Frequently Asked Questions
How is physical therapy performed?
How do I prepare my pet for an appointment?
What can I expect during the initial evaluation?
How long does physical therapy take?
Can I make arrangements to drop my pet off for therapy and pick them up later in the day?
How is physical therapy performed?
We will perform an initial consultation and evaluation with you and your pet. An individualized plan will be designed based on your goals and time. This may include a home exercise program, an outpatient therapy program, or inpatient care. Your pet may take advantage of the following treatment options at AARF:
- Therapeutic Exercise: Activities designed to increase function.
- Modalities: Electrical stimulation, ultrasound, thermal and cryotherapy. Joint mobilization—therapeutic manipulation of joints to increase circulation, decrease pain and increase range of motion.
- Aquatic Therapy: Using an underwater treadmill, we can reduce your pet's joint stress while increasing range of motion, circulation, endurance and strength.
- Massage Therapy: Therapeutic manipulation of soft tissue to increase circulation, relieve stress, decrease spasms and pain.
How do I prepare my pet for an appointment?
At the time the appointment is booked, we will ask for your veterinarian's contact information so we can contact them and ask them to complete a referral form, which includes information about your pet's medical history. Please do not exercise your pet on the day of the evaluation. Evaluations require a lot of physical activity from your pet. If your pet is well-rested and relaxed before an evaluation, we are better able to evaluate his or her condition.
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What can I expect during the initial evaluation
Be prepared to stay for one hour. You will be asked to fill out our new client form and your pet will undergo a neurological assessment (if warranted). We will take weight distribution, muscle mass and range of motion measurements. Range of motion measurements are taken with your pet laying on his or her side; weight distribution and muscle mass measurements are taken with your pet standing—if your pet is able. We also will discuss goals for your pet's therapy. We then come up with an individualized plan for in-house rehabilitation and a home exercise and care program. The home exercise and care program (to be done on days your pet does not have an in-house appointment) consists of:
- Weight loss and nutrition recommendations
- Medications and supplement recommendations
- Pre-exercise therapies
- Exercise therapies
- Post-exercise therapies
- Any restrictions
How long does physical therapy take?
The initial evaluation of your pet should last a little more than an hour. Physical therapy appointments generally last about 30 minutes.
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Can I make arrangements to drop my pet off for therapy and pick them up later in the day?
Absolutely! You are more than welcome to drop your pet off. Just let us know when you will be dropping them off and when you will pick them up. This will allow us to prepare a kennel for them and anticipate your arrival. Pets can be dropped off for boarding on Monday morning and can remain until Friday at 5 p.m. There is a small half-day or full-day boarding fee. Please call us for fee information.
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