The medical definition of arthritis is: the inflammation of a joint. This is a very common problem in pets and people. Inflammation in the joints usually results from damage to the cartilage that covers ends the bones in a joint. This inflammation then generates the signs of pain, swelling, and a decreased range of joint motion. Other tissues outside the joint can also suffer the from the effects of arthritis. Muscles, tendons and ligaments start to weaken as the limb is used less. As these structures weaken the joint becomes more unstable and further cartilage damage occurs.

At Healing Touch we can ameliorate the signs of arthritis and reduce or reverse some of its side effects. Through the use of modalities such as massage, application of heat or cold, stretching, joint mobilization and electrical stimulation we can reduce the pain and improve joint motion. By exercising your pet in a low impact environment such as the underwater treadmill or the heated indoor swimming pool we are able to improve muscle strength and stabilize tendons and ligaments around the joint while minimizing the ware on the cartilage. For pets with arthritis in multiple joints, which is typical in many of our geriatric patients, we have a whirlpool with electrical stimulation that allows us to reduce pain, improve circulation and sooth muscle spasms over the entire body prior to exercise.