COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE

To learn more or schedule an appointment,  please call us at 215-536-6245.

Many pets suffer with chronic illness. When modern medicine and treatments are inadequate, what else can be done? 

Acupuncture and Rehabilitation therapies can help your pet, either along with their current treatments or as an alternative when other treatments have failed.

VETERINARY ACUPUNCTURE

What is Acupunture?
Acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body to alter various biochemical and physiologic conditions and has been used successfully for nearly 4000 years on humans and animals.  It is now being used by an increasing number of veterinarians alongside traditional Western medicine to treat a number of disease conditions. 

How does Acupuncture work?
Acupuncture causes a release of endorphins, which modulates pain and physiological functions, and balances energy, assisting the body to heal by causing certain physiological changes including nerve stimulation, increased blood flow, muscle spasm relief, and decreased inflammation and pain.

What conditions are addressed wtih Acupuncture?

• Musculoskeletal disorders (Arthritis, soft tissue injuries, pain) 
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Urinary disorders
• Mild neurological conditions
• Renal (Kidney) disease
• Skin problems 

Treatments-  What to Expect:

• Appointments take on average 1 to 1 1/2 hours
• Animal lays in a comfortable place (floor, bed)
• Very thin, sterile needles are placed for ~ 15-30 minutes (needles are one time use only)
• Needles are placed very shallow (a few millimeters deep)
• Animal is repositioned to treat additional sites as necessary
•  If the point is "active", initial needle placement may be painful

REHABILITATION THERAPY

Rehabilitation therapy is used to target soft tissue, rather than bones or joints, in order to maximize movement and quality of life for your pet.

What are indications for the use of Rehabilitation Therapy?

• Post orthopedic surgery
• When surgery is not an option (IVDD, ACL)
• Sports related injuries (primarily sports tissue)
• Conditioning
• Weight loss programs

 What are some types of Rehabilitation Therapy we use?

1. Low Level Laser (or Cold Laser) Therapy
2. Pulsed Electromagnetic Field - enhances cartilage repair, stimulates cell growth and is useful for bone healing, inflammation, muscle spasm, infection, pain, circulatory diseases, post trauma, burns and wounds, and neurologic disorders.
3. Neuromuscular Electrostimulation - stimulate muscles, which supports increase in muscle tone and mass in patients that cannot exercise.
4. Passive Range of Motion Exercises - therapist moves the joint to increase mobility, flexibility, comfort and to prevent muscle tone loss.
5. Heat Therapy - increases blood flow, decreases pain, reduces muscle spasm, and aids soft tissue elasticity.

 
Please call today at (215) 536-6245 to set up an appointment.  Should you have questions, 
Dr. Michelle Rupp would be happy to discuss your pet's condition and treatment options.