Brain or Spine Injuries
Brain or spine (neurological) injuries are injuries sustained to the brain or spinal cord of your pet. Common conditions include intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), traumatic brain injury and stroke. It is important to commence rehabilitation as soon as your vet has given the green light due to the occurrence of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity is typically enhanced in the first three to six months post-injury.
Signs & Symptoms
Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury
Depending on the type and location of damage to the brain, your pet may present with:
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Seizures or tremors
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Asymmetry of facial features
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Abnormal walking pattern - Falling over/walking towards one side/incoordination of limbs
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Increased muscle tone in their limbs
Client Feature
How Can Physiotherapy Help?
Soft tissue releases, joint mobilisations and mulligan with movement techniques will help preserve and maximise your pet's muscle and joint mobility as their neural structures heal.
Land-based exercises like weight-shifting and gait patterning helps improve non-use of limbs. Strengthening and stability exercises will help your pet regain the strength required for daily activities.
Laser therapy helps with pain modulation and reducing inflammation in the affected structures.