Services available at select Caring Hands Animal Hospital locations.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a holistic approach rooted in traditional Chinese medicine By delicately inserting thin needles into specific points on your pet's body, this alternative medicine stimulates natural healing processes, releases endorphins, and improves blood flow. With a history spanning thousands of years, veterinary acupuncture effectively addresses various health conditions in a diverse range of animals. Dogs, cats, horses, birds, and reptiles can all benefit. From musculoskeletal and respiratory issues to gastrointestinal disorders, acupuncture provides a versatile, non-invasive, and drug free treatment option. By restoring the body's energy balance (Qi), acupuncture aids in alleviating illness or injury-related disruptions, and stands out as a safe alternative, especially for animals with medication sensitivities

Laser Therapy

Laser Therapy works in a number of ways to heal and manage pain. . It increases the release of endorphins, decreases inflammation and edema, and it restores metabolic function. This means that your pet heals more quickly, can have fewer complications if used after surgery, and feel better! This therapy has successfully aided in the treatment of arthritis, hip dysplasia, bladder inflammation, anal gland infections, ear infections, abscesses, and muscle strains. Laser therapy is drug-free, non-invasive, and doesn’t require sedation or clipping of the hair. It can be combined with other traditional therapies, including pain medications and joint supplements. It helps your pet get back on their feet and get back to normal play faster and restores quality of life to otherwise painful pets.

Cold Laser Therapy

Veterinary photobiomodulation (VPBM) aka Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to stimulate cellular function and promote healing. It is also known as cold laser therapy because the lasers used do not produce heat, making it a safe and painless treatment for animals.
VPBM has been used in human medicine for decades, and its use in veterinary care has been steadily increasing in recent years. It has been used to treat a variety of conditions in animals, including musculoskeletal injuries, skin conditions, inflammation, speed healing, improve nerve function, and chronic pain. Protective eyewear is required when operating the unit.

Cryotherapy

Veterinary Cryotherapy, also known as cold therapy, is a treatment method that uses extremely low temperatures to treat various conditions in animals. This can include the use of ice packs, cold compresses, or specialized equipment that delivers controlled cold temperatures to specific areas of the body. The goal of cryotherapy is to reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and promote healing in the affected area. It is commonly used after acute injuries, 72 hours post-surgery, after exercise, before cold laser therapy, and with acute inflammation, pain, or muscle spasms.

Heat Therapy

Veterinary heat therapy involves the application of heat to a specific area of an animal's body to provide pain relief and promote healing. This can be done through various methods, including hot water bottles, heating pads, heat lamps, and warm compresses. The heat penetrates deep into the tissues, increasing blood flow and relaxing muscles, which can help reduce pain and inflammation. It is commonly used after chronic injuries, 72 hours post-surgery, joint stiffness or arthritis, pain, muscle spasms, before passive range of motion, and for relaxation.

Massage

Veterinary massage can be applied in several different forms. The most utilized include effleurage (very light, often using a spoon), petrissage (medium intensity), frictional (moderate intensity perpendicular to the affected area), and deep tissue. Massage increases blood flow and lymphatic drainage to specific areas, controls pain, decreases scar tissue formation, and reduces muscle spasms.

Fascial Therapy

Veterinary fascial therapy is a form of physical therapy that focuses on the fascia, a connective tissue that surrounds and supports muscles, bones, and organs in the body. This therapy involves gentle manipulation and stretching of the fascia to improve mobility, reduce pain, and promote healing. It is often used in conjunction with other forms of rehabilitation, such as hydrotherapy and acupuncture.

Trigger Point Therapy

Veterinary trigger point therapy is a form of muscle therapy that focuses on identifying and treating trigger points in animals. This therapy is performed by a trained veterinarian or animal therapist who uses manual pressure and massage techniques to release the tightness and tension in the affected muscles. By targeting these trigger points, the therapist can help alleviate pain and improve mobility in your pet.

Spinal Manipulation

Veterinary spinal manipulation (aka Animal Chiropractic) is a form of alternative therapy that focuses on the alignment and movement of the spine in animals. . It involves the use of hands-on techniques to manipulate and adjust the spine, joints, and soft tissues in order to improve mobility and alleviate pain. This therapy is based on the belief that the spine is the key to overall health and that any misalignments or restrictions in the spine can lead to a variety of health issues.
During a veterinary spinal manipulation session, a trained and certified animal chiropractor will use their hands to apply gentle pressure and movements to specific areas of the animal's spine. This helps to realign any misaligned vertebrae and release any tension or restrictions in the surrounding muscles and tissues. By doing so, it can improve nerve function, blood flow, and overall mobility in the animal's body.

Passive Range of Motion

Veterinary passive range of motion is the application of passive range of motion techniques to animals. This can be done by a veterinarian, a veterinary technician or even the pet owner themselves. The goal of veterinary PROM is to improve joint flexibility and prevent stiffness in animals, just like in humans. It is often used in animals who have suffered from an injury or surgery, or in older animals who may have limited mobility and works by reducing inflammation and joint stiffness

Stretching

Stretching can be used to reduce (stretch and hold technique) or increase (stretch and release technique) muscle tone. It also helps improve mobility and flexibility and reduces pain. The stretch and hold technique involves holding a stretch for a certain amount of time to increase flexibility and range of motion. The stretch and release technique involves increasing the stretch gradually and then releasing it to improve flexibility and range of motion.

Exercise

Exercise is the implementation of specific and targeted exercises to improve posture, balance, strength, gait (walking or trotting), and reduce the risk of future injury.

If your pet is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it is important to have them seen by one of our veterinarians to see if they could benefit from our pain management services:

  • Changes in behavior
  • Changes in eating and drinking habits
  • Changes in grooming habits

  • Changes in posture or movement
  • Changes in sleeping habits

If your pet is exhibiting any of the following behaviors, it is important to have them seen by one of our veterinarians to see if they could benefit from our pain management services:

  • Changes in behavior
  • Changes in eating and drinking habits
  • Changes in grooming habits

  • Changes in posture or movement
  • Changes in sleeping habits

  • Changes in behavior
  • Changes in eating and drinking habits
  • Changes in grooming habits
  • Changes in posture or movement
  • Changes in sleeping habits

Services available at select Caring Hands Animal Hospital locations.