Post-injury exercises

We recently had a darling patient, Zoey, who underwent a lateral cruciate repair with a traveling orthopedic specialist, Dr Trent Gall (from Aspen Meadow Veterinary Specialists). Here, you see Dr Hensley performing exercises on Zoey, as well as giving our Technicians some education about the process:

When a leg is injured (whether accidentally or surgically) and the animal is not using it normally, they can begin to lose some of their normal range of motion and flexibility. So, whenever an animal is not using a limb normally, particularly after a surgery, it is best to do Passive Range of Motion (PROM) exercises. PROM exercises mimic the natural, active motions at a joint that are normally performed by the animal on its own (active range of motion) through their everyday activities. Dr Hensley combines PROM exercises with muscle stretches to relieve tightness and improve flexibility. To further enhance comfort (and arguably, enhanced comfort = enhanced healing), massage is also performed which increases circulation to the area and dissipates swelling. Ideally, these exercises are done until the animal recovers to the point that they are doing it on their own. If these steps are not taken, particularly with certain injuries, it may result in irreversible muscle contractures and loss of range of motion in a joint.

To uphold our comprehensive care philosophy, all orthopedic surgical patients will now receive these extra services as part of their overnight care. Additionally, "parents" of our patients are given an at-home therapy plan which includes these exercises.