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Review
. 2020 Jan;49(1):22-32.
doi: 10.1111/vsu.13270. Epub 2019 Jul 4.

Fundamental principles of rehabilitation and musculoskeletal tissue healing

Kristin Kirkby Shaw  1 , Leilani Alvarez  2 , Sasha A Foster  3 , Julia E Tomlinson  4 , Aaron J Shaw  5 , Antonio Pozzi  6
Affiliations
Review

Fundamental principles of rehabilitation and musculoskeletal tissue healing

Kristin Kirkby Shaw et al. Vet Surg. 2020 Jan.

Erratum in

Abstract

Objective: To review fundamental principles of tissue healing and physical rehabilitation as they apply to dogs recovering from cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) surgery.

Study design: Invited Review.

Sample population: None.

Methods: A multidisciplinary group of specialists in small animal surgery, rehabilitation/sports medicine, and human physical and occupational therapy reviewed the currently available evidence for rehabilitation post-CCL surgery. Because current evidence is limited, this group proposes guidelines for rehabilitation after CCL surgery based on the fundamental principles of tissue healing and physical therapy.

Results: This Review proposes four fundamental principles of small animal physical rehabilitation based on the foundations of tissue healing and patient-centric and goal-oriented therapy. Postoperative rehabilitation programs should be designed such that patient progress is based on individual assessment according to the degree of tissue healing, strength, and achievement of functional goals. Therapists must fully understand phases of tissue healing, reassess the patient frequently, and use clinical reasoning skills to progress treatment appropriately for the individual patient.

Conclusion: Until more robust evidence is available to guide treatment protocols, fundamental principles of rehabilitation should ideally be adhered to when providing rehabilitation, including after CCL surgery.

Clinical significance: While this Review specifically addresses post-CCL surgery rehabilitation, these fundamental principles should be applied broadly to animals enrolled in rehabilitation programs.

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Conflict of interest statement

Kristin Kirkby Shaw and Sasha A. Foster are paid consultants for The Canine Rehabilitation Institute; however, no financial support was provided nor was any influence exerted by this organization. The authors declare no conflicts of interest related to this Review.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The initial cranial cruciate ligament injury and its surgical treatment result in physiologic changes affecting the musculoskeletal and nervous systems, both locally and peripherally. Therapists must design treatment plans that address the entire body
Figure 2
Figure 2
Goals of rehabilitation after cranial cruciate ligament surgery and techniques employed by rehabilitation therapists to achieve predetermined goals
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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