Rehabilitation
What is Animal Rehabilitation?
Also known as physical therapy for animals, animal rehabilitation is the application of anatomy, biomechanics, physiology and physics on animals with injury, pain, physical abnormalities or other dysfunctions to allow them to regain a certain degree of mobility, depending on their condition. A well-designed rehabilitation programme is able to physically condition their musculoskeletal tissues (bone, cartilage, ligaments, tendons and muscles) and improve overall tone, strength and endurance.
For example, up to a third of the muscle mass in the affected limb may be lost after a surgery to repair the cranial cruciate ligament. It may take the animal over a year to regain the lost muscle. In some cases, complete recovery may not even occur.
Around the world, animal rehabilitation has been commonly used as part of pre/post-surgery recovery as well as preventive treatment for chronic conditions. At Gaia, various modalities are used in combination e.g. low-level laser therapy, electrotherapy (NMES/TENS), hydrotherapy, manual therapy, cryotherapy/thermotherapy and canine proprioceptive exercises, according to a rehabilitation programme that is planned and executed by our trained rehabilitation therapists.
Benefits of Animal Rehabilitation
Animal rehabilitation is beneficial for dogs, around 20% of which have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis — and this excludes those whose symptoms are not severe enough to require medical attention! It is more prevalent than most people know. For many patients, medication and supplements help to manage it, but their condition can be significantly enhanced by incorporating rehabilitation with regular, low-impact exercises on the arthritic joints. This would enhance the range of motion and increase the production of synovial fluids around the affected joints.
Benefits of animal rehabilitation for your pet:
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Builds and increases muscle mass
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Enhances cardiovascular function
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Improves biomechanics, flexibility and range of motion
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Improves performance and quality of gait/stance
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Increases muscle strength, tone and endurance
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Reduces pain and inflammation
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Weight loss management
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Slows down progression of chronic conditions
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Minimizes risk of recurring injuries by encouraging the use of the right muscles
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Non‐invasive and safe approach to manage certain conditions e.g. hip dysplasia
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Preventive: may negate the necessity of surgical intervention for low-grade conditions e.g. luxating patella
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If done pre-surgery: reduced muscle wastage after surgery
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If done post-surgery: accelerated recovery time
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Provides emotional support for both animal and owner
Shin the bunny on a balance disk. Such exercises shift weight placement and encourage the use of core abdominal muscles.
Who is suitable for Animal Rehabilitation?
Animals of all ages, from puppies to senior dogs, cats, and rabbits are suitable candidates for rehabilitation. Our sessions are customized according to your pet’s physical ability and other medical conditions (if any). We believe in both physical and emotional care when it comes to fulfilling a wholistic approach with safe and non-invasive treatment.
Conditions that may benefit from rehabilitation:
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Cranial cruciate ligament rupture
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Degenerative myelopathy
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Femoral head & neck excision
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Fractures
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Fragmented coronoid process
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Hip dysplasia
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Intervertebral disc disease
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Luxating patella (both lateral and medial)
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Osteoarthritis
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Osteochondrosis Dissecans
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Paresis and paralysis common
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Peripheral nerve disorders
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Spinal instability
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Spondylitis
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Spondylosis
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Total hip replacement
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Ununited Anconeal Process
Extended periods of casting prevent the use of muscles in the area, leading to muscle atrophy.
At Gaia Wholistic Animal Wellness, we believe in taking care of both the physical and emotional aspects of their well being in order to provide them with the best healing environment. The caretakers play a huge role alongside us to provide love and encouragement for their healing journey. Limping and being in pain should not be normal, and there is so much more we can do for them to improve their quality of life as long as we do no harm!
CONTACT US
Gaia Wholistic Animal Wellness
248 Jalan Besar
Singapore 208921
+65 6962 2884
+65 81885272
opening hours
Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10am - 6pm
Closed on Wednesdays & Public Holidays
By appointment basis
COntact us
Gaia Wholistic Animal Wellness
200 Bukit Timah Road, #03-01
Singapore 229862
+65 6012 9948
+65 81885272
opening hours
Monday - Friday: 11am - 8pm
Saturday: 10am - 6pm
Closed on Wednesdays, Sundays & Public Holidays
By appointment basis
