Treatments
MANUAL
Manual therapies are hands-on techniques, the following therapies offered by Amy Stone Veterinary Physiotherapy include: Massage, Trigger Point release, Myofascial release, Stretching & Range of Motion techniques, Joint Mobilisation, Physiotherapeutic Exercise Prescription and Rehabilitation Prescription.
ELECTROTHERAPIES
Electrotherapies are used where appropriate to compliment manual therapies and techniques during treatment to support and aid tissues when required and include: Red Light Phototherapy and Therapeutic Ultrasound.
Manual Therapies
Massage
Massage warms up the muscles within the body and allows the physiotherapist to palpate and assess the body. Massage has a multitude of benefits these include:
Relaxation and promotes general wellbeing
Improves joint range of motion and flexibility
Reduces muscles tightness’s and adhesions
Relieves muscle spasms
Improves circulation
Provides nutrition to the tissues and waste removal
Speeds up the healing process/recovery following an injury/surgery
Trigger Point release
Trigger points are a series of points which are interconnected via different muscles which can cause a faciculation/muscle spasm cycle and can restrict range of movement. Physiotherapy can release the irritable trigger point using a range of techniques.
Myofascial release
Myofascial release is connective tissue throughout the body which can influence the musculoskeletal system if it becomes restricted. Myofascial release is an effective physiotherapy technique which helps to resolve pain, maintain range of movement which prevents injury, restores function and releases muscle tension.
Stretching & Range of Motion Techniques
Stretching can improve and encourage range of motion, lengthening of muscles and flexibility. Stretching is beneficial in reducing muscle tension, improving elasticity of muscles and scar tissues, decrease pain for short/sore muscles, prevent injuries from occurring and can assist during rehabilitation post injury.
Joint Mobilisation
Joint mobilisation during physiotherapy can be used to improve the function of a joint through applying specific flexion and extension techniques. Mobilisation can help to reduce pain and stiffness and can increase mobility and function.
Physiotherapeutic Exercise Prescription
Exercises may be recommended and demonstrated following treatment to aim to maintain and improve, flexibility, active range of movement, balance, coordination and proprioception.
Rehabilitation Prescription
Specialised and detailed rehabilitation plans can be provided alongside physiotherapy treatment to help your animal recover from post-surgery, from an injury or when returning to fitness. These plans can be designed specific to your animals needs and developed alongside your vet. All plans will be monitored throughout the rehabilitation period and can be altered accordingly.
Electrotherapies
Red Light Phototherapy
Red light Phototherapy provides a superficial vasodilation effect which is useful in enhancing wound repair as it increases blood flow to the area. This in turn flushes an area with fresh oxygen and nutrients and helps to remove waste toxins from the area. Red light is useful and effective in conjunction with manual therapies when relieving muscle tensions and can also be used as a relaxant during maintenance treatments to release endorphins.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic Ultrasound is a machine which penetrates targeted tissues creating a micro massage current. The benefits of therapeutic ultrasound are:
Increases circulation
Reduces/Increases elasticity of scar tissue
Enhances tissue extensibility
Increases collagen production
Pain Management
Reduces Inflammation, Oedema, Haematoma’s and fibrosis
Enhances tendon and ligament repair