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

Week 2 - Improving ROM

Our goals for week 2 included improving ROM and encouraging better use of the affected front limb

So our modalities this week have been:

• LASER
• PROM
• Treadmill walking
• Active forelimb targeting

LASER initiates photochemical reactions at a cellular level . It  has a stimulating effect on cells and tissue Leading to an increase of:

• Antibodies
• Specific enzymes
• ATP formation
• Lymph drainage

Which collectively optimise the healing process.

PROM involves moving the limb in a controlled and pain free manner. At this stage we were able to go to mid range of Jaidi's natural range on movements further mobilizing the soft tissue.

We have been slowly increasing the treadmill speed to encourage controlled and even limb use. We finished week 1 at 0.9 kph for 2 mins, then 0.5 mins rest with a further 0.9 kph for 3 mins. Each day I added 0.1 kph to the speed by the end of week 2 we were up to 1.5  kph.


Finally we introduced pods placing them to his right side and encouraging Jaidi to find the pod with his right forelimb, therefore stimulating his proprioception and building foundation for the next strengthening stage.

Bicipital tenosynovitis - Week 1 rehabilitation

So the first week post operation is completed and pleased to say that the patient (Jaidi) is doing well.

Even after the first day post surgery, rehabilitation can begin. In fact an early and tailored program will give the best chance of an optimal recovery. Why is this?  Post-operative physiotherapy has the following aims and benefits:

1. To promote healing - minimize scar tissue after and retrain muscles
2. Regain mobility - having a program which progresses treatment to help prevent re-injury or delay recovery time
3. Optimising recovery - rehabilitation helps the body recover in a more optimal way than if left to its own devices
4. Active rehabilitation - To take an active role in the dogs recovery and offer mental stimulation

Our first goals post-op (for this condition) are to reduce pain / swelling, aid joint mobility and encourage controlled limb usage.

So our modalities this week have been:

• Cryotherapy (i.e. ice packs)
• PEMF (Pulse mag)
• PROM
• Treadmill walking

 The first 2 work in a similar way, by restricting blood flow to the area, they reduce swelling and pain. PEMF offers much deeper penetration into the muscle joints, whereas ice works at a relatively superficial level (so is more targeted at the surface operational wound).

PROM involves moving the limb in a controlled and pain free manner using grade 1 movements, so within his early natural range of movement. This will also help alleviate pain as well as mobilizations the soft tissue.

Finally using the treadmill is a good method to encourage controlled and even limb use. We started at 0.4 kph for 2 mins, then 0.5 mins rest with a further 0.4 kph for 2 mins. Each day I added 0.1 kph to the speed. So today we are up to 0.9 kph. Jaidi, who is an experienced treadmill dog, now considers this 'too slow' and you can see him wanting the belt to turn faster! However the aim here is to make sure he uses each limb, so slow is better for the time being.