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May 3, 2006

Physical Therapy For The Dogs

I've mentioned massage therapists and other bodyworkers (especially acupuncturists) who practice on dogs and other animals, but this article focuses on physical therapy (technically "physical rehabilitation") for canines.

The Animal Clinic and Wellness Center, also in Williamsburg, offers a similar program. Peggy Maes, whose dog Pugsly is a four-time national master agility champion, says the center's underwater treadmill has made her little pug fit again. One of Pugsly's knees is held together with two small pins, so Maes uses therapy sessions to help strengthen and maintain the dog's muscle mass and to minimize arthritic changes.

Nationwide, animal rehabilitation is a growing trend and emerging field of study at many veterinary medical schools. "Veterinary physical rehabilitation is one of the most rapidly growing areas of veterinary medicine," says Daryl Millis, professor of orthopedic surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine in Knoxville, Tenn.

tags: massage massagetherapy wellness massage therapy physical therapy bodywork health dogs

Posted by linda at May 3, 2006 10:08 PM