Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine

Water treadmills are a vital tool in physical rehabilitation. The buoyancy of the water allows decreases the effects of gravity and thus assists with gait training and weight-bearing (similar to water aerobics in people). The water height can be adjusted in relation to the patient (the higher the water level, the less bodyweight the patient uses) to make exercise easier or increase the challenge. VSC is the only specialty clinic in Sarasota-Manatee counties that has a water treadmill in their rehabilitation program.

Prior to even presenting with an injury, many pets begin to lose muscle mass. This loss of muscle can take a substantial amo- unt of time to rebuild, which can hold back their recovery. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (T.E.N.S.) uses electrical currents to help stimulate these muscles. It can also be used to help relieve pain.

Massage is used to relieve tension in muscles and stimulate muscle developm- ent. By increasing blood flow to the affect- ed area and relieving muscle spasms, massage helps speed up recovery from injuries and surgery.

Passive range of motion is used to encourage animals to use the full range of motion of the joints. PROM is accomplish- ed through flexion and extension of the joint to its limits. PROM increases range of motion and decreases joint pain.

Laser therapy in is used in veterinary rehabilitation to reduce pain, inflammation, and promote healing in tissues by utilizing targeted light energy that is delivered to the deeper tissues. It is a non-invasive therapy and does not cause any pain.

Strengthening exercises promote muscle development and growth by encouraging the pet to increase use of the affected area. Some examples of this are incline walking and the use of stairs.

Therapeutic ultrasound creates warmth in deeper tissues using ultrasound waves. This process then promotes new blood supply to the area for healing and tissue repair.

Thermotherapy is used on the affected area to increase range of motion, decrease stiffness in joints, and increase blood flow. This helps to make the animal more comfortable in the application of other physical therapy techniques. Cryotherapy is often used to decrease discomfort caused by inflammation of the muscle. Both thermotherapy and cryotherapy are typically accompanied by other therapeutic techniques.

Balance and coordination exercises use equipment designed to strengthen weak muscles that have atrophied and help improve an animal’s awareness of its… surroundings. These exercises include balancing on physio-balls, balance boards, cavalettis, and figure eights.

Prosthetics are a wearable device that help to replace the function of a limb that is no longer present or functional. Orthotics are also a wearable device used to help correct musculoskeletal deformities and/or abnormalities. Both enhance mobility while providing additional comfort for pets.

Thermotherapy is used on the affected area to increase range of motion, decrease stiffness in joints, and increase blood flow. This helps to make the animal more comfortable in the application of other physical therapy techniques. Cryotherapy is often used to decrease discomfort caused by inflammation of the muscle. Both thermotherapy and cryotherapy are typically accompanied by other therapeutic techniques.

Veterinary manipulation (chiropractic treatment) involves manual adjustments to the spine and other joints to improve alignment, enhance mobility, and alleviate pain in animals, supporting overall health and function. It is recommended to have these manipulations performed by veterinary professionals with extensive knowledge of joint and muscle funtion.

Shockwave therapy is the application of high-energy acoustic waves which cause an overall biological effect of accelerated tissue repair and cell growth, analgesia, and mobility restoration. Shockwave therapy promotes blood vessel formation, reverses chronic inflammation, stimulates collagen production, and releases trigger points. VSC is the only veterinary clinic in the Sarasota-Manatee region to offer this therapy. Find more information about Shockwave here.

In addition to our water treadmill VSC also has a land treadmill. During the humid times of the year It can be challenging to get recovering pets the level of activity they need during their recovery. Dogs are susceptible to heat stroke when exercising in humid conditions. Our treadmill can keep dogs exercising no matter what the weather is like outside!