Physical Rehabilitation Center

Information may not be reliable

Physical Rehabilitation & Fitness Training
Physical Rehabilitation is a non-invasive approach used to help patients reach their full functional potential. Therapeutic exercise, massage, passive range of motion, stretching, thermotherapy, acupuncture, electrical stimulation, laser, ultrasound, and aquatic therapy are utilized to achieve this goal in a safe and efficient manner.

We provide physical rehabilitation for pets living with a wide variety of medical conditions or recovering from surgical procedures:

Osteoarthritis (also know as Degenerative Joint Disease) - Causes of osteoarthritis and associated conditions may include Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia, or previous injury to a joint
Degenerative Neurologic Disease - Including Degenerative Myelopathy and Diffuse or Peripheral Neuropathies
Intervertebral Disc Disease (Surgical or non-surgical)

Orthopedic surgeries (cruciate repairs, femoral head and neck excision, total hip replacement, patellar luxation, fracture repairs)
Soft Tissue Injuries (Muscle and Tendon Injuries)

For dogs who enjoy a more active lifestyle and participate regularly in agility events we offer customized fitness plans:

Physical rehabilitation focuses on improving function in pets, preventing further injury, and relieving pain when indicated

We have several different therapies available for pain management including acupuncture, low level laser therapy, stem cell therapy, electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercises, and access to pulsed signal therapy.

For your convenience, individualized home care programs can be created so you are able to supplement the treatments your pet receives at our hospital. day stays and 24 hour care are also available for our physical rehabilitation patients.

Underwater Treadmills are used to treat patients living with chronic conditions, such as arthritis, and those recovering from orthopedic and neurologic surgeries. The buoyancy of water prevents a pet's weight from having as much impact on already painful joints. At the same time, aquatic therapy promotes muscle strengthening, cardiovascular endurance, and increased flexibility. In many patients, aquatic therapy also promotes a sense of psychological well-being.

Thermotherapy refers to the use of cold and heat applications. Cold packs often used on muscles to reduce inflammation, control muscle spasms, and provide pain relief. Heat packs are applied before stretching and flexibility exercises to help increase circulation, enhance tissue healing, reduce stiffness in joints, and improve flexibility of the tissues.
Electrical Stimulation uses different types and forms of electrical current to stimulate the tissues. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) increases muscle strength and muscle tone while transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) helps control pain and edema, and decrease muscle spasms.

Therapeutic Ultrasound transfers energy from sound waves to the body's tissues. This energy transfer is beneficial for alleviating muscle spasm and pain, heating deep tissue, and promoting wound healing. It is also used in musculoskeletal conditions where range of motion is restricted.
Acupuncture has been a part of traditional Chinese medicine for more than 4,000 years and involves the stimulation of acu-points on the surface of the body. Today it is incorporated into pain management therapies for musculoskeletal disorders including osteoarthritis, and neurologic disorders including intervertebral disk disease. Acupuncture can also be used to supplement traditional Western medical therapies for a variety of other disorders.

Low-Level Laser is a cold laser that does not heat the skin or underlying tissues. It is used to decrease pain, increase the rate of healing, increase the number of blood vessels in an area, and decrease bacterial counts. Low-level laser can be used over metal implants and does not require a pet to be sedated during its use.
Therapeutic Soft Tissue Massage relieves pain, relaxes muscles and improves blood flow. This may be used in conjunction with range of motion and stretching exercises to soothe tight muscles.

Range of Motion (ROM) and Stretching Exercises
These types of exercises are used to enhance flexibility and motion in post-operative patients and in patients with chronic conditions. They help prevent further injury to joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments by gently increasing their ability to stretch. These exercises also minimize scar tissue formation.

This group of exercises is used to improve flexibility and balance, increase muscle mass and strength, enhance cardiovascular performance, and prevent further injury. Examples include standing exercises, controlled walking, and stair climbing. Activities utilizing the underwater treadmill, physiorolls, wobble board, weave polls, and cavaletti rails are also incorporated.

Managing pets that are overweight requires physical and dietary changes for overall healthy weight loss. Exercise programs are custom designed for each pet and include aquatic therapy and a reduced calorie diet. Benefits include a lower risk of joint disease, arthritis, diabetes, respiratory disease, and anesthetic/surgical complications as well as increased energy, vitality, and exercise tolerance.

Caring for a sick pet can be difficult. For those moments when you must be away from home, rest assured that your companion is receiving medical attention and TLB 24 hours a day.

Geriatric pets (8 years and older)
Pets living with, or recovering from, a variety of conditions or injuries

Private cattery - a separate area for cats so they can rest undisturbed from barking dogs
Pet suites - these are perfect for dogs and multiple pets from the same household
Daily hugs - they will be generously shared with all of our patients!

We welcome you to contact us for more information or to schedule a tour. The Red Bank Veterinary Hospital Physical Rehabilitation Center is located at:
210 Newman Springs Road

Our physical rehabilitation team consists of a veterinarian, certified technician, and physical therapist, who have all completed the certification program in Canine Physical Rehabilitation through the University of Tennessee, College of Veterinary Medicine.
Speak to your veterinarian about a referral or call (732) 747-3383 for more information.