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Acupuncture is the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the patient to produce a physiologic response. Stimulation of acupuncture points affects the nervous system. It can lead to increased circulation, a decrease in muscle spasms, and the release of chemicals known as neurotransmitters and hormones. These chemicals can decrease pain sensation and help regulate the immune system, among other effects. Acupuncture is used in the treatment of disorders of the musculoskeletal and neurologic. Acupuncture can also be used in patients following surgical procedures, thereby improving the patient’s comfort level and speeding up the post-operative recovery period.

Therapeutic exercise, a cornerstone of rehabilitation, is used to treat disorders of the musculoskeletal and/or neurologic systems as well as in patients who need conditioning and/or weight loss. Each session includes various types of exercise using appropriate equipment tailored to the patient’s specific diagnosis and needs. This modality can improve strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, leading to improved mobility and better quality of life for your pet. This therapy may also be taught to an owner during a demonstration session in order for the owner to provide the benefits of therapeutic exercise outside of the clinic.

Hydrotherapy utilizes the water’s warmth, buoyancy, and resistance in a controlled environment to provide an optimal setting for cardiovascular conditioning and physical rehabilitation. VSMR offers hydrotherapy in an underwater treadmill to treat many conditions such as arthritis, post-operative recovery, obesity, and spinal injury. Walking or swimming in water is also a great form of conditioning for healthy pets looking to excel in the sport of their choice.

Manual therapy is a series of manual manipulation techniques used to improve a patient’s physical and emotional well-being. Physiological benefits of massage include pain relief, improved joint mobility, relaxation, and increased circulation. We customize each session based on your pet’s needs and often teach our clients how to perform certain techniques at home.

Ultrasound uses sound waves to create heating (thermal effects) and vibration (non-thermal effects) to affect tissue healing. Ultrasound is beneficial for various conditions, including wounds, tendon and ligament damage, muscle relaxation, restricted range of motion and scar tissue, inflammation, localized swelling, and pain.

Electrical stimulation (E-Stim) is the use of electrical impulses to an area of the body to stimulate nerves and muscles. There are two types of E-Stim: 1) Neuromuscular E-Stim (NMES), which stimulates nerves and muscles to prevent muscle atrophy (muscle mass loss) and strengthen specific muscles. 2) Transcutaneous E-Stim (TENS), which stimulates nerves to facilitate pain relief and comfort. E-stim is beneficial for a variety of conditions, including acute and chronic orthopedic and neuromuscular injuries, recovery from surgery, paralysis, and pain. This therapy may also be taught to an owner during a demonstration session in order for the owner to provide the benefits of E-stim outside of the clinic.

VSMR uses and recommends The Assisi Loop. This device offers targeted Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy (targeted PEMF) in a portable, easy-to-use device that can be used in clinic or in the home. The Loop has been proven to reduce pain and inflammation and has been cleared by the FDA, and is considered a non-pharmaceutical anti-inflammatory device (NPAID).

GAIT4Dog®, the gait analysis system utilized by VSMR, can assess the orthopedic soundness of your canine via a pressure-sensitive walkway measurement system designed to capture and objectively analyze data in minutes. Dogs can be tough; they don’t always show signs of pain or limping when they’re injured. This technology allows us to assess not only orthopedic soundness (total pressure index), which provides a baseline, but a whole host of other information: step and stride length, velocity, stance time, swing time, and more.

Our Veterinary specific thermal camera can look at the thermal gradients of a patient as a physiological map. When a digital thermal image is taken of the patient, the physiological map can outline precise anatomical areas where further evaluation may be needed. This diagnostic tool allows us to find potential problem areas much earlier, helps us to measure the efficacy of our treatment plan objectively, and assist with client communication and education.

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