Complete Physical Therapy with Aquatic Rehab & Cross-Training for Your Dog

CUTTING EDGE K9 REHAB

http://www.cuttingedgek9.com
Phone (619) 227-7802

We are onsite at Markim Pet Resort in the Carmel Valley/ Del Mar area
4393 Carmel Valley Road off the 56 freeway

Complete Physical Therapy with Aquatic Rehab & Cross-Training for Your Dog
Cutting Edge K9 Rehab Has Been Featured On Local And National News, Radio And A Number Of Local Papers And Magazine Articles.

Training With Trish

Trish Penick established one of Southern California's first K9 Rehab facilities in 1999 after completing additional coursework through the APTA in Animal Physical Therapy. Trish is considered one of the leading experts in deep water swimming Trish received her Physical Therapy degree at The Medical University of South Carolina in 1988. She began practicing in Florida and moved to San Diego in 1992. She opened two private practices specializing in sports medicine and orthopedics in Point Loma and downtown. Trish’s love of sports medicine has carried over into the K9 population. Competitive dogs (Agility/fly ball/obedience and racing ) represent a large number of the clients she works with, but the neurological patients (stroke/spinal cord injury, etc.) and elderly have proven to be a phenomenally rewarding population. She has built a successful K9 practice based on the same water rehab concepts as in her human practice. Trish receives referrals from vets throughout San Diego, L.A. and surrounding counties and believes the vet/PT relationship is the core of success for future development in this area of expertise.

Swimming is one of our strongest recommendations for most K9's. It is an ideal form of exercise for a number of reasons. Our rehab services offer assisted swimming in a warm water environment. We typically offer 30 minutes of swim sessions. The benefits are:
• Is non-weight-bearing (reducing stress on joints)
• Facilitates full use of the front and hind legs vs. partial use as seen with underwater
treadmills
• Dogs are often able to actively swim although unable to move their legs on land (due to
stroke/spinal injury)
• Allows manual techniques by therapist/ manual resistance to an affected limb
• Swimming in a controlled environment is the safest way for clients to exercise.
• Speeds recovery following injury/surgery
• Improves function and quality of life
• Works reciprocal muscle groups throughout the session (helps correct muscle imbalances)
• Reduces pain and inflammation
• Reduces canine obesity thus decreasing the risk of other health-related problems
• Increases strength, range of motion (ROM) and cardiovascular conditioning
• Prevents overheating through proper water temperature
• Increases tolerance for extended cardiovascular training
• Decreases recovery time
• Reduces post-exercise soreness
• Provides good cross training for the competitive, athletic dog

WHO ELSE CAN BENEFIT FROM SWIM THERAPY?

HEALTHY DOGS - Cross Training for the athlete (agility/fly ball/ show dogs, etc) We just want to swim!!!
OVERWEIGHT DOGS - Being over weight greatly reduces the lifespan of your canine companion.
ARTHRITIC/SENIOR CITIZEN DOGS- water aerobics to keep things moving!
POST-OP: ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY DOGS - knee, hip and elbow surgery.
NEUROLOGICALLY IMPAIRED DOGS - disc herniation and stroke, nerve damage due to traumatic injury, spinal surgery.

ADDITIONAL SERVICES OFFERED

Underwater Treadmill

We find the underwater treadmill very helpful in regulating the pace of a dogs gait. Many dogs do not want to slow down once they get their momentum going ("Let's run!!! ). Running is much easier than walking for them; they do not challenge their balance and coordination systems nearly as much as when walking. The smaller breeds do EVERYTHING fast; the treadmill forces them to slow down We often do 15 minutes with the treadmill followed by 15 minutes of swim time to achieve optimal results in each session. The benefits are:
• Variable speed
• Water height is regulated to accommodate the individual needs of each dog (partial weight-
bearing to full weight-bearing)
• Works the dog's muscles in a functional closed chain exercise manner
• Great conditioning/cross training

Our "Stay Fit-Stay Healthy" program "Training with Trish--Personal Training for dogs" includes diet and nutritional counseling, weight management, cross training for sports, show and working dogs; instruction in massage, stretching and home exercise programs. These services are also incorporated in our rehab programs. The program details are:
• Introduction to the Water
• Pool Safety Training
• Swimming Lessons for all Ages
• High Level Cardio Workout Plans
• Nutritional Counseling

Modalities - Electric Stimulation & Ultrasound
Modalities such as Electric Stim can be used for pain reduction/muscle re-education/healing. An active muscle contraction can be activated which stimulates the neurological pathway to give the brain feedback that a paralyzed or weak muscle is still there ready to do its job. Micro- stim promotes and accelerates the healing process for muscles, tendons and bone. Ultrasound is a form of deep heat that promotes healing of the tissue while breaking down scar tissue.

Massage Therapy
Massage or Relaxation therapy can be done superficially and lightly or deeply. Superficially, It is used for general increased circulation and feeling of well-being. Deep tissue massage is used for muscle imbalances, mainly in dogs that are weak in one or more legs. These dogs will compensate and overuse the legs/muscles that are carrying the load. Deep tissue massage actually gets into the muscle and releases the tension or spasm. All massage increases circulation, decreases muscle stiffness, decreases stress and restores balance of different muscle groups. Combining massage with stretching is most beneficial and we can teach these techniques to the dog owner.

Home Exercise Programs
We offer one-on-one home programs for the dog's specific needs such as stretching, massage and specific exercises.
Carts/Splints

We offer measuring and fitting of the carts/splints and training techniques to help your dog adapt.