Your pet has homework!
Don't get us wrong, the Underwater Treadmills and Therapeutic Lasers are super cool and effective tools in our Rehab arsenal, but simple exercises like this are also a huge part of a patient's recovery. That's why every CROC patient is prescribed a customized home care regimen; their "homework" so to speak. Patients whose families stick to their prescribed home care will recover faster and better than those who did not.
Motivation to Succeed!
A big part of a patient's success is to find what motivates them; what will make them keep trying even when they're tired and the task is difficult. The more motivated a patient is to participate, the more likely they are to attain their rehab goals. So, even when the squeaker is obnoxious and we sound like fools with our loud baby talk, we're not even a little embarassed because look at Willow go! Absolutely worth it to see her walking without assistance and even self-correcting when she stumbles!
Tyson's Update!
Check out Tyson now! Consistent and frequent therapy as well as his mom's dedication to his "homework" between sessions has paid off! Tyson is now walking and able to take on more difficult challenges like slick floors, stairs, ramps, and the wobbleboard shown here.
Tyson's Beginning
Tyson came to us in September, not only unable to walk, but unable to even sit up! Here, we're carefully checking what Tyson can do on his own so we can improve what he has and start working on regaining what he doesn't. Check out our next post for an update on this kiddo!
Blue's Hydrotherapy Session
What conditions is Hydrotherapy using the Underwater Treadmill good for? The limit does not exist! Dogs with Intervertebral Disc Disease? Yep! What about Osteoarthritis? You bet! Even post-op orthopedic surgeries, like those for torn ligaments or Hip Dysplasia? Absolutely! What about incurable things like Degenerative Myelopathy? It's the best! If you're not sure if Hydrotherapy is right for your dog, give us a call and we're happy to discuss your pet's case 💙🐾
Buford's Target Exercises
This might look like some playtime with toys, but there's some serious work going on here! By holding the toy that Buford wants near his hips, we ask him to make a tight turn to get it. Just like when we lean over, one side of the back stretches while the other side's muscles pull tight. Buford also has to contend with his body weight shifting and make sure he maintains his balance by using stabilizing muscles and correctly placing his feet.
Gus in the Underwater Treadmill
Why is the Underwater Treadmill the best hydrotherapy option for patients with spinal issues? Watch as Gus is walking. His back stays level the entire time with no more twisting or strain than when he is walking on dry ground. Swimming on the other hand causes additional twisting and stress on the spine - yikes! Using an Underwater Treadmill means that Gus gets all the benefits of hydrotherapy in the safest way possible!
Lucky on the Cones
Lucky perfectly demonstrates the importance of this exercise as well as how much his Help 'Em Up harness supports his recovery. By giving him the support he needs to stay on his feet, his weaker legs get the chance to exercise the muscles needed for him to walk on his own. By having him go around the cones, we challenge his body to adjust to the obstacles which also helps exercise muscles needed for stability so he doesn't fall.
When a CROC Team Member makes the mistake of carrying their lunch past a patient...
When a CROC Team Member makes the mistake of carrying their lunch past a patient...
What is Gait Analysis and why does it matter?
What is Gait Analysis and why does it matter? Gait is the pattern of how the body moves when walking, trotting, or running. By analyzing a patient's gait, we can learn valuable information about their musculoskeletal and neurological status as well as identify potential sources of pain. Rehab can help remedy the problems that lead to gait deficits, therefore helping the body return to normal function (or as close as possible) and reducing incidence of compensatory injury.
What Makes Hydrotherapy Special?
What makes Hydrotherapy special? Controlled exercise using an Underwater Treadmill provides buoyancy, resistance, hydrostatic pressure, and thermotherapy. Buoyancy helps reduce the amount of weight the body must support when standing or walking. Resistance builds muscle and increases stamina. Hydrostatic pressure helps to decrease inflammation and pain. Exercising in temperature controlled water helps increase blood flow and reduce inflammation. While certainly the flashiest Rehab Treatment, it's just one of many clinically proven modalities we use to treat our patients!
Soft Surface Walking
How is walking over dog beds helpful? It doesn't look that hard. Looks can be deceiving CROC friends! Each bed is a different thickness and density and some of the covers hold extra pockets of air in them. Patients can't anticipate what the surface will be like, so their body has to quickly respond to keep their balance. This helps encourage use of all limbs and build muscle to help keep them stable on their paws!
