Refer 0-2 weeks post op - if sx not possible straight away due to ins or finances consider referral for prehab to improve prognosis after sx
Reduce inflammation, cryotherapy, gentle weight shift to encourage loading, strict toilet only lead walks.
Focus on bone healing, maintaining stifle ROM and improving weight bearing. Mainly posture work and manual therapies. Stable surfaces and straight lines. Likely use LASER and PEMFT to aid this. Wolfs law on gradual loading for bone adaptation. Ideally tx weekly - biweekly. Owner home exercise programme.
Soft callus - begin to add small amount of lateral torque to joint and increase load via gentle progressive remedial exercise from the sagittal plane eg. wide figure 8’s, wobble cushion when ready. Ideally tx biweekly.
Reassess with radiographs.
Complete healing - may suggest long line exercise to build towards off lead if suitable. Begin to reduce physio frequency to monthly and so forth.
Large focus on building muscle mass and encouraging fibrosis around stifle to support when temporary suture inevitably fails. Early rehab even more essential.
Complete healing - may suggest long line exercise to build towards off lead if suitable. Begin to reduce physio frequency to monthly and so forth.
Ice pack, LASER, PEMFT, remedial exercise equipment.
Refer as soon as possible after injury whether partial or complete rupture as long as pain is controlled via medication.
Ideally tx weekly for 6 weeks then reduce frequency. Rehab plan progression depends on partial or full rupture.
Pain management and inflammation reduction likely using LASER and PEMFT. Home adaptations - stair gate, mats down, ramp to sofa if can’t keep off it. Maintain stifle ROM and very early loading via square stands. Owner home exercise plan
Early strengthening of thigh muscles to support unstable stifle. Start with posture encouraging square stands and loading of limb utilising weight shifting and stable surfaces. Building up to pole work etc.
Progress strengthening via sit to stands, unstable surfaces if suitable. Increase lead exercise.
Build up towards return to normal activities if possible for patient. Longer walks, long line.
Large focus on building muscle mass and encouraging fibrosis around stifle to support when temporary suture inevitably fails. Early rehab even more essential.
LASER, PEMFT, remedial exercise equipment.
Nellie and Tilly
Need timelines for the sx and conservative options listed above
Every rehabilitation programme at Recharge Veterinary Physiotherapy is tailored to the individual patient. These rehabilitation phases are intended as a guide only and are adapted according to surgical recommendations, tissue healing, concurrent disease, patient temperament and owner goals. Close communication with the referring veterinary surgeon is maintained throughout rehabilitation to ensure the best possible outcome.