Services
Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation
Make an Appointment
Services
Veterinary Physical Rehabilitation
Make an Appointment
Services
Available Therapies
Manual Therapy and Physical Exercises
Underwater Treadmill Therapy
An underwater treadmill utilizes the warmth, buoyancy, and resistance of water to help a patient achieve a relatively normal gait. This therapy differs from swimming as it allows an animal to move in a natural walking pattern, which is important for patients who are recovering from orthopedic surgery, have osteoarthritis or neurological conditions. The underwater treadmill also provides muscle and cardiovascular strengthening for aging patients as well as conditioning for performance and working dogs.
Therapeutic Laser
Therapeutic lasers are an important tool in veterinary medicine and animal physical rehabilitation. A very common question is “How does the laser work?”. Therapeutic lasers use a specific wavelength of light to penetrate through the skin and into the surrounding tissues. The light energy then excites the molecules and cells around the blood vessels to induce vasodilation and subsequently reduce inflammation. This is valuable for treating acute injuries, chronic conditions of the muscles, ligaments and bones, as well as recovery from post-surgical swelling and non-healing wounds.
TPEMF (Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Technology)
TPEMF is a useful device that uses pulsed electromagnetic field technology to aid with reducing inflammation and pain within the body. TPEMF can be used for many conditions including post-surgical healing, including areas with metal plates, osteoarthritis, acute trauma, musculoskeletal injuries, and neurological diseases including intervertebral disc disease and Chiari like malformation.
Harness Fitting
A well-fit, full body harness can significantly change the quality of life for you and your pet. The Help-Em Up Harness is designed to assist pets recovering from surgery, injury, or generalized weakness and currently require assistance with walking, going up steps, and getting into and out of the car. It is washable, durable, and designed to have the ability to be used continuously for your pet.
Cart and Wheelchair
Carts and wheelchairs are designed to aid pets who have lost function and mobility of the legs. Rear end carts, front end carts, and quad carts are available for paraparetic, paraplegic, or quadriplegic patients. Many pets can regain a sense of normalcy as the carts and wheelchairs provide physical and mechanical support. We can assist with the measuring and fitting of a custom or fully adjustable cart.
Orthotic Brace Casting and Fitting
Orthotic devices are custom made pieces that can be applied on limbs to assist or limit joint mobility. Orthotics can aid with many orthopedic issues such as limb deformities, nonunion fractures, neurological deficiencies that prevent normal movement of the lower limbs. We can assist with the measuring and fitting of custom orthotic braces.
Services
Available Therapies
Manual Therapy and Physical Exercises
Underwater Treadmill Therapy
An underwater treadmill utilizes the warmth, buoyancy, and resistance of water to help a patient achieve a relatively normal gait. This therapy differs from swimming as it allows an animal to move in a natural walking pattern, which is important for patients who are recovering from orthopedic surgery, have osteoarthritis or neurological conditions. The underwater treadmill also provides muscle and cardiovascular strengthening for aging patients as well as conditioning for performance and working dogs.
Therapeutic Laser
Therapeutic lasers are an important tool in veterinary medicine and animal physical rehabilitation. A very common question is “How does the laser work?”. Therapeutic lasers use a specific wavelength of light to penetrate through the skin and into the surrounding tissues. The light energy then excites the molecules and cells around the blood vessels to induce vasodilation and subsequently reduce inflammation. This is valuable for treating acute injuries, chronic conditions of the muscles, ligaments and bones, as well as recovery from post-surgical swelling and non-healing wounds.
TPEMF (Targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Technology)
TPEMF is a useful device that uses pulsed electromagnetic field technology to aid with reducing inflammation and pain within the body. TPEMF can be used for many conditions including post-surgical healing, including areas with metal plates, osteoarthritis, acute trauma, musculoskeletal injuries, and neurological diseases including intervertebral disc disease and Chiari like malformation.
Harness Fitting
A well-fit, full body harness can significantly change the quality of life for you and your pet. The Help-Em Up Harness is designed to assist pets recovering from surgery, injury, or generalized weakness and currently require assistance with walking, going up steps, and getting into and out of the car. It is washable, durable, and designed to have the ability to be used continuously for your pet.
Cart and Wheelchair
Carts and wheelchairs are designed to aid pets who have lost function and mobility of the legs. Rear end carts, front end carts, and quad carts are available for paraparetic, paraplegic, or quadriplegic patients. Many pets can regain a sense of normalcy as the carts and wheelchairs provide physical and mechanical support. We can assist with the measuring and fitting of a custom or fully adjustable cart.
