Rehabilitation Treatments
Joint Mobilization
Joint Mobilizations are the manual manipulation of a joint through the normal motions of the joint. Grades I &II are considered analgesic in nature, Grades III & IV are used when improving range of motion and Grade V is performed by a chiropractic professional (Dr. Vamvakias).
Canine Massage Therapy
Therapeutic massage focuses on manual techniques applied to the muscles and other soft tissues to help improve blood and lymphatic flow and decrease tissue stiffening and pain. Massage induces a relaxation release in your pets that aids in the healing properties of the immune system, reduces inflammation, as well as aids pets with digestion, anxiety, and emotional/behavior issues, pain, stiffness, sleep issues and more.
Kinesiology Taping
Kinesiology tape can be applied to many areas of the body: joints, back, limbs. Taping can be utilized to decrease pain, decrease inflammation, support joints and soft tissue, reduce swelling, and increase awareness of the body position to help maintain proper posture. It also can be used to help calm the pet in certain situations. It works by microscopically lifting the skin from the muscle and fascia. This decompression action promotes increased blood and lymph flow, which decreases inflammation and relieves pressure from free nerve endings.
Cryotherapy
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Applying ice or cooling agents results in cutaneous vasoconstriction that decreases swelling of the tissue. It reduces local tissue metabolism, oxygen demands and vascular permeability. It slows nerve conduction velocity and inflammatory mediators and thus reduces pain. At Vanguard we use a piece of equipment called a Game Ready that provides specific temperatures to the tissue as well as pneumatic pressure to help in cases of swelling. Cryotherapy tools include ice pack, ice massage and ice compression (Game Ready). Ice packs are usually applied for of 10 minutes and can be used at home if you are instructed to do so.
Heat Therapy
Applying heat will increase cutaneous blood flow after the acute phase of injury and thus improve range of motion, flexibility of the joint, capsule, tendons, and ligaments, resulting in relaxation. Heat can increase cell metabolism, increase healing, and reduce muscle spasms. With respect to pain, it increases nerve conduction so not usually used with acute injuries but can decrease pain in chronic conditions. Indications for heat treatment are when healing has progressed to a subacute or chronic pain. If a patient cannot be exercised or has limited range of motion/flexibility before stretching, heat should be used so cold muscles are not stretched.
Therapeutic Laser
At Vanguard we have three lasers, Laser therapy is the use of light therapy that penetrates the tissues to induce a biological response. That response leads to the reduction of pain, inflammation, and speeds up healing. Many pets will feel a warm sensation over the area being treated with the Class 4 laser, but not with the 3B laser. Many conditions can be treated with laser therapy ranging from acute conditions for example: post-operative pain, wounds, muscle strains, fractures, neurological issues
and more. Chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, joint pain, tendonitis, dental disease, and many more can be treated with therapeutic laser.
and more. Chronic conditions like osteoarthritis, joint pain, tendonitis, dental disease, and many more can be treated with therapeutic laser.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound is a treatment modality used to aid in healing of soft tissue injuries. The ultrasound probe produces sound waves that cause vibration and deep heating of the tissues which increases blood flow, reduces swelling and pain, decreases muscle spasm and increases tissue flexibility and range of motion. Therapeutic ultrasound does require shaving of the treatment area in many cases in addition to application of ultrasound gel to allow for conduction of the soundwaves. During treatment, your pet may feel a gentle warming sensation which is generally well tolerated.
Piezo Wave Vet (Shockwave Therapy)
The PiezoWave 2 Vet (Shockwave Therapy) is a non-invasive, drug-free treatment that naturally stimulates the healing process at a cellular level. The treatments are very well tolerated by patients. The PiezoWave 2 Vet delivers shockwave therapy; a simple, safe, and effective way to provide pain relief, healing, and restore mobility. It uses acoustic waves to mechanically stimulate deep tissues in a focused and precise manner and is used for the treatment of acute and chronic bone, joint, and tendon injuries.
TENs/NMEs
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimulation (TENs) is the use of electrical current to therapeutically address pain. Pads are placed in painful regions along nerve pathways or spinal segments to “interfere” with the neurological conduction of pain. Shaving is sometimes required in order to achieve good contact with the skin. This modality is a great option for at home use. Neuromuscular Electrical stimulation (NMEs) is the use of electrical current to incite muscular contractions. It is used in strengthening and increasing muscle mass/function when this cannot otherwise be accomplished through activity. Pads are placed along with the motor unit of target muscle.
Regenerative Medicine
Includes both Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Stem Cell, they both increase growth factors to assist in ligament and tendon injuries as well as aid in the treatment of osteoarthritis. Results vary and there is conflicting research; Regenerative medicine is a continued up and coming treatment approach and can be discussed further with Dr. Vamvakias.
Underwater Treadmill
There are unique advantages to the use of this equipment. Buoyancy allows decreased gravitational forces and therefore decreases weight bearing during activity, decreases pain and allows exercise with a more normal posture. The hydrostatic pressure and warm water decrease pain and effusion. The temperature of the water is between 88F-92F and the depth of the water is important in the treatment plans. Water allows resistance to improve balance, strengthening and can modify gaiting for subtle lameness. A moving treadmill is a powerful tool in gait retraining. Concerns and contraindications include patients with open wounds or cardio/respiratory disease they would need further evaluation before using the UWT.
