Physiotherapy is now an integral part of human medicine. It plays an important role in rehabilitation after surgery, in geriatric patients, and in the treatment of chronic conditions.
However, this important field is often still neglected in veterinary medicine. Many people never think that these minimally invasive treatment methods can have an enormously positive impact on their beloved pets. In some cases, the dosage of other medications can even be reduced.
Sanja Polz, veterinarian, physiotherapist and osteopath ( CityVet Veterinary Practice Gersthof) will tell us a little about her area of expertise.
This is a question I am often asked. And if I am honest, I must admit that I was also rather skeptical when I first encountered this topic. It was only my training as a CCRP (Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner) that opened my eyes to how much research is already underway in this field and how frequently and successfully it is already being used.
Even after this intensive study of the topic, I was still somewhat skeptical about whether it would also make sense and, above all, be successful for the non-athletic "normal" family dog. But my doubts soon vanished.
A small Maltese dog named Billy was one of my first patients. He was seven years old and had been referred to me by a colleague because he was limping again and again and had HD (hip dysplasia), a congenital hip deformity that unfortunately occurs frequently in purebred dogs. The little fellow had only recently started experiencing pain because arthrosis—small bony growths—had developed.
Anyone who has ever had physiotherapy themselves will discover many similarities. It is primarily about restoring joint mobility and building muscle. I usually start with a short massage of the whole body to win my patient's trust and induce relaxation. After that, the joints are moved through their full range of motion before strength exercises begin.
For patients like Billy, mentioned above, proprioception exercises are particularly important. One of the best-known is probably the wobble board or wobble cushion. Billy stood on the wobble board, rocking in all directions and suddenly having to use muscles he didn't even know he still had because of his protective posture.
Yes and no! Of course, there are always "overachievers" who are particularly motivated. However, treats are usually involved, in large quantities! We often also schedule patients to come before meals, when they are really hungry and motivated.
Billy was more of a treat-motivated type. After his muscle-building exercises, he received electrotherapy. Small electrodes specially designed for animals and their fur are placed on the particularly painful areas. These electrodes deliver different frequencies and intensities to the affected area, relaxing the muscles and directly relieving pain.
Depending on the problem, the duration and frequency of treatment must be adjusted. As a rule, at least one treatment per week is necessary over a period of approximately 8-10 weeks. How much and how diligently the owner exercises their four-legged friend at home is also important.
In Billy's case, his owner admitted that she knew it was important but simply couldn't manage it. So we treated Billy once or twice a week for three months. To our great joy, he eventually managed a three-hour mountain hike without limping afterward. In everyday life, the owner also no longer noticed any impairment.
In the end, she—and we too—were surprised by how much a little targeted training achieves and, of course, incredibly happy that Billy could lead an unrestricted life without medication.
Nowadays, there are many ways to treat animals manually. Physiotherapy, but also osteopathy and chiropractic, are at the forefront. The use of devices for electrotherapy or laser therapy, combined with various exercise routines, can also alleviate or even prevent many musculoskeletal conditions, or at least bring them under control without the use of heavy medications.
Older dogs can also be wonderfully supported with physiotherapy, enabling them to enjoy well-being and the longest possible pain-free life. Of course, other important factors are also involved, such as exercise, fresh air, and healthy food. Balanced, fresh food and regular weight checks are also essential for successful therapy.
