MOVEMENT REHABILITATION THERAPY
CanineKinetics Movement Rehabilitation Therapy helps to support dogs in their recovery from injury and/or surgery, those with musculoskeletal conditions/impairment, neurological dysfunction, osteoarthritis, and age-related conditions, as well as providing maintenance, conditioning, and performance enhancement. In addition, the techniques have proved significantly beneficial in supporting dogs with behaviour/emotional challenges linked to pain and discomfort.
Movement Rehabilitation Therapy (MRT) engages the musculoskeletal system and the nervous system… each movement is learnt in simple, achievable steps to reduce pain and increase comfort; regain and preserve functional movement; improve mobility and balance; improve performance and minimise risk of injury; to support emotional challenges, developing and preserving physical well-being and building emotional confidence.
Appropriate therapeutic exercises, postural and movement patterns are prescribed specifically for each dog’s own needs, and during the appointment will also be demonstrated to the dog’s guardian, so that the exercises can be continued at home. All the exercises are achieved using kind, positive reinforcement techniques and always working within the dog’s consent and comfort levels.
Emotional Enrichment is a significant part of the recovery/treatment plan, and all the exercises are designed to help dogs safely engage their minds as well as their bodies.
Appointments may also include massage, therapeutic touch, photizo light therapy, advice on home management, and ongoing support and advice for both owner and dog.
An initial consultation of approximately 1 hour is advised to allow assessment of musculoskeletal health, movement, posture, and emotional well-being, and to understand and discuss how to help your dog with an appropriate treatment plan. (Follow-on appointments, if necessary, are approximately 40 minutes)
Movement Rehabilitation Therapy can be a ‘hands-off’ therapy so suits dogs who may be anxious about being handled. Each movement is learnt in simple, achievable steps with positive, kind, coaching techniques. In short, it supports the whole dog whilst also encouraging the dog to be part of the process.
Movement Rehabilitation and Enrichment Therapy is intended to compliment veterinary treatment, clinical physiotherapy, and clinical behavioural support.
When is Therapeutic Exercise Beneficial?
· Support and enrichment for dogs suffering from Osteoarthritis
· Senior care and enrichment
· Rehabilitation after injury/illness/surgery, as part of a veterinary management plan
· Management & enrichment for dogs suffering from developmental joint disease, orthopedic and neurological conditions, as part of a veterinary management plan
· As part of a weight Management plan
· As part of a Behavioural rehabilitation plan
How Does Therapeutic Exercise Help?
· Increases comfort and well-being
· Improves range of movement
· Aids Faster recovery after surgery, illness,
or injury
· Improves emotional well-being
· Improves neuro-muscular pathways
· Prompts release of endorphins and
neurochemicals that can reduce pain & improve mood
· Aids weight loss
· Provides emotional enrichment and
reduces cognitive decline
· Helps build confidence and reduce
anxiety
· Improves communication and builds
relationships between dog and owner
Veterinary Referral/Consent
In order to comply with the ‘veterinary surgeons act 1966’ your dog must have veterinary consent for treatment at CanineKinetics. Prior to the assessment appointment you will be given a referral/consent form for your vet to complete.
NB: Treatment at CanineKinetics is not an alternative to veterinary care and medication. We work alongside the dog’s referring vet as an integrated therapy to achieve the greatest benefit for your dog.