Rehabilitation is the application of physical or hands-on techniques to animals, which helps achieve a faster return to full function; improving strength, flexibility, and pain control. We use many treatments such as manual therapy (using the hands to work on the body), acupuncture, extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ECSWT), hydrotherapy, and exercises to overcome injury and disability. The purpose of rehabilitation is to manage chronic pain so your pet can function better. Rehab also address the problems that result from damage to the muscles, nerves, and bones after trauma.

• Quicker, better healing from surgery
• Increase strength and mobility
• Minimal pain and discomfort
• Weight loss and improved body condition
• Improved healing from nerve damage
• Reduce arthritic stiffness, inflammation, and pain
• Improve balance and coordination
• Faster, more complete recovery from injuries
• Manage continence and chronic wounds
• Reduce unhealthy scar tissue
• Resolve pain-related movement inhibition
• Involve owner in pet's recovery plan

• Osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease
• Neurological problems (Lumbosacral Diseases, Spinal Trauma, peripheral neuropathies, degenerative myelopathy, disc disease, rural or meningitis cysts, post-op brain surgery, encephalitis/meningitis and geriatric vestibular disease)
• Orthopedic Trauma or corrective surgery (TPO, TPLO, FHO/FHNE, Total Hip Replacement , elbow or hip dysplasia, fractures, etc.)
• Severe or Chronic Soft Tissue Injuries (ligaments, tendons, muscles, scars)
• Compensatory Injuries following surgery, illness, injury or developmental abnormalities
• Obesity and Fitness Issues
• Reconditioning after illness or injury, chemotherapy or diabetes
• Reduced Mobility
• Pain and Inflammation
• Poor nerve reflexes or sensory responses
• Loss of balance, agility, and coordination
• Loss of strength, endurance, and muscle mass
• Disuse atrophy or reflex inhibition due to long-standing pain
• Soft tissue trauma such as strains or sprains, including recurrent injuries
• Post-surgical healing
• Incontinence
• Wounds

The first priority is to control pain and facilitate movement. Then we address the amount and quality of scar tissue affecting movement. Next is to redevelop muscle coordination and strength. Finally, we rebuild endurance and the ability to return to full activity safely.

Rehab therapists apply physical therapy methods derived from the human field in order to address physical restrictions resulting from pain, injury, overuse, disuse, and neurological deficits. Because every animal is unique, each pet is treated to a neuro-musculoskeletal assessment at Back on Track before our staff formulates a care plan. Each plan covers the expectations and key milestones of recovery and maintenance, so your pet's progress is tracked. After an individualized, comprehensive care plan has been designed, our therapists implement it using appropriate treatment methods.

At Back on Track, we have a variety of tools and methods to apply physical therapy to your pet.

We provide a variety of therapy treatment options, including hydrotherapy, underwater treadmill, LASER, shockwave (ECSWT), TENS, heat/cold treatments, acupuncture, massage, manual manipulation, and pulsed electromagnetic therapies. We reinforce these treatments with the use of individualized exercise plans to take home.

In special cases, we can advise on, order or develop custom splints, wraps, and bands. We can also advice on, fit, rent, or order pet wheelchairs (carts). In accordance with our holistic philosophy, we also frequently incorporate nutritional therapy and supplements into the treatment regimen.

Some pets tolerate one method over another. Some need frequent in-clinic therapy. Some pets may benefit from owner provided home care. Many therapy tools are inexpensive and easily applied (i.e. heat, ice, massage), which allows you to take an active role in the treatment and rehabilitation of your pet in a safe and effective manor.

We’re so excited to welcome you and your pet to our center to get them the help they need!

The first step is to visit our initial evaluations page and fill out a new patient form. After you submit that form, one of our staff members will reach out to get you on our schedule for an initial visit with Dr. Shaw.

Please be aware that Dr. Shaw could be booking out 4-5 months out for new patients. We do our best to use a triage system to ensure pets in an emergency situation can see Dr. Shaw ASAP. If you believe your pet is in pain, your pet has become immobile, or any other severe conditions, please be sure to notate that in the form.

Nope. All animals treated here at our clinic need to be seen by our vet prior to any treatments provided. This ensures that our staff will give your pet the most effective, high-quality, and personalized care they can.

Since each animal’s rehab plan is unique to them, estimates for total cost can be difficult to pinpoint. There are many factors that could add to the total, including prescriptions, supplements, assistive devices, and, of course, treatments.

Some common treatment plans include weekly treatments (laser, underwater treadmill, shockwave, etc.) with monthly vet check-in appointments for the first “phase”. Other treatment plans may call for only longer vet appointments on a recurring basis (i.e. every 4-6 weeks) or weekly drop-offs for full day treatments.

Our staff will be happy to send you a copy of our pricing structure upon request for a general idea of treatment costs.

We do our best to ensure that pets that need our help are able to get it, regardless of their parent’s financial situation. If you are in need of financial assistance, please reach out to us.

Most of the time, yes! Many of our client have pet insurance and get their pet’s treatments with us covered.

We recommend contacting your insurance company prior to your initial appointment to check your coverage options for things like rehabilitative therapy, hydrotherapy, physical therapy, acupuncture, massage, manual manipulation/therapy.

Not at this time.

In consideration of Covid concerns, we are only allowing a single owner into appointments with Dr. Shaw.

Owners are not permitted back during treatments like underwater treadmill, laser therapy, TENS therapy, etc. Our staff will be more than happy to talk you through exactly will be happening back in the treatment rooms and even grab a quick picture or video of your pet during their visit!