Physiotherapy is an important part of post operative care for patients who have undergone orthopaedic surgery. Physiotherapy is also indicated for acute neurological diseases, osteoarthritis, vestibular disease, soft tissue injuries and conditioning. Passive physiotherapy is the controlled stretching of muscles, tendons and ligaments to gradually increase the amount of movement in the affected limb. The joint is flexed and extended for a few minutes. Physiotherapy is used to maintain joint motion and patient comfort. Active physical therapy should begin during the first post operative week by helping the patient to stand. This increases muscle strength and tone. Swim therapy is also a useful form of physiotherapy. It is important to ensure that any surgical repair is stable prior to physiotherapy and that the patient’s condition is not worsening with rehabilitation.
REFERENCES: 1. Côte, E 2007, ‘Clinical veterinary advisor dogs and cats’, Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis, pp. 1300-1301. 2. Fossum, TW, Hedlund, CS, Johnson, AL, Schultz, KS, Seim, HB, Williard, MD, Bahr, A & Carroll, G 1997, ‘Small animal surgery’, Mosby Elsevier, St. Louis, pp.716.
