Therapeutic Modalities
Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) is commonly used for muscle strengthening, muscle re-education, improving muscle tone, enhancing function, pain control, edema reduction and muscle spasm reduction.
Therapeutic ultrasound is another modality that can produce temperature changes deep in the tissues.It is used to increase range of motion of a joint, decrease contracture, relax muscle spasm or help with wound healing.
Aqua Therapy
Aqua therapy such as swimming or working in the underwater treadmill is ideal for many patients, especially those who are challenged with normal movement. Water-based therapies allow the patient to work in a lower or no impact environment because of buoyancy. Resistance from the water helps to strengthen muscle mass and improve cardiovascular fitness. The warm water increases circulation to muscles, increases joint flexibility and decreases pain.
The newest addition to our aquatic therapy regimen is Iowa’s first underwater treadmill. The underwater treadmill is a wonderful tool to exercise our patients that are learning to walk or for those that need a controlled, safe environment to start exercising following surgery or injury. View a video of a patient using the underwater treadmill.
Our research thus far indicates that there is a significant decrease in recovery time using aqua therapy. Exercising in water has shown to be an excellent strategy for rehabilitation, building muscle mass, and maintaining range of motion. We have also found swimming to be a safe and effective weight loss strategy.
Appointments are scheduled through the small animal desk (515) 294-4900.
Therapeutic Exercises
Aquatherapy such as swimming or working in the underwater treadmill is ideal for most patients, especially those who are challenged with normal movement. Water-based therapies allow the patient to work in a low or no impact environment because of buoyancy. Resistance from the water helps to strengthen muscle mass and improve cardiovascular fitness. The warm water is soothing to sore muscles and increases blood flow to aid in healing. Swimming and walking in the underwater treadmill are wonderful tools to exercise our patients that are learning to walk or for those that need a controlled, safe environment to start exercising after a surgery or injury.
There are a variety of therapeutic land exercises that are offered for our patients. Sit-to-stand exercises, physio-roll work, cavaletti rails, low rise stairs, balance boards, sand and hill walking are a few of the more common exercises that can be tailored to an individual patient’s needs. We also offer land treadmill work that can later be utilized at home if needed.
After the initial evaluation, each patient’s therapy is designed to help them with their disability and meet their needs for recovery. All patients recover at different speeds however, the art of therapy is to help reduce pain, prevent further injury, increase muscle strength and joint range of motion, increase balance awareness and coordination and ultimately reduce the recovery period.
