Canine Physical Rehabilitation of the Southwest

Services Available

Water exercise and pool therapy are available and are great rehab tools. They provide the same results as land based activities with the added advantages of:

Working more muscle groups simultaneously,
Reducing stress on joints,
Permitting longer than normal training periods,
Decreasing the risk of overheating,
Decreases post surgery/injury recovery time and
Minimizes post-exercise muscle soreness.

There is substantial research available which indicates that muscle atrophy begins within 24-48 hours following injury/surgery. Research also demonstrates that when rehab is delayed, there is increased swelling due to lack of movement, loss of muscle control and joint stability and increased stiffness of muscles and tendons. Full weight-bearing activities would often be limited for weeks after surgery, which extends your pets recovery time considerably. Pool therapy allows rehab to begin immediately or very soon post-surgery/injury. How quickly therapy begins is based on your veterinarians recommendations.

We also offer underwater treadmill rehab. Some of the benefits of UWT (underwater treadmill) are:

Water buoyancy reduces gravity, diminishing concussive forces
     With a number of surgical procedures such as TPLO and FHO, underwater
     treadmill rehab can be started earlier than other therapies.
Allows early intervention and quicker recovery times for other conditions as
     well.
Water provides resistance throughout the range of motion, providing a closed
     chain, hydrokinetic exercise
Warm water assists in pain reduction
Older animals can exercise effectively
Water height is regulated to accommodate different sized animals and adjust
     for weight bearing

Treadmill exercise in an air-conditioned treatment area is utilized for finely controlled gait training and conditioning for the unimpaired pets.

Dog on Treadmill

Manual Techniques -Jeffrey has had considerable experience in dealing with soft tissue dysfunction and injuries in humans, prior to working with dogs. This experience has given him insight and capacity to be creative when working with canines. Manual techniques include myofascial release, joint mobilization, neuromuscular facilitation, strain-counterstrain and passive end range stretching. Refer to "About the Therapist" for more background information.

Passive range of motion can be assessed and performed lying on the ground, while standing, or in the pool.


We also have equipment and techniques to improve active range of motion and weight bearing tolerances.

Massage is most often a gentle manual release of muscle tension, although it may also incorporate some of the other manual skills already mentioned. It can be utilized in conjunction with post-surgery rehab or to maximize the benefits of chemotherapy. In humans massage has been shown to:

Increase Circulation
Relieve muscle stiffness
Bolster immune system response
Reduce stress
Decrease muscle restrictions
Enhance muscle tone

There is every reason to believe that it does the same for our beloved canine friends. When massaging each dog every effort is made to convey a message of trust and an interest in helping that animal find balance and good health.

Massage Therapy

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation treatments are available to reduce post-surgical muscle atrophy and to treat neurologically based muscle disorders.

Anodyne Treatment

Anodyne Photon Therapy System is used independently or in conjunction with exercise and manual soft tissue work. The system consists of four flexible treatment pads with 60 infrared diodes per pad. Your dog will experience no discomfort as a result of the Anodyne during the session, all they feel is a penetrating warmth similar to a heating pad.

It has been documented in research that light therapy:

Enhances immune response,
Accelerates the healing process,
Enhances fibroblast production and collagen synthesis for connective
     tissue repair therefore it is effective in treating tendon/ligament
     injuries
Increases lymphatic flow and drainage from inflamed regions,
Reduces swelling,
Improves blood flow,
Decreases pain,
Reduces presence of free radicals which are associated with tissue
     damage in chronic inflammatory conditions like arthritis
Discourages the development of scar tissue and reduces scar tissue
     formation.
Healing chronic wounds

Measuring, fitting and customizing assistive devices for dogs such as carts/wheelchairs, braces and splints.

Apollo in quad cart. Apollo could not walk when he came.


Nick's splint. Nick has no stability in his knee and is not a surgical candidate.

Gromit in cart. Gromit has a build up of scar tissue in his spine, making walking with his rear a challenge for him.

Wyatt with a splint. Wyatt had an accident doing agility and has injured his carpal joint.

References available upon request. These include several veterinarians and owners of previous patients. (we find our patients have difficulty with telephone and E-mail communication)

We are not veterinarians and our care is carefully monitored by your vet. The treatments for medical conditions are done by veterinary referral and we keep your vet informed of your dog's progress. We offer NO MEDICAL treatment suggestions.

Treatment for Medical Conditions by Veterinary Referral Only
If you should need assistance in obtaining a referral or if your veterinarian would like further information regarding the services provided by CPRSW, please contact us!

Treatment and training for non medical conditions does not require referral.

Email: dog-rehab@cox.net
Phone: 480-390-3183

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Original Concept by Theresa Terry, TNTspace.com