Pet Rehabilitation Therapy

Colorado Springs Veterinary Surgery and Rehab Center offers a broad range of veterinary rehabilitation services in Colorado Springs, CO.

a dog being petted by a person

Rehabilitation Therapy For Your Pet

At Colorado Springs Veterinary Surgery and Rehab Center, we employ a multi-modal treatment plan tailored to your pet’s individual needs. We use non-invasive manual techniques and non-pharmaceutical modalities to alleviate pain and inflammation, speed healing and recovery, and prevent future/further injury to your animal companion.

Our veterinary team strongly believes that veterinary rehabilitation is a key component of recovery from orthopedic surgery and can help restore your pet’s quality of life. Rehabilitation can also be highly beneficial to adult pets entering their geriatric years, sometimes leading to increased mobility issues, discomfort, and anxiety.

Pet Rehab Therapy: What to Expect

Your pet’s rehabilitation care at Colorado Springs Veterinary Surgery and Rehab Center begins with a thorough assessment by Dr. Kelly Hutchison, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist and veterinary acupuncturist. The initial visit involves an hour-long orthopedic and neurologic exam to identify or diagnose specific problems that have led to functional limitations. For example, why doesn’t my pet jump into the car anymore? Why do they avoid stairs? Why don’t they sit in their favorite chair?

We will discuss your animal companion’s lifestyle, home environment, and concurrent medical history in detail. Together with Dr. Hutchison, you will create a dynamic multi-modal treatment plan with specific goals for your companion to enhance their full recovery. The treatment will also include tools and resources to help you support your pet with an at-home exercise plan.

What Is A Multi-modal Treatment Plan?

The term modalities refers to a collection of techniques used by veterinary rehabilitation veterinarians to reduce pain and inflammation without using (or in conjunction with) traditional pharmaceutical therapies such as pain medications. The treatment modalities we choose at Colorado Springs Veterinary Surgery and Rehab Center have all been vigorously researched, and we feel confident these therapies are beneficial and can help your pet enjoy the highest quality of life possible.

Laser Therapy For Your Pet

Colorado Springs Veterinary Surgery and Rehab Center is proud to offer laser therapy for pets. Laser therapy is a non-invasive, pain-free, and drug-free treatment beneficial for animals experiencing pain and discomfort. At Colorado Springs Veterinary Surgery and Rehab Center, our team uses a therapeutic laser to treat a variety of acute and chronic medical conditions, including:

  • Inflammation
  • Allergies
  • Post-Surgical Trauma
  • Muscle Injuries
  • Ear Infections
  • Fractures
  • Wounds and Lacerations
  • Arthritis and Joint Disease
Vets wearing sunglasses and holding a dog

How Laser Therapy Works

Laser therapy uses deep-penetrating light energy to activate a biological response that stimulates nerve cells and improves blood circulation. This process helps your pet’s body heal itself naturally. We use a sterile, handheld wand during the treatment, which emits a gentle, warm sensation that soothes your pet and helps them relax. The innovative treatment also releases endorphin molecules, which help relieve pain.

Therapeutic laser has no side effects and is an effective alternative to drug therapy for pets who don’t respond well to medications. Our veterinary team will tailor each laser therapy session to your pet’s specific health needs. Depending on your pet’s medical status, each therapy session will take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Many pets show positive improvement after the first week of treatment.

If your pet is having trouble recovering from surgery, experiencing mobility issues, or suffering from chronic pain, please bring them to Colorado Springs Veterinary Surgery and Rehab Center for a laser therapy session. The treatment can significantly improve their overall quality of life.

a dog lying on a blue mat

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy

PEMF uses electricity to stimulate the cellular release of molecules, which helps reduce pain, improve blood flow, and support tissue regeneration.

a vet holding a dog

Electro Stimulation

E-stim sends mild electrical pulses through the skin to help stimulate injured muscles or manipulate nerves to reduce pain.