Physical Rehabilitation

Dr. Timothy Walker is certified in acupuncture for both canine and feline patients. We take the Western medicine approach to acupuncture treatment; based on the understanding of the nervous system and its interactions with patients’ muscles and connective tissues. Benefits of acupuncture treatment include muscle relaxation, nerve stimulation, increased blood flow and the release of natural endorphins to help with pain perception. Acupuncture treatment is commonly used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal problems, neurologic conditions, and management of chronic pain.

Electrical nerve stimulation can reduce pain by releasing endogenous opioids (the body’s own pain relievers) or by creating a large amount of neural input to trick the brain into not noticing the pain as acutely. The latter is called gait theory. This theory explains why if you were to bump your elbow, rubbing it vigorously helps dull the brain’s perception of the resulting pain.
Nerve stimulation also helps to minimize muscle loss as a result of atrophy or injury by stimulating muscle contraction and maintaining nerve conduction pathways.

This non-invasive therapy has been FDA approved in human medicine for years and has been used extensively in veterinary medicine. PEMFT produces an anabolic effect on important cells in the skeletal system (osteoblasts and chondrocytes). It also increases nitric oxide levels within the blood and accelerates healing by improving circulation, while decreasing inflammation and edema. This modality is commonly utilized after injury, surgery and in the management of osteoarthritis.

Regenerative medicine provides an exciting way to treat many injuries as well as osteoarthritis. It can help the patient heal, as opposed to just using drugs that mask pain.

Stem Cell Therapy

Mesenchymal stem cells are rich in substances called cytokines which promote healing and reduce inflammation. During a brief surgical procedure, the patient’s own stem cells are harvested from fat cells. They are then processed and later injected back into the patient, most commonly into a joint or tendon.

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Platelets are an amazing source of growth factors, which turn off inflammation and allow the body to heal. This treatment protocol is processed from the pets own blood. It can be used alone or in conjunction with stem cell therapy.

Therapeutic Laser can provide many benefits. There continues to be a great deal of research into this form of light therapy. Our class IV laser increases blood flow and reduces pain and swelling. It stimulates healing at the cellular level by providing energy to mitochondria, the powerhouse of the cell.

Underwater Treadmill therapy provides a unique benefit to our patients. Walking in water challenges their sense of balance and coordination. The water provides resistance but also buoyancy, which supports the patient’s weight. For pets with neurologic or orthopedic problems that make it challenging for them to walk or stand, never mind exercise, underwater treadmill therapy is a wonderful treatment modality. It’s also great for arthritic pets, overweight pets, or ones that just need more exercise.