Progressive muscle weakness (atrophy) can be a part of the normal ageing process or it may be associated with a plethora of disease processes. The most profound muscle weakness occurs when the nerves that control the muscles are damaged. Disuse atrophy occurs when muscles are not used normally because of pain, injuries, surgery or arthritis. Debilitating diseases may cause muscle weakness form disuse atrophy or as the result of disrupted metabolism and the subsequent breakdown of muscle protein. The first step in reversing muscle weakness is to treat the underlying disease process, then a proper exercise program can be started to rebuild muscle strength. 

Starting an exercise program must be done carefully because other supportive tissues such as tendons and ligaments have probably weakened along with the muscles. This leaves them more susceptible to injury along with the joints that they protect. Healing Touch can assess your pet's needs and formulate a program that will allow them to recover their muscle strength without causing them any injury. We have the equipment necessary to maximize the effectiveness of a workout while minimizing the stress on delicate tissues. The underwater treadmill and heated indoor swimming pool are two of our tools particularly suited to this goal.   We also have the experience and training necessary to monitor your pet's level of fatigue to ensure that the cardiovascular and respiratory systems are not overtaxed.