Adjunctive Therapies

Soft tissue therapy

Myofascial release, aka soft tissue therapy, is a movement-based massage technique. It is used to treat problems with the muscles, tendons, ligaments, fascia, and nerves. Tense and tight muscles, whether from trauma or overuse, can alter movement patterns and cause gait abnormalities or behavioural changes (e.g. hesitancy jumping, decreased desire to play, refusing the stairs). Muscle spasm and tension can also entrap nerves, which can cause numbness, weakness, and/or sensory dysfunction. When used in conjunction with joint manipulative techniques, soft tissue therapy can help with the following:

• restore mobility/flexibility

• increase range of motion

• reduce pain

• decrease muscle spasm and knots

• improve functional capacity

INDICATIONS FOR SOFT TISSUE THERAPY:

• chronic back, neck, shoulder, or hip pain

• repetitive strain or overuse injuries

• muscle imbalances and hypertonicity

• post-surgical rehabilitation and scar tissue management

• acute injuries

Neurofunctional acupuncture

Acupuncture is a technique involving the use of very fine, solid needles. When inserted into anatomical points specific to your pet’s condition, they can stimulate the nervous system for a therapeutic response. Research shows that a trial of acupuncture therapy can result in the following changes:

• improved motor control and activation

• decreased muscle tension or spasm

• reduced pain

• increased sensory input

• improved circulation

• decreased inflammation/swelling

When performed by a certified practitioner, acupuncture is a safe and effective therapy. Adverse events are RARE. With the use of high reward treats, pets are typically very tolerant of needle insertion. Once all of the needles are placed, the animal is able to rest for fifteen minutes before they are removed. Though possibly uncomfortable, it will not harm them if they choose to move around with the acupuncture needles in place.

INDICATIONS FOR ACUPUNCTURE:

• pets who are unable to tolerate manual therapy — may be due to elevated pain levels, mobility concerns, or post-operative recovery

• diagnosed neurological dysfunction — e.g. myelopathy, radiculopathy, nerve palsy (research shows improved outcomes if deep pain sensation is preserved)

• gentle palliative and hospice care

Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy is a form of photobiomodulation… but what does that mean? The therapeutic laser provides light at specific wavelengths that are absorbed into the cells, where it stimulates the mitochondria to induce a chemical response and impact biological processes. Laser therapy can help:

• reduce pain

• decrease inflammation

• improve cell turnover/healing rates

INDICATIONS FOR LASER:

• joint pain - sprains, dysplasia, cruciate tears

• osteoathritis

• post-operative procedures

• tendinopathies and muscle strains

• intervertebral disc disease

• degenerative myelopathy

• acute injuries/trauma