When should I refer for rehabilitation?
Here are some recommendations – but please rest assured each case is assessed on an individual basis to ensure they are safe for treatment.
Animals waiting for surgery – Cruciate injuries waiting for referral or waiting for a surgery date can benefit greatly from pre surgical laser therapy.
Young animals diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia – they may not be old enough for THR yet, please refer them for Laser, Hydrotherapy and Physiotherapy. All these applications individually will benefit, but a combination of all the above will optimise their recovery post surgically.
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia (conservative management) Please refer as soon as possible once adequate analgesia is in place. This will dramatically reduce muscle atrophy in these patients.
Post surgical orthopaedics – TTA/TPLO/lateral suture/fracture repair/osteotomy/arthroscopy- these patients benefit from early intervention post surgery with Laser therapy and gently physiotherapy to stimulate muscle engagement. In hospital environments patients receive Laser and Physio on day 1 post surgery! We can take these rehabilitation cases as soon as they are discharged for early intervention, and introduce hydrotherapy and more active physio at a later date when bone healing has taken place.
FHO- Femoral Head Osteotomy– These patients benefit from early intervention to prevent muscle contracture. As soon as the patient is discharged with adequate analgesia please refer for immediate rehabilitation.
Osteoarthritis– The earlier these patients are referred for rehabilitation, the greater impact we can have on improving quality of life and exercise tolerance. Rehabilitation techniques can spare the use of medication, and ultimately lengthen life with regard to functional mobility.
IVDD (surgical) – These patients can be seen as soon as they are discharged for physiotherapy and laser therapy. We will introduce hydrotherapy as soon as surgical wound healing has taken place at around 2 weeks.
IVDD (conservative)– These patients initially require strict rest but laser therapy can benefit these patients significantly- so please refer asap! Some physiotherapy can also be carried out in the early stages, as well as NMES. Treadmill based hydrotherapy can start 8 weeks post injury .
FCE– early intervention is a huge contributor to improved recovery. Once adequate analgesia is on board these patients can start intensive rehabilitation immediately.