Many people have themselves, or know someone who has, received physical therapy treatments. This modality is very useful in reducing pain and restoring function after an injury, illness, or surgery. Seven Hills Veterinary Hospital is excited to be offering physical therapy for our canine patients. 

Our certified canine physical therapists evaluate each pet for musculoskeletal and neurological problems, including those secondary to the main issue. They are then able to use therapies including passive and active therapies, cold laser, electrical stimulation, therapeutic ultrasound, cryo- or heat therapy, and home treatments in order to help your pet. Our therapists are also well versed in alternative pain management, prosthetics, and wheelchair use.

Benefits of physical therapy include decreased pain, improved strength, improved function, healing of injured tissues, decreased inflammation, restoration of range of motion, and prevention of muscle loss. Physical therapy is useful in managing a wide range of conditions for animals of all ages, sizes, and breeds. Treatment modalities are used for a wide range of conditions including:

  • Orthopedic issues such as osteoarthritis, tendon or ligament injuries, fractures, luxating patellas, muscles strains, or hip/elbow dysplasia
  • Neurologic problems including intervertebral disc disease, Wobbler’s syndrome, paralysis, degenerative myelopathy, neuropathies, and fibrocartilagenous embolism
  • Post surgical limitations
  • Chronic problems such as pain, non-healing wounds, weight issues, and decreased overall function

Pets that receive physical therapy often have an increased quality of life and have better outcomes than those who do not. If your pet has a condition that might benefit from physical therapy, or if you feel like your pet is painful or has decreased function, let us know!

Signs of pain can include things like:

  • Decreased socialibility
  • Decreased activity
  • Increased panting
  • Decreased appetite
  • Reluctance to use the stairs
  • Falling or stumbling
  • Changes in gait
  • Decreases grooming

We are happy to evaluate your pet and design a pet physical therapy plan specially tailored to his or her individual needs.