Rehabilitation for Arthritis
If your pet has arthritis, there is more that you can do than just give medications to help pain.
Arthritis is inflammation in one or multiple joints and can occur in any area, including the spine. The joint normally receives nutrients from the fluid that washes over cartilage and the joint capsule. When arthritis occurs in the joint, the joint fluid becomes thinner and less lubricating. An inflammatory response occurs, and the good nutrients are crowded out. Cartilage (the substance that covers and cushions the bone ends) loses its elasticity and starts to fray as it is starved of nutrients. Eventually, the bone under the cartilage is exposed and becomes damaged with each impact of joint movement. Cycles of chronic inflammation occur, causing pain. A painful joint does not move normally, as the body wants to protect it. Eventually the range of motion (amount a joint can move) is decreased and tissues around the joint stiffen, causing more pain and more unwillingness to use the area. Neighboring joints are then overloaded.
Rehabilitation therapy is used to manage arthritis and works in several ways:
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Gentle stretching and exercise can return normal range of motion to a joint; in turn, this can decrease inflammation and improve the quality of the joint fluid. A more normal range of motion allows your pet to move better, which decreases strain on normal joints that had been working overtime.
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Strengthening of the muscles surrounding the joint increases support and decreases the forces on the arthritic joint.
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Modalities such as therapeutic laser, TENS (electrical stimulation) and gentle heat can decrease pain and increase range of motion.
Joint protective diets and supplements are available – they help to increase the thickness and lubricant properties of joint fluid and also calm down inflammation in the joint.
Stem cell therapy is a new and exciting approach to managing arthritis. The joint is injected with stem cells harvested from your pet’s own fat. Early results are promising.
If your pet suffers from arthritis and you're interested in improving his or her quality of life, give us a call at (952) 224-9354.
