Week 3 - moving to strengthening

Our goals for week 3 were to encourage independent limb use, so Jaidi can begin the strengthening process

So our modalities this week have been:

• Stretching
• Massage
• PEMF*
• Treadmill walking
• Inducing isometric muscle contractions

As we move from ROM manipulations to stretching of the limb, I incorporate PEMF and massage pre-stretching to improve blood flow by vasodilation this increasing circulation, oxygenation and removing toxins.

The action of stretching helps in rehabilitation by:

• Improving ROM
• Reduce tightness in tendons
• Improve flexibility by increasing the number of sarcomeres and giving sensory feedback

Our treadmill walking is now up to 1.8 kph for 5 mins without any rest periods. As Jaidi's normal walking speed on the treadmill is 2.5 kph, he is more comfortable now and wagging his tail. I will share some video of the tail wagging next week!




We carried on with the paw pod proprioception and also introduced some isometric strengthening using a 4" x 2" plank which means that Jaidi has to stand with his paws adducted, inducing isometric contractions in the shoulder stabilizers.

*PEMF modes of action

• Promote sodium / potassium exchange, which reduces pain
• Electroporation - Better fluid transfer aiding dissolution of toxins
• Wound healing increases by 30%
• Atomic excitement/electron spin to increase and store energy
• Promoting alignment of molecules making combine easier
• pH becomes more alkaline, facilitating better oxygen uptake
• Viscosity shift - allows liquids to flow into cell gates
• Red blood cells separate allowing better transport of oxygen
• Relaxes the vascular system