ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Historically, the management of musculoskeletal disease has focused on pharmacologic intervention, managing the pain. Unquestionably, pain management is a primary focus of managing degenerative joint disease (DJD); however, there are other modalities that appear to be efficacious in treating the pain of DJD. Canine physiotherapy/rehabilitation is a discipline that encompasses the application of physical therapy techniques to patients whose comfort and function have been compromised. Commonly used techniques include cryotherapy, thermotherapy, physical rehabilitation and therapeutic exercises, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), low-level laser, magnets, and pulsed acoustic cellular excitation (extracorporeal shock wave treatment: ESWT). Acute response to treatment is most pronounced, while long-lasting results have been acknowledged for many modalities.
