What is rehabilitation?
Physical rehabilitation is the treatment of injury or illness to decrease pain and restore function. When people think of rehabilitation, they tend to presume it is all about getting back to fitness after treatment of an injury. In fact, we also deal with acute injuries before an exercise program can begin. In this early stage, we can use physical modalities, manual therapy, acupuncture and chiropractic to reduce swelling, restore circulation, and relieve spasm and pain.
Rest alone after injury usually does not relieve the problems caused by inflammation and spasm; for example, a muscle in spasm cannot get adequate blood supply to heal. The body adapts and protects the injured area long after healing has started. These protective mechanisms alter movement of the whole musculoskeletal system and increase strain on other areas. Rehabilitation should start as soon as possible after injury.
A rehabilitation veterinarian is a muscle, tendon, nerve and bone expert who uses physical medicine to restore maximal function and relieve pain. Only a veterinarian can provide whole body care, prescribe needed medicines and perform a diagnostic evaluation prior to designing a treatment plan. Twin Cities Animal Rehabilitation Clinic is owned and operated by a veterinarian with a special interest in rehabilitation. Dr. Julia Tomlinson is a boarded ACVS veterinary surgeon certified in canine rehabilitation and also has a PhD in Physiology. She has a particular interest in management of chronic pain and is the founder of the American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians. Dr. Tomlinson will keep your regular veterinarian/surgeon informed of your pet's progress at all times. Your pet will benefit from a close team of clinicians with his or her best interests at heart.
When you and your pet first arrive at the Rehabilitation Clinic, you will undergo an initial one-hour consultation. Dr. Tomlinson will perform a thorough physical examination of your pet, take many measurements and ask detailed questions about your pet's lifestyle and your expectations. A specific program will then be designed to meet your pet's needs. We will also work with you to make the treatment times convenient. You can stay with your pet for treatment or drop your pet off for the day.
Questions are always welcome and can be answered via e-mail or over the phone. Please contact us with any inquiries.
To look for an American Association of Rehabilitation Veterinarians member near you, visit www.rehabvets.org
