Physical Therapy in Voorhees

Manual techniques refer to massage, passive range of motion exercises, stretches and joint mobilization.

Massage therapy can help relax muscles, improve blood circulation, relieve pain, and enhance the body's natural healing process.

Range of motion exercises help to maintain and restore joint flexibility and encourage relaxation. They promote proper joint function and prevent stiffness or limitations in movement — symptoms that often occur with conditions such as osteoarthritis. 

Depending on your pet's condition, stretching can help improve flexibility, reduce risk of injuries, and help correct postural issues. Finally, joint mobilization targets specific joints to increase range of motion, reduce pain and restore optimal joint function. 

Targeted therapeutic physical exercise is a critical component of any comprehensive physical therapy program. 

Many exercises are suitable for various conditions and offer many benefits for your pet. By introducing targeted and controlled physical exercises, we can:

• Decrease pain 
• Improve flexibility and range of motion
• Reduce obesity 
• Improve balance
• Increase circulation 
• Increase stamina and endurance 
• Prevent or reverse osteoporosis
• Strengthen the muscles in and around the hip joint
• Slow the progression of degenerative joint disease 

Therapeutic physical exercise is the cornerstone of any great physical rehabilitation program.

Drug-free, non-invasive cold (low-level) laser therapy is often used to help increase the quality, speed and tensile strength of tissue repair.

Cold laser therapy sessions can also help reduce pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, tendon injuries, musculoskeletal disorders, soft tissue injuries, wounds and other conditions. 

During a Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy session, electromagnetic fields are used to deliver pulsed energy to tissues throughout the body.

This type of therapy is designed to decrease pain and inflammation associated with arthritis. It can also increase the rate of tissue repair and regeneration, and improve healing after disc herniations. 

PEMF Therapy has also been approved by the Food and Drug Administration to heal bone fractures.

Transcutaneous electrical stimulation (TENS) is a non-invasive, drug-free approach that is particularly beneficial for animals experiencing acute pain after surgery, or chronic pain that requires a multimodal treatment approach. 

During a TENS session, electrodes are placed on the skin to deliver low-level electrical currents, which help alleviate pain. This type of therapy helps block pain signals and stimulates the release of endorphins, the body's natural painkillers. 

Animals with neurological diseases, including intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), spinal stroke, degenerative myleopathy (DM), and other conditions can benefit from Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES). 

Electrical currents stimulate the nerves and muscles, helping to improve motor function and reduce the impact of neurological impairments. 

NMES activates weakened or paralyzed muscles, and stimulates nerves that fortify these muscles. This type of therapy can help your pet maintain muscle mass, prevent muscle atrophy, and improve muscle strength and endurance.

Long-term, this can lead to improved mobility and enhanced motor control both of which can help your pet move more independently and enjoy a greater quality of life.

Therapeutic ultrasound can improve your pet's mobility and promote soft tissue health. It reduces scar tissue and enhances repair to bone structure by providing thermal and non-thermal mechanical stimulation.

This promotes healing of tissue (muscles, tendons, joint capsules, ligaments) and bones.

During the ultrasound, a pulsed or continuous sound wave is applied using varied heads to determine the depth of sound wave penetration. Depending on the tissue and condition, the intensity of the treatment may also be adjusted.

Several conditions respond well to this treatment, including:

• Ligament sprains
• Muscle strains
• Chronic synovitis
• Fracture healing
• Calcified tendons
• Tendonitis 
• Muscle contracture
• Spasms

Prosthetics are artificial limbs designed to replace missing or amputated limbs. They can help pets regain their mobility and lead active lives. 

Custom orthotic or prosthetic devices can help treat many conditions, including CCL/ACL tears, carpal hyperextension injuries and achilles injuries. 

Personalized solutions can be created for each animal to ensure proper function, fit and comfort. 

Pets suffering from arthritis or those who are recovering from surgery or experiencing hind limb weakness may benefit from assistive devices, which can help them regain function and independence. 

Depending on your pet's needs, Dr. Kirsch may recommend toe grips for traction, booties, carpal wraps, tarsal wraps, help em up harnesses, or toe ups (for knuckling). 

Custom carts or wheelchairs can help support animals with paralysis or mobility issues. These devices can allow your pet to move independently and get the exercise their body needs. 

They may be used to help pets recover from injuries like intervertebral disc disease. Some pets also use a cart or wheelchair long-term for chronic mobility issues. 

Dr. Kirsch can guide you through the process of measuring, ordering and fitting your pet for a custom cart or wheelchair. She can also help teach your pet how to safely move in their new cart or wheelchair.

A breakdown of the fascia (connective tissue surrounding the bones, muscles, nerves, organs and blood vessels in your pet's body) can happen as a result of inflammation, posture or trauma. This can create abnormal pressure on these areas.

While "myo" refers to muscle, "release" is known as the easing of restrictions. By using a gentlem non-invasive technique called myofascial release, we can ease and alleviate pain within your pet's body.

We do not provide veterinary care. Dr. Kirsch is a physical therapist and is certified to treat animals. 

She is specially trained to identify areas of concern that may impact your pet's ability to function and move, including weakness, muscle tightness, or lack of range of motion. 

Dr. Kirsch works closely with veterinarians to ensure your pet can safely participate in physical therapy and that they will receive the compassionate care they require. 

Physical therapy can play an essential role in your pet's recovery, whether they have undergone surgery, sustained trauma or injury, are experiencing chronic pain, or are impacted by a neurological condition or other circumstance. 

Dr. Erica Kirsch can design an individualized physical therapy program to focus on managing your pet's pain and prioritizing their overall health. Goals of this program may include building your pet's balance and coordination, increasing endurance and improving stamina. 

These all help support healing, with the goal of ensuring your pet feels their best and that the two of you get to spend many more years together. 

Dr. Kirsch can develop individualized physical therapy programs for cats and dogs, along with other small pets such as rabbits. Dr. Kirsch can find creative ways to work with their unique needs. 

An initial appointment typically takes 1.5 hours. Dr. Kirsch will review your pet's medical history before your appointment. During your visit, she'll discuss your pet's mobility, history and your concerns with you. 

She will then conduct a complete musculoskeletal, soft tissue and neurological exam to identify areas of concern. Finally, she'll review the findings of her exam with you and create an individualized plan for your pet. Treatments are started on consult day and may include a variety of modalities depending on your pet's specific needs. Followup sessions will then be scheduled. 

Physical therapy sessions typically last one hour and include all treatments your pet may need. These treatments may involve modalities, exercise, or hands-on treatments. 

During these one-on-one appointments, Dr. Kirsch will assess your pet's progress and adjust treatment plans as required. The focus for each appointment may change as your pet's condition heals and they progress through treatment. 

While managing pain is the first priority, Dr. Kirsch will aim to help your pet get back to exercising and increasing their range of movement. 

The answer to this question will vary depending on the type of surgery performed. As long as your veterinarian provides consent, physical therapy can begin as soon as three days after surgery. 

In the first few sections, our goal will be to manage pain, reduce swelling, and begin gentle range of motion, weight bearing and stretches as appropriate. 

Dr. Kirsch will work closely with your veterinarian to determine which treatments are suitable for your pet. 

Dr. Erica Kirsch can conduct a comprehensive exam and consult with your pet's veterinarian to determine the answer to this question. 

She will be able to identify your pet's unique therapeutic requirements, including the duration of their individualized treatment program.

Physical therapy can be used to help your pet recover from surgery and treat a variety of conditions they may have, including:

• Osteoarthritis
• Spinal injuries
• Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Soft tissue injuries
• Chronic pain
• Obesity  

To book a physical therapy appointment for your pet, please contact us.