Our Services
Therapist Assisted Rehabilitation
Welcome to Peak Performance Canine Rehab and Agility, where we understand that our four-legged family members deserve the same level of care and attention as we do. Just as humans turn to physical therapy for relief from pain and discomfort, our canine patients can benefit greatly from rehabilitation therapy. Our mission is clear: to enhance the quality of life for our companion and performance dogs.
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Our holistic approach centers on boosting strength, improving gait, and managing pain using a combination of manual therapies, therapeutic exercises, cold laser treatments, and aquatic therapy. While many of our patients seek our expertise following surgery, we also excel in fortifying those for whom surgery isn't the solution.
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Our services extend a helping paw to geriatric dogs with diminished muscle strength and overweight pups in need of fitness and weight management. We tackle an array of orthopedic conditions, including Arthritis, Tendinopathies, Cruciate Ligament Tears, and more. For our neurologic patients, we're here to support them through conditions like Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD), Wobbler's Syndrome, Degenerative Myelopathy, and Vestibular Disease.
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At Peak Performance, we're dedicated to ensuring that every dog enjoys a life filled with vitality, mobility, and comfort. Check out some of the services we offer below!
Cold Laser Therapy
Cold Laser Therapy is a non-invasive, painless treatment that uses infrared and visible light (photons) to increase circulation, stimulate healing, and decrease inflammation. The most common conditions that benefit from cold laser therapy include arthritis, muscle strains, tendinopathies, soft tissue injuries, and wound healing.
Manual Therapy
Manual Therapy is a hands-on approach designed to improve mobility, strength, and flexibility. Our providers utilize techniques such as joint mobilizations, therapeutic massage, trigger point release, and stretching to improve the flexibility of muscles, maximize healing potential of connective tissues, and increase total body mobility. The most common conditions that can benefit from manual therapy include arthritis, post-operative recovery, sports injuries, and neurological complications.
Medical Manipulation
Veterinary Medical Manipulation (VMM) is a manual therapy that is focused specifically on joint mobility, similar to chiropractic care in humans. Through motion palpation, joint restrictions are identified then relieved by doing precise mobilizations. By restoring optimal motion, VMM relieves pain, enhances circulation, and boosts neurologic function. This technique can benefit pets with arthritis, muscle tension, neurologic disorders, and gait abnormalities.
Therapeutic Exercise
Therapeutic Exercises can be prescribed during your pet's visit to improve their proprioception, balance, muscle strength, and gait. Exercise programs are tailored towards the needs of each individual patient and can be modified regularly as your dog progresses through their rehab program.
Weight Management
Canine Weight Management is vital to a healthier and longer life for your dog. Did you know that more than half of US dogs are overweight? Carrying extra pounds puts strain on joints, leading to conditions like arthritis and orthopedic injuries. In a 2002 Purina study, maintaining a lean weight was found to increase a dog's lifespan by almost two years! If your pet is overweight, we can help create personalized diet plans and exercise programs to help your pet shed those pounds!
Swimming
Aquatic therapy can be an additional component of rehabilitation therapy. Peak Performance partners with (and refers to) Carrie Eicher with Swimming Paws at the Academy of Dog Training & Agility and Jess Alfarone/Erica Etchason of 4Paws Adrift for our swimming therapy clients. The heated pools promote improved blood flow, relaxation, and enhanced range of motion, while the buoyancy of the water decreases stress on the joints. This can be a great, low impact exercise for our geriatric patients, as well as those looking to improve overall fitness and strength.
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Assistive Devices
Assistive devices like carts, Help 'Em Up harnesses, and orthotic braces can offer support, stability, and pain relief. With our close collaboration with brands like Help 'Em Up Harness, Walkin' Wheels, My Pet's Brace, and Therapaws, we ensure precise measurements and fitting to help your pet regain strength, independence, and a brighter future.
Agility Training
Experience the thrill of Canine Agility Training, led by Dr. Lauren Blackson, a dedicated canine enthusiast with over a decade of experience. With a background in veterinary rehab, Lauren brings a unique perspective to agility training. She has competed in various prestigious venues including, AKC, USDAA, CPE, and UKI agility. Lauren's agility journey began in 2006, and she started teaching agility in 2009, offering both group classes and personalized private lessons. Her passion lies in helping teams progress, achieve their goals, and develop efficient handling choices. From foundational skills to advanced training, Lauren will elevate your agility game.
