Palmetto Veterinary Rehabilitation LLC
Courtney Holscher
DVM, CCRT, CVA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Veterinary Rehabilitation?
Veterinary rehabilitation is a specialized field of veterinary medicine focused on helping animals recover from injury, surgery, or manage chronic conditions through physical modalities and other non-invasive techniques. It is similar to physical therapy in humans, but adapted for dogs and cats. Physical rehabilitation can help to increase function and mobility, reduce pain, enhance recovery, and improve quality of life. Rehabilitation can be used in conjunction with surgery and medication to help improve quality of life.
What is Veterinary Acupuncture?
Veterinary acupuncture is a form of complementary medicine for animals that involves inserting very thin, sterile needles into specific points on the body, known as acupoints, to help promote healing and alleviate pain or illness. It’s based on principles from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Acupuncture can be used with needles alone, B12 injections (aquapuncture), or needles can be connected to low level electrical stimulation (electroacupuncture). Most dogs tolerate acupuncture therapy well as the needles are very small, but if the dog will not allow needle placement, laser therapy can be performed over acupoints (laser acupuncture).
What is Laser and PEMF Therapy?
Veterinary laser therapy (also called photobiomodulation therapy) is a non-invasive treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cells, promote healing, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain in animals. A handheld laser device is placed over the affected area to deliver light energy into the tissues. The laser emits low-level (cold) laser light that penetrates the skin without cutting or burning. The light energy is absorbed by cells, particularly in damaged or inflamed tissues. This therapy is non-painful and is typically very well tolerated by dogs.
PEMF stands for Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy. It’s a non-invasive treatment that uses low-frequency electromagnetic waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation in animals. The therapy involves placing a loop or pad that emits pulsed electromagnetic fields around or under the animal’s body, targeting tissues at a cellular level.
What can I do to prepare for my dog's first appointment?
I want all patients to be as comfortable as possible during evaluation and treatment to keep stress levels low and help obtain the best outcome! To help facilitate this, please clear at least a 4ft by 4ft area in a non-slip area of the home where your dog is comfortable as the exam will be performed on the floor. If there is a safe area outdoors and the weather is nice, the exam can be performed outdoors. If your dog normally takes pain medication or other daily medications, please give on schedule as normal. If your dog typically takes calming medications prior to vet visits such as Trazodone or Gabapentin, please give this 1.5-2 hours prior to the appointment. Treats will be plentiful during evaluations and treatments to help your dog enjoy the process as much as possible. I typically bring single ingredient beef lung treats and peanut butter on a lickimat. If your dog has allergies/food sensitivities, please let me know and have treats that they can have available.