Sport Specific Rehabilitation

Question 1

examples of AROM exercises?
What are their benefits?

Answer 1

poles and cones
- walk in and out of poles
- loads limbs on both sides
- strengthens both abductors and adductors

sit to stand
- square sit and then stand
- strengthens extensor muscles
- improves hindlimb ROM

cavaletti poles
- steps over raised poles
- improves proprioception - focus on lifting and placing
- active flexion and extension - improves ROM

proprioception enhancing
- weight shifted side to side and back to front
- using wobble cushions/boards and exercise balls
- strengthens core and muscles

Question 2

what are the benefits of loose lead trotting?
what needs to be considered?

Answer 2

improves endurance/CV fitness
allows you to focus on gait - keep upright strengthens core muscles
useful prior to off-lead exercises

consider:
- lead must be loose to keep head in natural position - no pulling on lead
- must start on even surface so do not have to reposition foot placement
- owner must be physically fit/willing to run
- start short bursts of 1min and build up to 20mins
- always walk first to warm up before trotting

Question 3

what are training aids?
examples?

Answer 3

aids which allow better control of the animal during rehabilitation

examples:
- lead and collar
- harnesses - make sure don’t impede thoracic limb
- head collars - encourage upright gait and discourage pulling on collar/harness

Question 4

what are active stretches?
benefits?
examples?

Answer 4

using food to encourage stretches of the neck/spine to improve flexibility and enhance ROM of vertebrae

example - canine cookie stretches
- use food to move the neck through extension, flexion and lateral movements
- make sure position securely so cant move limbs