16418 7th Place West, Suite A
Lynnwood, WA 98037
425.741.8042 phone
206.949.0193 cell
425.742.1513 fax
vetpt@vettherapy.com

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If you have ever experienced back pain, muscle strain, or the pain and stiffness of arthritis you can understand what your canine or feline companion may be experiencing. Unfortunately, they can't tell you exactly what is hurting except through changes in behavior and body language.

Here are some signs of possible orthopedic or neurologic disease or pain:

* Weakness

*Reluctance to jump up or down

*Difficulty walking or climbing stairs or hills

*Less energy or reduced activity

*Loss of muscle tone or size

*Lameness

 

Some frequently asked questions about osteoarthritis:


What causes it?
Primary osteoarthritis, the more common form, is a slow progressive condition that affects primarily the weight-bearing joints of the knees, hips and spine.

The exact cause has not yet been determined, though obesity and heredity are known risk factors.


Secondary osteoarthritis is caused by trauma or injury, joint laxity, infection, metabolic imbalances or surgery. Repetitive impact loading (repeated motions that traumatize a joint) is a major cause, especially in joints that suffer from abnormal alignment or that are used in ways they aren't meant to be.


Is there a cure?
While there is no cure for osteoarthritis, recent advances in the understanding of cartilage and years of experience with our patients suffering from arthritis have shown that it is definitely possible to slow, halt or prevent the degeneration of cartilage that is characteristic of osteoarthritis. A combination of exercise and stretching, diet, nutraceuticals, anti-inflammatories and/or acupuncture and sometimes surgery can allow your pet to enjoy life again.


At VRC we have specially trained staff to assist you in developing an arthritis management program for your pet.

 

Services Available:

* Aquatic therapy in our underwater treadmill, maximizes strengthening and improves range of motion while allowing your pet to enjoy the warm water and minimally weight bearing exercise environment.

* Training for you in range of motion, stretching and massage to enhance your pet's mobility.

* Electrical stimulation and ultrasound for acute injuries to decrease pain and enhance rehabilitation.


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Veterinary physical rehabilitation is the application of physical therapy techniques to animals. Here in Washington, only licensed veterinarians and supervised technicians are allowed to provide these services. Licensing issues restrict the use of the term physical therapy to human physical therapists. Hence, the term veterinary physical rehabilitation. Our practice is limited to physical rehabilitation and aquatic therapy. You will be referred to your regular veterinarian for general care.

This website and its contents are owned by Beverly Hall and VRC unless otherwise noted, NOTHING from this site may be used without the written permission of Beverly Hall or VRC. Beverly Hall and VRC have taken great measures to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site; however, neither can be held responsible for errors. Articles, links, photos and text contained on this website are intended to be informational only and do not constitute endorsements, training guidance, examples or instructions.