Orthotic Brace Casting and Fitting
Orthotic devices are custom made pieces that can be applied on limbs to assist or limit joint mobility. Orthotics can aid with many orthopedic issues such as limb deformities, nonunion fractures, neurological deficiencies that prevent normal movement of the lower limbs. We can assist with the measuring and fitting of custom orthotic braces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to common questions about our veterinary services in our FAQ section. Simplify your experience with our trusted team of experts
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST VISIT?
HOW OFTEN DO I BRING MY PET FOR TREATMENT?
ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?
HOW DO ANIMALS RESPOND TO ACUPUNCTURE?
The vast majority of our patients accept acupuncture very well. Dogs and cats usually relax and may even get a little sleepy or take a short nap during their treatment. Treatments can vary in length, frequency and method of stimulation based on the recommendations of Dr Julie. Sessions can vary on time based on the needs for your pet, but they are typically 30-40 minutes in length and can be combined with other modalities such as laser therapy.
WHAT CAN WE TREAT WITH ACUPUNCTURE?
SHOULD I GIVE MY PET’S PAIN MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT?
Frequently Asked Questions
Discover answers to common questions about our veterinary services in our FAQ section. Simplify your experience with our trusted team of experts
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE FIRST VISIT?
The initial consultation will include a detailed history, review of notes from your primary or specialty veterinarian, and a physical examination by Dr Julie Servaites. Dr Julie will then develop and discuss with you the physical rehabilitation plan for your pet. This may include underwater treadmill, in clinic exercises, manual therapies (including acupuncture, laser therapy, PEMF therapy, stretching, massage, etc) and an at home exercise plan. (Please note the initial physical rehab consultation fee does include an underwater treadmill session, as long as it is deemed physically safe for your pet). Any therapies Dr. Julie recommends will begin during your initial visit.
HOW LONG IS THE FIRST VISIT AND FOLLOWING VISITS?
The initial physical rehab consultation is typically 1 hour in length. This visit does include the consultation with Dr. Julie, and usually includes the underwater treadmill session if indicated by Dr. Julie at the time of the consultation.
Subsequent visits are 30 minutes for manual therapy with Dr. Julie and 30 minutes for the underwater treadmill.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE UNDERWATER TREADMILL SESSION?
Cathy Derrico is our underwater treadmill manager and expert. After consulting with Dr. Julie on the rehab plan for your pet, the underwater treadmill session will be tailored to your pet’s needs. Cathy will place a harness and leash on your dog and will be in the underwater treadmill with them at all times. This is an essential safety measure for your pet as well as an important step in aiding your pet with walking on the treadmill correctly. The amount of time your pet is in the underwater treadmill is typically no more than 10 minutes for the first visit, and can be up to 20 minutes for advanced patients. We provide towels for drying, as well as snacks for encouragement. If you prefer, you can bring a valuable treat or their meal to help encourage walking.
WHAT IF MY DOG IS AFRAID OF WATER?
Typically, this is not a problem if your dog is afraid of water. The treadmill tank is empty when they enter and fills up slowly from below the belt. The water is raised no more than to their hips and is kept at a warm temperature to provide comfort and heat therapy to the lower limbs.
HOW LONG WILL MY PET BE IN PHYSICAL REHABILITATION?
Each pet, and their physical condition, is different. Dr Julie will monitor your pet closely during their physical rehab sessions ensuring they are progressing as expected. Average orthopedic surgical patients require about 4-8 weeks of physical rehabilitation depending on the surgery performed on your pet and how they are responding post-operatively.
Some patients may require physical rehab lifelong depending on the reason they presented. This can include certain orthopedic conditions such as osteoarthritis, neurological conditions such as intervertebral disc disease or degenerative myelopathy, as well as adult and senior fitness.
HOW DO I MAKE AN APPOINTMENT?
First, fill out the new client questionnaire provided on our website. Then, one of our experienced staff members will call to set up your initial consultation. Once your appointment is scheduled, we will contact the facility where your pet’s surgery was performed, or your primary care veterinarian’s office, for medical and surgical records.
SHOULD I GIVE MY PET’S PAIN MEDICATIONS PRIOR TO THE APPOINTMENT?
Please follow the instructions given to you by your specialist veterinarian or your primary care veterinarian in regards to your pet’s pain medication protocol. Please do not skip a dose of pain medication as it is important to continue this dosing schedule. Dr. Julie will be able to see and feel lameness as well as any areas of discomfort even if your pet is on pain medications.
Testimonials
From Our Visitors
Send Us An Email
Visit Our Office
21 E. Ridgeway, Centerville Ohio 45459
Call Us Today
(937)-433-2202