Canine Sports Medicine & Physical Rehabilitation
The Sports Medicine and Physical Rehabilitation service provides a full range of services to support post-operative recovery, manage pain, and enhance strength in canine and feline patients with medical or sports-related injuries.
In this section
Hours & Appointment Scheduling
Monday - Thursday, 8:00am - 5:30pm
Please call (614) 292-3274 or email OSUVet.Rehab_SportsMed@osu.edu
What is Physical Rehabilitation?
Physical rehabilitation focuses on restoring physical function, such as the ability to walk in a previously paralyzed patient. Physical rehabilitation involves numerous techniques including therapeutic laser, acupuncture, manual therapy, and hydrotherapy. It also promotes a more rapid recovery in patients suffering from neurologic or orthopedic conditions, helping to aid in their return to normal function.
Common Conditions
Veterinary patients benefiting from rehabilitation often include experiencing the following conditions:
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Preoperative orthopedic surgical patients, e.g. cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) rupture, hip dysplasia, medial patella luxation
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Postoperative orthopedic surgical patients, e.g. CCL repair, femoral head ostectomy, fracture repair
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Orthopedic medical patients, e.g. osteoarthritis
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Postoperative neurological patients, e.g. hemilaminectomy, ventral slot surgery
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Neurologic medical patients, e.g. degenerative myelopathy, intervertebral disc disease, fibrocartilaginous embolism
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Overweight patients
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Geriatric patients
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Agility, performance, and working dogs
Service Highlights
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Underwater treadmill
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Low-level laser therapy
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Acupuncture
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Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT)
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Electrical stimulation
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Intra-articular injections
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Massage therapy
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Strengthening exercises
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Balance and coordination training
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Gait training
Benefits of Rehabilitation
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Reduce pain
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Promote the healing process
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Restore and maintain joint range of motion
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Build muscle mass during recovery from injury or surgery
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Allow safe and controlled activity during the recovery period
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Increase cardiovascular fitness
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Combat obesity, in association with diet modifications
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Improve overall quality of life
What to Expect
After initial evaluation, a customized therapy plan is developed to address the particular challenges of the patient. We will discuss management options with you and determine a schedule of visits on an outpatient basis. Owners will also be provided a home exercise plan of simple strength and coordination exercises specifically tailored to their pet, as well as diet and supplement recommendations.
"Dr. Elgin and the Sports Medicine/Rehab team are so kind and courteous, they have worked with me for the past several months as my dog had first one partial ruptured cruciate ligament (suspected) and then the other, her recovery has felt like one step forward and two steps back, but they have been supportive and helpful throughout the process. My dog was initially very anxious to come to the hospital but now she loves seeing the Rehab service. They have also worked with me to provide needed documentation to my insurance service and always had great positive attitudes."
"The whole staff in the rehab area are wonderful and my dog loves going. He greets them like family!"
"Everyone on the rehab team -- Dr. Elgin, Kelly, and Amanda are all top notch. Very professional, extremely responsive, and knowledgeable."
"Cody (my dog) is in PT for a neurological disorder in his spine. It's been a very stressful experience, but your doctors and tech staff have been wonderful. They all made a very difficult experience something that wasn't too bad. I'd also like to say that Dr. Elgin and Dr. Caroline Buckley (Neuro) always work together to provide Cody the best care and me the best information."
"Kelly Andrews and Amanda Burkhart are absolutely amazing. Zeke is a cautious dog and it takes a bit to warm up to new doctors and staff, but he's obsessed with going to therapy because of these two!"
"They are excellent with her rehab treatment. They are always friendly and caring. They give me the guidance and instructions that I need to follow clearly and in a helpful manor. They also help me get her back into the car which I really appreciate."
Care Team
Mary Elgin
Kelly Andrews
Amanda Burkhart
Clinical Trials
The Canine Sports Medicine & Physical Rehabilitation service is often recruiting patients for related studies for which your animal may be eligible. If you have any questions regarding your animal's eligibility, please contact the Blue Buffalo Clinical Trials Office (cvm-clinicaltrials@osu.edu).
For a listing of current trials please click here.