Veterinary Rehabilitation & Fitness

We are excited to announce that we have opened

Veterinary Rehabilitation & Fitness

If your pet is planning to have or recovering from surgery, showing signs of chronic pain, or seems to be slowing down or losing interest in their usual activities, we have the methods, advanced tools, and the world-recognized expertise to give your companion a new leash on life.

Our Rehabilitation team consists of:

Gregory Paplawsky, D.V.M., C.C.R.T.

Rehabilitation Director of Cascade Hospital for Animals

Certified as a Canine Rehabilitation Therapist

Stacey VandenBerg, L.V.T., C.C.R.A.

Certified as a Canine Rehabilitation Assistant

Emily J. Harkness, L.V.T.

Animal rehabilitation is the art and science of using different techniques to help restore normal function to joints and muscles after injury or surgery.  These techniques include therapeutic exercises, electrical stimulation, manual manipulations, massage, acupuncture and aquatic underwater treadmill work. Normal function is restored by relieving pain, improving flexibility and mobility, and increasing strength.

Physical Rehabilitation - The benefits of physical therapy aren't just for humans anymore. Canine rehabilitation uses the same techniques as in human physical therapy to achieve one or more of the following goals:

• Speed recovery from injury or surgery
• Increase mobility and flexibility
• Improve endurance and agility
• Decrease pain
• Maintain function and prevent further problems
• Conditioning and weight loss
• Enhancing the quality of life

A variety of modalities may be used in your pet’s treatment: massage, stretching, therapeutic exercises, laser therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation, cold compression therapy, heat therapy, and hydrotherapy in our underwater treadmill.

When your pet is in need of therapy we collaborate with your veterinarian to design an individualized program that restores movement and returns your pet to optimal function.

How long will rehab take?

The length of time an animal needs to rehabilitate will depend on several factors, including the type and severity of an injury, the type of surgery performed (if any), the condition of the patient at the time of the injury/surgery, the willingness and ableness of the owner to do rehab with their pet, and the compliance of the patient.  At the initial evaluation and consultation, a plan specific to the patient’s needs will be formulated and discussed.

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