Sports & Regenerative Veterinary Medicine in Winter Haven, FL
At Veterinary Healthcare Associates, our team of experienced veterinarians and sports and regenerative medicine specialists are committed to improving the health and well-being of your beloved pets using advanced regenerative therapies. Regenerative medicine is a rapidly evolving field that utilizes the body's natural ability to heal and regenerate damaged tissue. We offer a wide range of services, including stem cell therapy, platelet-rich plasma therapy, acupuncture, and other innovative treatments that are all proven to enhance the healing process, provide pain relief, and improve outcomes for a variety of conditions.
Our sports and regenerative medicine department is overseen by one of only a handful of Canine/Feline Diplomates of The American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation (ACVSMR) in the entire state of Florida.
The Benefits of Regenerative Medicine for Dogs and Cats
Regenerative medicine is a great option for dogs and cats because it offers a non-surgical and minimally invasive approach to treating a variety of conditions. This can be particularly important for pets suffering from chronic pain or mobility issues, as it allows them to receive the care they need without surgery and lengthy recovery periods. Our regenerative medicine department in Winter Haven, FL encompasses a wide range of modalities, including sports medicine, Chinese medicine, and physical rehabilitation to provide a comprehensive and integrative approach to pet care.
Treated conditions may include, but are not limited to:
- Undiagnosed lameness
- Chronic lameness
- Injury prevention
- Physical rehab
- Conditioning
- Acute and chronic pain management
- Geriatric management
- Pre-/post-operative care
- Non-surgical management of lameness
Veterinary Sports Medicine
A common misconception regarding the sports medicine field is that it focuses only on treating and preventing injuries in dogs that are active in various sports and activities, such as agility, flyball, and hunting. It's important to recognize that every pet, regardless of their activity level, acts as an athlete in some way during their daily routine.
Whether your pet is running after a squirrel or jumping off a couch, every movement puts stress on their joints and can lead to wear and tear over time. This can ultimately lead to joint pain, inflammation, and other concerns that can limit mobility and decrease overall quality of life. By taking a proactive approach and utilizing the principles of sports medicine, we can help prevent injuries, manage chronic conditions, and improve overall mobility and function. At Veterinary Healthcare Associates in Winter Haven, FL, we believe every pet deserves to live their best life, and we are dedicated to providing the highest level of care to support their health and well-being at every life stage. These services include, but are not limited to:
- Diagnostic imaging (radiographs, ultrasound, CT scan, MRI)
- Lameness, sports-specific evaluations, and guided return to sport
- Individualized rehabilitation program development:
- Strengthening
- Restoring function
- Improving awareness of limbs, balance, and coordination (this therapy can be employed pre-operatively, post-operatively, or as a multimodal approach to medical management)
- Pain management
- Diagnostic and therapeutic joint and nerve blocks (local anesthesia)
- Athletic training and conditioning for sporting and working dogs
- Therapeutic epidural injections
- Platelet rich plasma (PRP)
- Stem cell therapy
- Extracorporeal shockwave therapy
- Osteoarthritis management
- Assistive device (prosthetics, orthotics, and custom mobility devices)
- Underwater treadmill therapy
- Electrical stimulation (NMES, E-STIM)
- LASER therapy
- Nutrition and supplementation management
- Weight loss, disease specific supplementation
- Weight management
- Therapeutic ultrasound
- Heat therapy and cryocompression
- Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)
- Acupuncture
Winter Haven, FL Physical Rehabilitation for Pets
Physical rehabilitation can help your companion recover from injury or surgery, reduce pain, and improve their mobility and overall quality of life so they can enjoy the activities they love for longer. Our team of experts are well-equipped with the knowledge and skills to determine appropriate treatment plans for pets needing rehabilitation.
Our comprehensive approach includes various therapies such as physical therapy, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercises tailored to the specific needs of each pet. We understand the importance of continuity in a pet's recovery journey and equip pet parents with essential information and techniques they can reinforce at home to support their pet's healing process. Our goal is to ensure that every pet in our care returns to an optimal level of function with minimal down time.
We offer a comprehensive range of rehabilitation services tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient and help them achieve optimal health.
Common disorders treated with rehabilitation therapy:
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cruciate ligament tears
- Intervertebral disc disease
- Calcaneal tendon rupture
- Degenerative myelopathy
- Other neurological impairments
- Osteoarthritis
- Sporting injuries of joints
Chinese Medicine for Dogs and Cats
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to pet care, which includes incorporating traditional Chinese medicine practices into our regenerative medicine treatments. Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years to promote healing and balance in the body, and we believe it can be a valuable tool when used in conjunction with regenerative therapies. By taking a holistic approach, we aim to address not only the physical symptoms, but also the underlying disease signs specific to your pet. Chinese medicine focuses on four main treatment modalities:
- Acupuncture
- Herbal medicine
- Food therapy
- Tui-na
Contact Veterinary Healthcare Associates today at (863) 324-3340 if you have any questions about our regenerative therapies or would like to schedule a consultation for your pet.
