2023_NorthStarVets_Pets_Digital_Issue

Sure, people
often undergo
rehab after an injury
or surgery, but what
about pets?
They, too, can
benefit immensely
from physical
rehabilitation.
A PATH
TOWARD
HEALING
P
ets are like humans in so many
ways. They can show emotion,
give and receive comfort, and,
in difficult times, find they
need to rely on the support
of family members and doctors to help
improve their health.
Just like people, when a pet undergoes
surgery or is recovering from an injury, an
important part of the healing process may
be physical rehabilitation.
Pets in rehab typically undergo a combination
of in-office treatment sessions and
at-home exercises, both of which require
the attentive support of pet parents.
“Clients are encouraged to actively
participate in their pet’s rehab plan and
are given at-home exercises and activities
that augment the therapies provided at
the office,” says Dr. Rosalie M. LoScrudato,
who specializes in Physical Rehabilitation
at NorthStar VETS® and is certified in
Companion Animal Pain Management.
A variety of therapeutic modalities are
used during treatment sessions in the
office. They include massage and stretches,
laser therapy, electrical stimulation,
exercises, thermotherapy with heat and ice,
and hydrotherapy tools such as an underwater
treadmill.
In addition to physical rehabilitation,
NorthStar VETS® offers complementary
rehabilitative and pain-management
services that include acupuncture, stem
cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy,
wheelchair or cart fitting, and assistive
devices such as harnesses or slings.
So how do you know if your pet needs
rehabilitation?
Treatments can help pets who have recently
undergone orthopedic or neurologic
surgery, or those who have experienced
soft tissue injuries.
Sessions can aid with osteoarthritis-related
issues as well as weakness related to
age or metabolic conditions. Treatment
PHOTOGRAPH: SHUTTERSTOCK
22 NorthStarVETS.com
®