Physiotherapy and Massage

Question 1

what is involved in physiotherapy?

Answer 1

assessment of musculoskeletal or neurological function
treatment can be curative or preventative
- movement therapy
- massage
- other techniques such as hydro

Question 2

purpose of massage?

Answer 2

increase circulation
decrease swelling
increase or maintain ROM
reduce adhesions
increase scar mobility
decrease pain
decrease muscle spasm
facilitate or inhibit neuromuscular activity

Question 3

types of massage techniques?

Answer 3

effleurage
- long strokes with gentle pressure using palms
- can be used on all parts of body
- good to warm up skin and relax patient

petrissage
- pinch/kneading/squeezing specific muscles
- use on areas of lose muscle only - care over back

coupage
- repeated striking of thorax with cupped hands
- loosens secretions within lungs

tapotement
- tapping using fingertips or ulna surface of hands
- lightly over bony prominences, abdomen, kidney or fragile tissue

cross-fiction massage
- circular motions with fingertips gradually increasing pressure
- good after petrissage

Question 4

why is ROM important?

what are the different types?

Answer 4

ROM facilitates the restoration or maintenance of normal movement
- if compromised it will cause compensation and increase movement in another area

PROM = passive range of motion
- moving a joint through its ROM with force applied

AROM = active range of motion
- moving a joint through its ROM without resistance

Question 5

how to perform range of motion exercises?

Answer 5

do not apply too much pressure over a joint

wait for animal to be relaxed
- stressed = decrease ROM

work limb through full PROM
- isolate certain joints if necessary

perform equal repetitions on each limb
- normally 10