutic Exercises

Therapeutic exercises should be done under the supervision of a trained specialist who can make sure the patient is performing them in the appropriate fashion.

There are a variety of exercises that can be used during the rehabilitation process. The ones recommended will depend on the patient’s condition, as well as the overall goal of therapy. Examples of several exercises are listed below.

 Weight bearing exercises - Improves the amount of weight that is placed on an injured limb, using Thera-balls, weight shifting and the underwater treadmill.

Assisted ambulation and gait training - Used in animals that require support to walk or maintain balance. Harnesses, slings, carts and other methods of support are utilized to assist the animal in walking and maintaining balance.

Proprioceptive and balance training - Used for animals that cannot correctly place their paws due to a neurological condition. Through the use of cavaletti rails (walking over beams at various heights), balance boards, weave poles, etc., the pet relearns where to place his feet.

Flexibility exercises - Used to improve the flexibility of an animal’s joint by passive range of motion and joint mobilization exercises.

Supportive exercises - Used for animals that cannot stand or support their body weight. Harnesses, slings, and other methods of support help the animal to stand and bear weight.

Strengthening - Used to strengthen individual muscle or muscle groups by utilizing a dry treadmill, underwater treadmill, steps, inclines and so forth.