At Maxwell Veterinary Physiotherapy, we use therapeutic exercise as a key part of our veterinary physiotherapy and rehabilitation programmes. Exercises are carefully selected and tailored to each individual patient, taking into account their condition, abilities and rehabilitation goals. Exercises may be completed at sessions and provided in a home exercise plan.
The Benefits:
Therapeutic exercise is an important part of rehabilitation and can help to improve strength, mobility, balance, coordination and overall function.
It can be used to help patients recover following surgery or injury, manage long-term conditions and maintain mobility in older patients. Therapeutic exercise can also help to prevent muscle loss, improve joint stability and support a return to normal movement.
Exercises are progressed gradually as your pet improves, ensuring that rehabilitation remains appropriate and challenging without placing unnecessary stress on healing tissues.
How it Works:
Therapeutic exercise uses controlled and purposeful movements to target specific areas of weakness, stiffness or reduced function.
Exercises may be used to improve muscle strength and tone, helping to rebuild muscles that have atrophied following injury, surgery or periods of reduced activity.
Proprioception and balance exercises help your pet become more aware of where their limbs are positioned and improve their ability to maintain balance and control their movements.
Range of motion exercises can help to maintain or improve joint mobility and flexibility, particularly where stiffness or reduced movement is present.
Core strengthening exercises can help to improve postural control, stability and overall body strength, supporting more efficient movement.
Functional exercises are designed to replicate movements your pet performs in everyday life, such as sit-to-stand transitions, walking, stepping over obstacles or navigating different surfaces. These exercises help to improve strength and confidence in real-life situations.
Exercises can be adapted to suit your pet and their home environment, allowing rehabilitation to continue between appointments with a personalised home exercise programme.
Common Conditions Treated:
Osteoarthritis
Chronic conditions
Post-operative recovery
Muscle, tendon and ligament injuries
Neurological conditions
Muscle weakness and atrophy
Reduced mobility
Reduced proprioception
Return to exercise and sporting activities
