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.

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Signs & Symptoms

Stroke or Traumatic Brain Injury

Depending on the type and location of damage to the brain, your pet may present with:

Seizures or tremors
Asymmetry of facial features
Abnormal walking pattern - Falling over/walking towards one side/incoordination of limbs
Increased muscle tone in their limbs

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Manual Therapy

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.

Therapeutic Exercise

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.

Dry Needling

Dry needling with the use of electrical stimulation will help with releasing trigger points as well as activation of muscles which are weakened due to nerve damage.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy helps with pain modulation and reducing inflammation in the affected structures.

Learn more about these physiotherapy services here!