Fractures

Goals

• Maintain comfort and reduce swelling 
• Encourage appropriate limb use within surgical restrictions
• Maintain joint range of motion where appropriate
• Educate owners regarding activity restriction

Physiotherapy Focus

• Cryotherapy 
• Weight shifting
• Assisted standing
• Passive range of motion (where indicated)
• Soft tissue techniques away from the fracture site
• Home management advice

Goals

• Improve weight bearing
• Minimise muscle loss
• Restore normal gait
• Begin controlled strengthening

Focus

• Therapeutic exercises
• Balance and proprioception
• Sit-to-stand exercises (when appropriate)
• Progressive lead walking

Goals

• Restore strength and endurance
• Improve confidence using the limb
• Return to functional activity

Focus

• Progressive strengthening
• Dynamic balance work
• Cavaletti poles
• Inclines
• Functional movement training

Continue to treat if necessary. Monitor for continued altered biomechanics, muscle asymmetry and secondary osteoarthritis.

cryotherapy, PEMF and laser if required 

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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.