Laurie's Blogs.

I came across the following Pre-Print paper, because it had cited one of my previously written papers.

Caramico M & De Dominicus S.  Advancing Physiatric Care: A Comprehensive Case Study on Laser Therapy and Hydrotherapy Integration Post-Femoral head and Neck Resection.  Preprints 2024, 2024071702. doi: 10.20944/preprints202407.1702.v1.

Here's what’s to be learned from this paper:

INTRODUCTION

Coxofemoral dysplasia (CFD) is a common orthopedic condition in dogs characterized by joint misalignment, leading to osteoarthritis and pain due to genetic and environmental factors. Although dogs are born with normal hip joints, developmental imbalances between skeletal and muscular growth can alter joint structures, causing pain and dysfunction. Clinical signs of CFD include lameness, stiff gait, and muscle atrophy, which are diagnosed through medical history, clinical evaluation, and imaging. Traditional treatments focus on pain relief but do not address underlying muscular conditions, highlighting the need for physiotherapy.

Physiotherapy, combined with nutraceuticals, offers a comprehensive approach by addressing the muscular, tendinous, and ligamentous changes associated with CFD. Effective treatment strategies may include manual therapy, balance exercises, targeted therapeutic exercises, aquatic treadmill therapy, and laser therapy. Understanding the complex etiology and clinical manifestations of CFD is essential for tailoring treatment to improve the dog's quality of life.

MATERIALS & METHODS

The treatment plan included 20 physiotherapy sessions over two months, focusing on pain and osteoarthritis management using the laser, aquatic treadmill exercises, balance and proprioception exercises, therapeutic exercises, and core strengthening. Medication for pain control and joint support supplementations were prescribed. 

Rehabilitation involved tecar therapy, super-pulsed laser therapy, and hydrotherapy. Sessions were conducted twice weekly for two months, then once weekly for the final two weeks. Laser therapy targeted thoracolumbar pain, surgical site pain, and pectineus muscle contracture, while hydrotherapy levels were gradually adjusted to enhance joint mobility. Noticeable improvements in muscle contracture and joint pressure were seen after the fourth session. The physiotherapy aimed to restore muscle mass, improve joint range of motion, and achieve pain control. Joint supplementation was continued indefinitely for ongoing management of degenerative joint disease.

RESULTS

The patient showed significant improvement following post-surgery physiotherapy, with no signs of pain and easier movement. Muscle mass increased, and radiographs indicated no development of osteoarthritis. Thigh measurements also improved: 30 cm (right) and 31 cm (left). 

CONCLUSION

Hydrotherapy and laser therapy are effective in addressing muscle contractures, enhancing joint movement, and improving strength, ultimately improving the dog's quality of life. These therapies are safe, with minimal risk or contraindications. Further studies are needed to explore the benefits of these therapies in cases of hip dysplasia, both with and without surgical intervention.

THOUGHTS

Well, it’s another paper that highlights benefits of post-operative rehab, and we still need more of those.  I have a question… Why the joint supplements?  Other than, the other joints will benefit, so, yes, I answered my own question.  My next question is what is Tecar Therapy?

It looks like I am going to have to do another blog to find that out for myself!

Until next time…

Cheers!  Laurie