Veterinary Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a treatment derived from ancient Chinese medicine. Acupuncture is the practice of inserting fine needles superficially into the body to help provide pain relief and in some cases help the body to deal with other diseases. It works by stimulating the body’s nervous system to produce natural pain relief and reset the body’s normal functioning. It can be used alongside other medical treatments or as a sole treatment for various painful conditions and certain disease processes. This treatment has been used for many years in our animal patients and with a growing evidence base, acupuncture is becoming a commonly used treatment in a variety of conditions.
At ICR we offer integrative veterinary medicine combining acupuncture with conventional medical and surgical therapy for a variety of conditions, including arthritis and chronic joint or back pain. Acupuncture is performed by one of our three veterinary surgeons in our RAPP team who have gone through advanced training and are fully certified veterinary acupuncturists.
Most animals tolerate acupuncture very well. Occasionally, some individuals will react when the first needles are inserted, but almost all patients quickly realise this treatment is not painful and will typically relax quite quickly. In some cases, animals even become slightly sedated or sleepy. Your pet’s first consultation will allow our vet to place the first few needles to see how well your pet tolerates this treatment and allow your pet to become comfortable with the process.
Most of our patients will require at least four sessions to allow enough time to assess whether they are responding well to the therapy. Typically, animals will be treated weekly for four weeks then the time between sessions may be increased, depending on the patient’s response.
Electro-acupuncture
Electro-acupuncture is very similar to general acupuncture. However, in electro-acupuncture, a small current is run between needles, causing a deeper stimulation. This can be useful in animals who don’t respond strongly to acupuncture alone and is useful for the treatment of specific body areas.
Veterinary Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Veterinary physiotherapy is a science-based treatment that helps facilitate recovery from injury, illness or after surgery. The aim is to improve and restore movement and functional ability. Physiotherapy can also be hugely beneficial for older animals suffering from pain and reduced range of motion due to arthritis and muscle loss.
To achieve this, veterinary physiotherapy utilises a wide range of treatments and techniques such as manual therapies, exercise and electrotherapies.
A full physiotherapy exam includes static observation which looks at how the patient stands, how they carry their weight, muscle symmetry/asymmetry; along with dynamic observation looking at how the animal moves in a walk, trot and run.
At ICR vets, we can provide physiotherapy for patients who may be experiencing pain during the immediate period after surgery, helping to support their recovery and facilitating a faster return to health. Commonly, our team works with pets who suffer chronic (medium to long term) pain states, impaired mobility and reduced joint/muscle function. While we cannot stop the aging process, we can help to alleviate the symptoms often experienced by our pets as they grow older.
Conditions that benefit from physiotherapy
Orthopaedic conditions
- Arthritis
- Hip/elbow dysplasia
- Luxating patella
- Cruciate disease
- Fracture healing
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Soft tissue injuries
- Wounds
Neurological conditions
- Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
- Post-surgical rehabilitation
- Wobblers syndrome
- Vestibular episodes
Other
- Critical care – maintain mobility and function in hospitalised patients
- Weight loss- helping pets to shed excess body fat
Massage
Massage is the manipulation of the body’s ‘soft tissues’, including the muscles and connective tissues. Benefits include the release of muscular tension, increased blood flow to tissues and acceleration of muscle recovery and repair. Most pets find getting a massage a very relaxing experience, just like us! Your pet’s treatment plan may include a degree of massage, and in some cases, you will be taught how to perform certain techniques at home to aid in your pet’s recovery.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic exercise forms a fundamental part of our physiotherapy treatment and includes passive and active exercises. Passive exercise means the body is being moved by the therapist, or owner, without the patient needing to exert any effort. The movements are commonly known as ‘passive range of motion’ exercises, or PROM and help improve comfort and range of motion of the limbs or neck. Active exercises such as stretching, weight-shifting and navigating a variety of steps and inflatable physiotherapy instruments assist in improving strength, balance, and co-ordination.
Often, owners will be taught how to perform some of these exercises at home to aid in their pet’s recovery.
What are the aims of therapeutic exercise?
- Improve the use of the affected area
- Improve flexibility of joints
- Improve strength and muscle mass
- Prevent further injury
Electrotherapies (Laser & Therapeutic Ultrasound)
Laser
Laser therapy is used to treat a variety of inflammatory conditions, such as arthritis and muscle pain. Laser therapy can also be very useful as a treatment to speed up wound healing, reduce scar tissue and improve nerve function.
Our RAPP team have access to a Class IV laser, ideal for treating our veterinary patients. The laser emits infra-red light directly onto the area of concern, allowing the light photons to penetrate the tissue. Though the exact mechanism of working is unknown in both human and veterinary medicine, it is thought that the light stimulates molecules in the cells causing beneficial biochemical effects that assist in tissue healing. We know that laser therapy increases blood flow to the area, bringing more immune cells and nutrients to the damaged tissue to assist in healing.
Laser therapy is not painful, in fact your pet will likely be unaware they are receiving treatment. Some pets enjoy the very mild warming effect on their muscles.
How is laser therapy administered?
Laser therapy is administered via a handheld laser, which is moved back-and-forth over the treatment area. Sessions typically last anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes depending on the areas requiring treatment. It is recommended that your pet receives several sessions for the full benefit of the laser. Clipping hair from the treatment area is not required.
Which conditions can benefit from laser therapy?
- Arthritis
- Tendon and ligament injuries
- Acute pain and inflammation
- Wounds
Therapeutic ultrasound
We also offer shortwave ultrasound therapy. This is different from diagnostic ultrasound, used for imaging patients' internal organs. Therapeutic ultrasounds works in a similar way to laser therapy, creating sounds waves that pass through the affected tissues. These sounds waves are of an ultrasonic frequency, allowing a different penetration of the tissues. Sounds waves stimulate warmth and increase blood flow to facilitate tissue healing.
How is therapeutic ultrasound administered?
Ultrasound therapy is administered through a handheld device. The animal's fur does not require clipping; however, a gel will be applied to your pet’s coat in the treatment area. This is harmless and will be cleaned off after treatment.
Which conditions can benefit from ultrasound therapy?
- Tendon, ligament and muscle damage
- Effective in the reduction of scar tissue and adhesions
- Arthritis
- Chronic wounds