Physiotherapy
The aim of physiotherapy is to quicken healing and recovery time.
Physiotherapy has multiple advantages such as reducing swelling, keeping the blood and joint fluid moving, maintaining muscle and joint flexibility and reducing discomfort.
A variety of treatments includes massage, passive range of motions and exercises. These promote the faster functional recovery and healing of our patients.
Patients also benefit from more advanced treatments such as Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, Electromuscular Stimulation, Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation, Class IV Laser, Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy, Land Treadmill and Hydrotherapy.
Although simple exercise can be performed at home, we always recommend referral to specialised centres for more complex exercises or treatments with physiotherapeutic facilities.
Ice cold
The application of ice-cold compresses reduces postoperative swelling, pain and inflammation.
An application for 20 minutes twice a day for 3 days (eg. frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel) is recommended.
The application of ice straight on the skin is not advised because it can cause skin damage called “ice burn”.
Massages
The leg should be massaged before the stretching exercise. A gentle muscle massage of the leg for a few minutes from the top to the toe warms the muscle up and increases its flexibility before stretching.
Passive range of motion
Joint motion encourages blood flow and the movement of joint fluid avoiding problems due to inactivity such as: decreased circulation and mobility, muscle weakness, pain, and stiffness softened cartilages and increased scar tissue formation.
The patient should be placed in a lateral position on a comfortable surface and treats can be used to relax the patient.
The movement should be smooth and well tolerated by the patient. If the patient does not tolerate it, please stop and try later in the day.
Ideally with the patient in a lateral position
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Start to stroke and gently massage the leg for a few minutes
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Once the message is completed, start flexing the toe joint very gently and then pass to the hock and stifle (knee). To flex the stifle and hock place one hand on the foot and push very gently up the foot for 5 seconds
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To extend the stifle and hock joint, place one hand under the stifle (knee) and the other one on the paw and gently pull the paw for 5 seconds
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All limbs can be moved in a fluid cycle movement as shown in the video below
Walking and exercise
Very slow walking on a short lead is advised to encourage using the limb as much as possible.