To ensure the safety of our staff and patients, we request that dogs participating in underwater treadmill therapy or hydrotherapy be bathed regularly to limit bacterial contamination to our water supply, hydrotherapy equipment and other patients.
To ensure the safety of our staff and patients, we request that dogs participating in underwater treadmill therapy or hydrotherapy be bathed regularly to limit bacterial contamination to our water supply, hydrotherapy equipment and other patients.
Hydrotherapy
The hydrotherapy pool has a singular positive outcome with hydrostatic pressure and allows different approaches to swimming vs. treadmill work.
Pool swimming does not provide corrections in gait abnormalities but is great for neurological disease as well as conditioning for our athletic dogs.
Pool swimming does not provide corrections in gait abnormalities but is great for neurological disease as well as conditioning for our athletic dogs.
Physiotherapy or Therapeutic Exercise
Critical parts of rehabilitation where your pet is learning how to relearn movement and strengthen joints and muscles by ‘gym’ time. Certain exercises will be done in the hospital and others will be designed for an ‘at home’ program.
- Proprioceptive training
- Balance training
- Muscle strengthening and Weight shifting
- Gait training; transition training
- Physio balls, disc, pads, wobble boards, terrain variance, hills, sand, ladders, cavalettis, balance beams, posturing, etc.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture utilizes the insertion of very small needles into specific points on the body to produce a healing response. Each acupuncture point has a specific action and an amplifying or synergistic action when used with multiple points on the body. We use acupuncture alone or integrated with western medicine to treat a wide variety of conditions, such as pain, anxiety, musculoskeletal issues, gastrointestinal issues, neurological issues, and more.
Chiropractic
Chiropractic manipulation of the vertebrae and joints helps to yield optimal movement and restore the nervous system function. Chiropractic care is an integrated and complimentary asset in our veterinary practice that can be used in both healthy and sick/injured pets. The nervous system is the power cord of all the organs and functions in the body, including the immune system. The release of impingements on the spinal cord and related nerves allows the body to restore itself and return to a healthy status.
Pulse Electromagnetic Field Therapy (PEMFT) Bed
Magnetic therapy’s most often use is enhancing healing in injuries and wounds or to treat chronic conditions such as tendonitis, degenerative joint disease, hip dysplasia, vertebral disease, and lameness caused by other musculoskeletal or neurologic conditions. Magnetic therapy can reduce pain and anxiety/stress.
Assisi Loop
The Assisi loop is a targeted electromagnetic pulse field therapy that can be utilized as in-home therapy. It has all the benefits of the PEMFT bed, of reducing inflammation, accelerating healing, and improving circulation. However, with the Assisi, the magnetic field is directed at a specific area for a 15-minute treatment. We utilize the Assisi loop for wound care, spinal and nerve issues, internal inflammation such as pancreatitis, or bowel issues, osteoarthritis, or other bones and joint injuries.
Back on Track products
By combining modern textile technology and traditional Chinese medicine, Back on Track creates products that help dogs achieve a more active and comfortable lifestyle. Back on Track’s joint and muscle supports are made of functional textiles with heat reflective properties. The textile is a synergy of ancient Chinese experience and modern scientific textile technology. During the manufacture of polyester or polyester fibers, the ceramic particles are fused into the fibers. When heated the ceramic particles radiate heat back to the body. This reflective heat is long wave radiation, which is also known as long wave infrared radiation. The long wave infrared radiation increases blood circulation. The increased blood circulation in the tissues helps to relieve muscles tension and improves performance. (One important is the injury prevention effect, which you get when the protections are used for training and competitions. Our geriatric or injured patients as well as our healthy and active performers benefit greatly from this device. All dogs suffering from O.A. and/or orthopedic issues should be measured for mesh jackets. There are hock wraps for rear limb hock issues and straight leg wraps for forelimbs. We encourage these for dogs with issues as well as highly active dogs. Back on Track beds can also be ordered. Please follow directions on the instructions and use of these products.
Digitherm
This is a thermal image to help determine where your pet may have an injury or inflammation. We compare the images of the back, opposing limbs, and body to compare heat readings. Areas that have a higher temperature could indicate that there is pain or inflammation. We use this to monitor the progression of an injury over time.
Supplements & Nutritional Medicine
We use natural and botanical supplements to help support your pet’s nutritional needs and specific problems in your pet’s health or as a whole body support.
Many of these supplements are utilized when there is an injury, surgery, or increased stress on the body to support the healing and/or aging process.
By adding supplements, we may be able to decrease the need for pharmaceutical use which may help reduce the side effects to organ systems.
Many of these supplements are utilized when there is an injury, surgery, or increased stress on the body to support the healing and/or aging process.
By adding supplements, we may be able to decrease the need for pharmaceutical use which may help reduce the side effects to organ systems.
