Canine Physical Rehabilitation & Hydrotherapy Program
The Sams Clinic offers canine conditioning and post-operative care through our Canine Physical Rehabilitation Program. Our program is unique because the Orthopaedic surgeon and the rehabilitation specialist designed the protocols together and are in the same facility. This allows us to update the rehabilitation protocol and care when ever necessary.
The goal of our canine physical rehabilitation program is to educate the owner, improve the dogs quality of life and decrease their pain, while safely returning them to full function.
All Rehabilitation cases (geriatric, unhealthy, injured or post-operative dogs), must be evaluated by Dr. Sams prior to treatment. This is because once a case becomes a patient of the Clinic, by Law the patient must be evaluated by a Doctor at that Clinic.
Any case referred by another Doctor must be evaluated by Dr. Sams.
SwimEx Hydrotherapy Pool
Swimming has long been recognized as a beneficial form of non-weight bearing exercise.
The Sams Clinic offers canine conditioning and post-operative surgical care through our state-of-the art SwimEx Hydrotherapy pool.
Due to the non-weight bearing in the water patients can begin therapy much sooner. Water temperature is kept at 80-90 degrees, which assists in pain reduction and the healing process.
The pool is designed with a ramp for easy access. The SwimEx creates a wide steady flow created by the paddle wheel similar to the current of a river. The water resistance is adjustable, so as the dog gets stronger, the resistance can be increased.
The dog wears a swim vest making it easier for technicians to guide the dogs either against the current or across the current, depending on the recommended rehabilitation protocol.
Swim sessions are scheduled at specific times of the day. If convenient, the dog may be dropped off. Owners are not allowed to go into the pool or be on the pool ramp. The owners may watch, as long as it doesn't distract the dog.
Benefits of the SwimEx Hydrotherapy Pool
It is fun and effective
Helps expend excess energy after non-activity due to surgery restrictions or lameness
Allows for early non-weight bearing rehabilitation
Assists with pain reduction
Utilizes all major muscle groups
Increases range of motion
Improves aerobic capacity
Aids in weight reduction
HP200 Underwater Treadmill
The HydroPhysio HP200 is a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill.
THe patient enters the treadmill via a non-slip ramp. The 360˚ view allows the rehabilitation specialist to observe the patient's motion from all angles while the unobscured view reduces the dog's stress during the session.
The treadmill is designed to start and atop slowly to avoid startling the patient.
Either side of the treadmill are non-slip treadplates for the specialist to use while working with the patient. The walk-through design is unique and allows the dog to walk straight out, eliminating the stress of making injured dogs turn around or back out.
By increasing the water level, we increase the buoyancy of the dog while increasing the workload and decreasing the stress on the joints. In addition, we can encourage specific joint motions by altering the water level.
The treadmill can be a useful tool to show the gradual improvement in your dog's gait.
The treadmill can be used for post-op rehabilitation and also can be utilized for healthy dogs to improve physical fitness.
Indications for Hydrotherapy
Geriatric dogs
Arthritis
Managing chronic pain
Post-orthopedic surgery
Soft tissue injury
Obesity
General conditioning & fitness
Contraindications For Hydrotherapy
Aggression
Epilepsy
Chemotherapy
Respiratory problems
Heart conditions
Infections
Incontinence/diarrhea
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