Rehab is best described as the restoration of optimal physical ability to a patient that has had orthopaedic or spinal disease. At our clinic we have an ACPAT qualified Physiotherapist and fully qualified Hydrotherapists. We feel that this combination of Physiotherapist and Hydrotherapist gives a more complete assessment and a more optimal treatment program. Charlie and Hannah will often co-manage cases that have been referred in order to approach the problem from as many angles as possible.
Patients referred to the surgeons, if hospitalised for an extended period (for example spinal patients whether surgical or non surgical) will often have a Physiotherapy plan in place from day 2 of their hospitalisation. This functions not only at the physical level, in terms of gait re-education but also at the psychological level by giving the patients numerous periods of gentle interaction in the form of massage or little exercises for them to do. Most patients enjoy these sessions and they are designed to explore the patient's ability rather than as a "work out".
If appropriate the dog may also have a few sessions of water based therapy whilst still in the hospital. In small patients this may take the form of movement in a bath, whilst larger patients may have periods of supported activity in our underwater treadmill. We never force these sessions on patients and if there is any trepidation on the patient's part, this can often be overcome by combining therapy with low calorie treats. Successful rehab depends on patient compliance and cannot be achieved through coercion. Our team works to achieve patient confidence in the activities and will modify the plan based on the patient's tolerance.
The Rehab plan will often continue following discharge from the hospital and if possible, spinal patients for example will see Hannah at the time of discharge or shortly thereafter.