Rehabilitation

1. ACUPUNCTURE

What is acupuncture?

Acupuncture is a form of traditional Chinese medicine, based on the way energy flows through the body. The path of energy is determined by meridians, which are positioned similarly as the nerve system. Eastern peoples have been using acupuncture for centuries for its simplicity, accessibility, exceptionally beneficial effect, and low price. In the last few years, we have discovered its significant impacts, and it has come into use in the west, as well. Moreover, numerous studies by Western medicine standards have been made, showing the effectiveness of acupuncture. Having practically no side effects, it is getting more and more popular with people as well as with animals. It is used as a complementary therapy to standard Western medical procedures, and independently as an alternative form of treatment of patients that cannot tolerate certain medications, or their condition does not improve with conventional medicine. It often helps relieve or support and even cures numerous diseases. For its notable success, it is recognised by the World Health Organisation, which created a list of medical conditions that can be successfully treated with acupuncture.

How does acupuncture work?

Many acupuncture points are located very close to vital nerve centres in the body. Acupuncture can stimulate the immediate surroundings of nerves and thus encourage them to function better. Nerves register every stick of the needle and react appropriately to it. Such a reaction or a change in the nerve’s way of functioning can affect the level of pain and hormones, expansion or contraction of veins, etc. Many nerves connect several parts of the body; therefore, such reaction can also be seen along those parts that are otherwise harder to reach.

Acupuncture therapy induces:

• Neurotransmission, the release of peptides and other chemical substances in the body that stimulate the nearby vascular system and thus optimise blood flow around a wound or an injury, quickening the process of healing
• Endorphin release (substances that ease the pain)
• Blood flow stimulation
• Effect on the autonomic nervous system
• Impact on the endocrine system

Which medical conditions can be treated with acupuncture?

Acupuncture shows the best results for pain relief, this is why it is very beneficial with muscle and joint diseases (arthritis, arthrosis, dysplasia of the hip, degenerative disk disease, spondylosis, rheumatoid arthritis, muscle and tendon inflammation as an assistant with recuperation after injuries or surgeries for wrist, elbow, shoulder, and hip joint).

It is also very successful with pain relief and muscle relaxation with older animals, which usually suffer from chronical pain.

It is often successfully used with inflammations or injuries of nerves, paresis, and paralysis.

Acupuncture can also be a complementary therapy to many other diseases, for example, various digestive diseases, respiratory diseases, skin disorders, allergies, urologic diseases, etc.

It is used with intraoperative analgesia and anaesthesia to cut down sedatives and anaesthetic drugs. It is also crucial in gynaecology, especially with labour preparation and agalactia.

Preventive role in maintaining a healthy balance in the body is the most overlooked, but the significant capability of acupuncture.

How is the therapy performed?

It always starts with a conversation. The most important thing is for a doctor to learn everything about a patient’s physical and mental well-being.

Every animal needs an entirely distinctive plan of treatment. In addition to a general clinical check-up, we pay much attention to the pulse and tongue, establish locations of pain or uneasiness, evaluate condition and quality of skin and fur, and thoroughly check possible veterinary test results (blood, X-ray, US, CT, MRI).

We prepare a plan of treatment and then discuss expectations and realistic chances of recovery and an estimated number of visits with the owner.

The therapy is not painful to the animal and does not have any side effects. A positive impact of the treatment is most often noticeable after 6 to 8 sessions.

2. PHYSIOTHERAPY

Do the following situations sound familiar to you?

• Dysplasia of the hips, elbow joint
• Spine surgery
• Spondylosis
• Cruciate ligament tear
• Paw injuries
• Sterilisation
• Pain
• Obesity
• An oncoming dog exhibition
• An oncoming delovna tekma
• Other orthopaedic, neurological and specific problems

In case of many conditions, you can do even more for yourself and your pets. Physiotherapy, similarly as with people, can considerably improve the quality of recuperation and welfare of your dog or cat.

Better the results in sport, at work and on exhibitions. Learn to reduce the risk of injuries and last but not least, enjoy a long-lasting collaboration with your dog.

Improve the quality of time you spend with your dog or cat. Do not let injuries and illnesses sour your life!

Physiotherapy is a non-invasive approach that can lower your costs. It aids in injury prevention and consequently in preventing further procedures, as well as in the conservative treatment of certain illnesses.

Aims and advantages of physiotherapy:

• Pain relief
• Improving the quality of a patient’s life
• Improving or maintaining patient’s immunity
• Reducing malnutrition and apathy
• Minimising weakness
• Supporting usage of an impaired extremity
• Reducing inflammation
• Shortening recovery time
• Encouraging early usage of an extremity
• Preventing or reduce muscle, cartilage, bone, tendon and ligament atrophy
• Improving the general condition of an animal by maintaining cardiovascular endurance
• Improving body viability and movement quality
• Reducing swelling and risk of complications
• Quickening recovery
• Building up strength, ROM, endurance
• Improving a patient’s life quality and potentially life-span
• Preventing injuries (further or in general)

When to use physiotherapy?

• Postoperatively after orthopaedic and neurological procedures
• After muscular system injuries, tendinitis, bursitis, muscle weakness, etc.
• With movement disorders (limp, asymmetry)
• With wound healing
• For pain control
• With athlete dogs to improve performance, for specialised training, to increase stamina, prevent injuries and for rehabilitation after injuries
• With cardiorespiratory complications, circulation problems and oedema
• For weight control
• To ease old dog problems
• For wellness and fitness

Therapeutic possibilities:

• Massage
• Therapeutic exercises
• Electrical stimulation
• Ultrasound therapy
• Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)
• Water therapy
• Thermotherapy

At physiotherapy, we are going to offer recommendations, show and teach you how to perform exercises correctly at home. You are going to learn what an appropriate living space should be like and what you can do for your dog at home or on training courses to prevent injuries or deterioration in the condition.