What is Animal Physical Therapy?

Animal physical therapy (commonly referred to as physical rehabilitation) is a rapidly developing field of health care for animals. The benefits of physical therapy have long been recognized in humans. More recently, research in the veterinary field has shown the same benefits of physical therapy to be true for animal patients.

Performing orthopedic or neurological surgery or fitting an animal with a cast or splint, and then discharging the patient without proper rehabilitative care are outdated approaches. Similarly, if an animal has an injury, chronic pain, or arthritis, he/she should be referred for physical therapy.

Physical therapy intervention plays an enormous role in the recovery and maintenance of numerous conditions. If your animal has been injured or requires surgery, physical therapy can speed the healing time and result in a better recovery. If your pet is experiencing pain or neurological symptoms, begins to limp, is overweight, or is just physically "out-of-shape," physical rehabilitation, along with proper veterinary care, can help to improve your animal's condition, well being, and quality of life!

For more information about animal physical therapy, please visit www.pt4animals.com.