Bringing the Bounce Back

Integrative Treatments For Pets With Mobility Issues

by Ruth Roberts, DVM

All pet owners want to see their animals live long, healthy lives filled with activity, but sometimes our furry friends find it difficult to move comfortably due to aging, injuries and other ailments. While vets often suggest surgery for certain debilitating conditions, less invasive treatments might be just as effective with considerably less risk, particularly for animals that cannot tolerate anesthesia.

For example, a 2013 University of Minnesota study focused on large-breed, overweight dogs with torn knee ligaments. Half of the dogs were treated with medical management consisting of weight loss, pain medication and physical therapy, and the other half received surgery to repair the torn ligament, followed by the same medical management. After a year, 75 percent of the dogs treated with surgery and medical management were considered treatment successes, based on leg function, quality of life and gait analysis. Surprisingly, 63.6 percent of the dogs that did not have surgery and received only medical management were also deemed successful cases. Before considering surgery or other invasive treatments, integrative pet mobility and rehabilitation (IPMR) might be a good way to help a pet regain its vitality without going under the knife. It is a holistic approach to helping pets recover from injuries, manage pain and improve mobility that combines various techniques to provide a comprehensive and personalized plan for each pet.

“It is all about educating pet parents and preserving the best quality of life for my patients,” says Dr. Joyce Gerardi, of Synergy Integrative Veterinary Clinic. “Over time, my special interests have grown to include platelet-rich plasma, bone marrow aspirate, adipose-derived and allogeneic amniotic stem cell therapies, acupuncture, food therapy, cold laser, herbal medicine, tuina massage, ozone and physical rehabilitation services.”

Here is a look at a few such modalities.

LASER THERAPY uses light energy to stimulate tissue repair and reduce pain. The procedure involves the application of laser light to the damaged area using a handheld device. The severity of the ailment and the location being treated determines the length and frequency of treatments. The patient will feel a gentle, warm sensation as the laser technician or veterinarian moves the device over the affected area. Pets usually relax and take pleasure in the calming warmth of laser therapy, which is painless.

PHYSICAL THERAPY is an essential component of IPMR. It involves exercises and stretches that help pets regain strength and flexibility in their muscles and joints. A trained physical therapist can customize a plan that targets specific areas of concern such as the hips, knees or spine. This can help reduce pain and improve mobility, allowing pets to move around more easily and enjoy their favorite activities.

ACUPUNCTURE involves inserting tiny needles into specific points on the body to stimulate the nervous system and promote healing. Acupuncture can help relieve pain, reduce inflammation and improve circulation, all contributing to improved pet mobility.

CHIROPRACTIC CARE involves manipulating the spine to correct misalignments and improve overall function. This can help pets with hip dysplasia, arthritis or spinal injuries.

MASSAGE involves gentle pressure and strokes to relax muscles, reduce pain and improve circulation. Massage can also help pets with anxiety or stress, which can contribute to muscle tension and pain.

NUTRITION: A well-balanced, nutrientdense diet can help with healing, inflammation reduction and overall health. A qualified veterinarian can recommend a diet plan tailored to each pet’s needs.

EASING A PET’S PAIN WHILE IN TREATMENT

Reducing a pet’s discomfort with fullspectrum cannabinoids or, if needed, prescription pain medications offers better comfort and recovery time. Another option is to reduce a pet’s stress by balancing its adrenal stress hormones.

Ruth Roberts is a holistic veterinarian and certified pet health coach with more than 30 years’ experience.

Calendar Of Events

NOTE: All calendar events must be received via email by the 10th of the month and adhere to our guidelines. Email Regina@NARichmond.com for guidelines and to submit entries. No phone calls or faxes, please. Or visit NARichmond.com to submit online.

FRIDAY, MAY 5

Gallery5 Live Music & Art – 5-10pm. Free admission on First Fridays & Classical Incarnations (3rd Sun). Gallery5 continues to be a catalyst for new creative initiatives & serves as a launching pad for emerging artists & area nonprofits. 200 W Marshall St. 757-773-7618. Gallery5Arts.org.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

Marketing 101 for Yoga Teachers – 11am-1pm. This online workshop is for yoga teachers who want to grow their visibility and impact more students. If you have big ideas but don’t know how to let potential students know about them, this is the workshop for you. Yoga teachers can earn CE credits. Pre-registration is required to get the Zoom link. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com. $35.

MONDAY, MAY 8

Yoga for the Pelvic FloorMarketing 101 for Yoga Teachers – 5:30-6:45pm. This is an online class via Zoom with Sandy Axelson, RYT-500. Learn yoga poses and sequences to identify, relax and strengthen the pelvic floor as well as the muscles that support the area. Participants also will enjoy the benefits of a safe practice from the comfort of home via Zoom. Pre-registration is required in order to get the Zoom link. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com. $20.

SATURDAY, MAY 13

Richmond Moon Market – 12-5pm. The Richmond Moon Market is a curated craft and wellness market featuring live music, food, workshops, and more. We feature vendors of plants and flowers, fortune tellers, jewelry, candles, clothing, art, crystals, magical supplies, art, ceramics, vintage gear, housewares, accessories, handmade botanical products, custom skincare blends and more. Free. rvaMoonMarket.com.

Ongoing Events

sunday monday

Practicing Presence – 9:30-10:30am. Vinyasa flow class harnesses mindful movement, breath, meditation & relaxation to heal our relationship to the present moment. Recovery & trauma-informed class. All-levels. Donation. Align Yoga, Rocks, & Reiki, 2509 E Broad St. AlignRVA.com.

5Rhythms Movement Meditation – 11am12:30pm. Movement meditation & embodiment practice that celebrates being an awake human in a body. An eclectic mix & variety of soundscapes & beats from all over the planet. All welcome. $20. TurnRVA, 3105 W Moore St. 804-601-8876. AfterBefore.Live.

Gentle Yoga for EveryBODY – 5:30-6:30pm. Release your week! Learn breath work, poses & meditations to help you feel at ease in your own yoga practice. All levels. Donation. Align Yoga, Rocks, & Reiki, 2509 E Broad St. AlignRVA.com.

Level 2 Flow Yoga – 9-10:15am. Start your week right with a yoga class that is beyond a beginner’s level. Participants will incorporate new poses and increasingly challenging options. $70/4 classes/ mo, $20/drop-in.Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy, 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.

Save The Date

The Juneteenth Vegan Experience

JUNE 17 • 10am-5pm

This multicultural family event, hosted by Sunnispeaks, welcomes the curious and all who believe in fueling a healthy mind and body. This phenomenal event is loaded with a plant-based doctor panel, farmers, special vendors, fashion showcase, activities, free health assessments, contests kids' zone, raffles, plant-based drippin' and other performances, food demonstration with Shi LaChef and other surprises and guests. Visit Eventbrite.com and learn more. Suggested donation: adult $19, chuldren $5. Location: Flying Squirrels Stadium.

FRIDAY, JUNE 30

Sound Healing at Spring Run Vineyard – 6-8pm. Julian Desta uses singing bowls, gongs, drums, didgeridoo and other instruments to lead your body and mind into deep relaxation. Each ticket includes a glass of wine so come early or stay after to enjoy your beverage. Dress comfortably, and bring your mat, pillows and blankets for extra cushioning and comfort. 804-305-2297. CoconutElephantYoga.com. $40.

Save The Date

Climb Out of the Darkness

JUNE 24 • 9:30am

Healing Circle Counseling will host Climb tuesday wednesday thursday friday saturday

Out of the Darkness, the world’s largest event raising awareness of pregnancy and postpartum mental health disorders. We invite survivors of postpartum depression (PPD), anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis to walk, stroll or climb together to symbolize a collective rise out of the darkness.

Registration begins at 9:30am and participants must register prior to the event at https://give.classy.org/climboutrichmond. All are welcome to participate.

Contact 804-924-7600 or Community@HealingCircleCounseling.com for more information.

Prenatal Yoga – 7-8:15pm. Help to prepare your mind and body for the journey of birth, find comfort through pregnancy and build a community of other pregnant people with prenatal yoga. All levels are welcome. MyBirthRVA.com/yoga. $18/class MyBirth Community Studio, 1726 Altamont Ave, Ste 4. Create a “Wellness Home” – 7:30-8pm. Fun 20min demonstration of energy technologies that create a wellness environment for you & your family. Followed by Q&A; sharing of the benefits. Free. Zoom: Tinyurl.com/CreateWellnessHome. Meeting ID: 787 5872 3980. Password: nikken. Satterwhite. MyNikken.com.

Beginner-Level Yoga – 9-10:15am. Balanced practice that incorporates basic yoga postures, breath awareness & relaxation. Postures modified to meet individual needs. Online & in-person. Debbie Stewart. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.

Yoga for Bone Health – 10-11:15am. Increase bone & muscle thru the use of yoga w/a combination of dynamic & static yoga poses. Chris Riely. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. Registration required: 804-741-5267 or GlenmoreYoga.com.

Slow & Gentle Yoga – 10:45am-12pm. Blend of strengthening, balance & range of motion poses in a slow but dynamic style in order to pay close attention to what happens interoceptively. Mary Leffler.

In-person & online. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.

Kundalini Yoga + Meditation – 9:15-10:15am. A fast & effective way to clear the mind, energize the body & uplift the spirit. Dynamic blend of postures, breathwork & sound vibration. All levels. Holly Henty. $10 to $20 (suggested $15). The Innerwork Center, 213 Roseneath Rd. 804-3590384. HollyHenty.com/KundaliniYoga.

Ageless Gentle Yoga – 11am-12:15pm. Gentle yoga stretches, postures, breath awareness & relaxation to improve flexibility, strength, range of motion, balance & energy. For those recovering from injuries, illness, inactivity or other health considerations. Christina Evans. $70/4 classes/mo, $20/drop-in.

Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.

Mid-Week Rest and Recharge – 6-7pm. Dynamic, chill hatha flow w/focus on restoration. All levels, all welcome. Donation: $12-$22. Align Yoga, Rocks, & Reiki, 2509 E Broad St. AlignRVA.com.

Vinyasa Flow – 9-10:15am. Incorporates all aspects of a traditional hatha yoga class: postures, breath & meditation, while challenging the coordination through flow. Randi Weiss. In-person & online. $60/4 classes/mo, $17/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-7415267. GlenmoreYoga.com.

Postnatal Yoga – 10-11am. Gently reconnect with your breath, pelvic floor, and abdominal muscles. We recommend that you begin this practice after your care provider has cleared resumption of physical activity. All levels are welcome. MyBirthRVA.com/ yoga. $16/class MyBirth Community Studio, 1726 Altamont Ave, Ste 4.

Beginner Yoga – 6-7:15pm. Balanced practice that incorporates basic yoga postures, breath awareness & relaxation. Postures modified to meet individual needs. Kerry Shultz. $65/4 classes/mo, $19/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.

Concerned About the Water You Drink? –7:30pm. An informative demonstration of our water products, with time for Q&A. Afterwards enjoy filtered, alkaline, structured, mineralized water. Free. Zoom # 787 5872 3980, password: nikken. Barb.WaterAndWellness.net.

Better than Coffee/Sunrise Flow – 6:30-7:30am. Press pause on the morning rush! Move the body & mind from stillness to dynamic flow. All levels. Donation. Align Yoga, Rocks, & Reiki, 2509 E Broad St. AlignRVA.com.

Vinyasa Flow Level 3 Yoga – 9-10:15am. Challenging class focused on more advanced postures w/emphasis on alignment & form. Randi Weiss.

In-person & online. $65/4 classes/mo, $19/drop-in. Glenmore Yoga & Wellness Center, 10442 Ridgefield Pkwy. 804-741-5267. GlenmoreYoga.com.

West End Farmers Market – 8am-12pm. 3000 Gayton Rd. at Discovery United Methodist church. St Stephen’s Farmers Market – 9am-12pm. Open every Saturday, rain or shine. Bring the family and join us. 6000 Grove Ave.

Mixed-Level Yoga – 9-10:15am. Start the weekend off right w/a yoga class appropriate for all levels. Guidance given throughout practice, offering individual students a number of appropriate options.

In-person & online. Kerry Shultz. $70/4 classes/ mo, $20/drop-in. Zoom. Register, Glenmore Yoga: 804-741-5267 or GlenmoreYoga.com.

Prenatal Yoga – 9-10:15am (every 3rd Saturday). Help to prepare your mind and body for the journey of birth, find comfort through pregnancy and build a community of other pregnant people with prenatal yoga. All levels are welcome. MyBirthRVA.com/ yoga. $18/class MyBirth Community Studio, 1726 Altamont Ave, Ste 4.

Postnatal Yoga – 10:30-11:15am (every 3rd Saturday). Gently reconnect with your breath, pelvic floor and abdominal muscles. We recommend that you begin this practice after your care provider has cleared resumption of physical activity. All levels are welcome. MyBirthRVA.com/yoga. $16/class MyBirth Community Studio, 1726 Altamont Ave, Ste 4.

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Now, as clinicians are accurately able to assess the gastrointestinal microbiome and metabolic imbalances, patients are finding solutions to a myriad of chronic illnesses—ranging from intestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, to autoimmune diseases such as arthritis and fibromyalgia.

Talk to your doctor about the GIMAP and begin your journey to achieving optimal health today!

For more information please contact us at 804.717.5000