![]() In practice, physical therapists focus on the disablement model rather than the medical model of disease (World Health Organization, 1997). All physical therapists entering the field today graduate from an accredited college or university program with a doctoral-level degree and must be licensed in their respective state in order to practice physical therapy (American Physical Therapy Association, 1999). Physical therapists are rehabilitation specialists who have a defined role in the current medical model under the World Health Organization. The greatest asset for effective rehabilitation is an educated clinician with a pair of highly trained hands. Fancy equipment is a luxury but not necessary. In reality, canine rehabilitation is an involved science that requires great skill, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge. In addition, the notion that this field would be easy to grasp, with intuitive reasoning and little training, has led many to attempt to add rehabilitation to their veterinary practices. Many people believe that canine rehabilitation consists mainly of laser therapy and an underwater treadmill. Understanding the gait cycle allows the therapist to identify dysfunction during gait at different speeds, leading to a more accurate assessment of impairments. If muscle atrophy or weakness is found, isometric and/or isotonic strengthening techniques can be applied. Girth measurements provide objective information regarding muscle circumference and/or swelling. These mobilizations are also beneficial in treating joint pain and muscle guarding. If arthrokinematic motion is limited, joint mobilizations are applied. Arthrokinematic motion cannot be measured objectively and must be palpated with highly trained hands. Part of the therapist’s evaluation includes measuring osteokinematic motion using a goniometer to gain objective information on the patient’s passive range of motion. Arthrokinematics and osteokinematics have a direct effect on biomechanics and the body’s ability to generate movement or maintain postures. Depending on the forces applied to the body, musculoskeletal tissues will have different responses. This includes recognizing the five types of loads-compression, tension, torsion, sheer, and bending that create forces on biological tissues. Understanding biomechanics, which involves the study of forces in movement and at rest, is crucial. They must be able to perform a thorough evaluation, effectively identifying impairments that are contributing to the functional limitations. ![]() ![]() Rehabilitation professionals must be able to process information related to how the musculoskeletal and nervous systems work and affect function. Canine rehabilitation requires advanced knowledge and understanding of physical rehabilitation and the science behind it.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |