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 medi- cal 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.

Rosie, an almost 3-y-o English Golden Retriever, is a regular at Peaks of Health Medical Center. Her humans, Dr. Tracie Leonhardt and husband Mitchel Beasley, of Clearwater, share that besides being a therapy dog, Rosie enjoys playing with her best friend Piper (also a Golden Retriever), chewing on her fave stuffed squirrel, chasing sticks, and rolling in the grass. Her “jobs” include accompanying her humans on errands, greeting everyone at work, visiting Grandma, and babysitting new kitten Misty.

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.

Email your favorite pet picture to Debbey at dwilson@ natampa.com for inclusion in the magazine.

Calendar Of Events

THURSDAY, MAY 4

Integrative NLP Practitioner Certification Training - 9am-8pm, May 4-7. Your energy is driven by the clarity of your mind. Providing unique training experiences for 40-plus years to professionals, entrepreneurs, coaches and individuals wishing to advance themselves and help others do the same. Regularly $194, Now $144. Hotel Alba by Hilton, 5303 W Kennedy Blvd., Tampa. Info & registration, 800-800-6463, nlp.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 6

17th Annual National Herb Day Celebration10am-4pm. Local herbalists and lovers of herbal medicines celebrate the importance of plants in health. Open to public and hosted by Acupuncture & Herbal Therapies and Traditions School of Herbal Studies, enjoy wholesome food, medicinal plant and herb vendors, with lectures hourly. 2520 Central Ave., St. Pete. 727-249-1174, acuHerbals.com, TraditionsHerbSchool.com, HerbDay.org.

Drum Circle with Jake - 6:30pm. Bring an instrument if you have one. This is a fun community event with lots of high energy. Bohemian Gypsea, 12 West Orange St., Tarpon Springs, 727-853-5091.

THURSDAY, MAY 11

Gentle Yoga - 6-7:30pm. Join us for an introduction to yoga in a setting designed for beginner students who are curious about yoga or for those who stepped away for a while and want to reconnect to their practice. Kelley, of Rooted Sol Yoga, facilitates. Space limited. $15/class. Six Oaks Wellness, Garden Suite, 607 1st Ave. SW, Largo. To reserve: 727-776-0519.

THURSDAY, MAY 18

New Moon Manifestation Workshop & Sound Bath - 6:30pm. Join us for a powerful and enchanting evening at Station House, filled with meditation, manifestation and sound healing. Our Manifestation Workshop, brought to you by certified clinical and quantum hypnotherapist Lani Gonzales, will guide you on how to use neurolinguistic programming to overcome mental and energetic blockages and unlock your infinite power of manifestation. Eventbrite.com/o/picnic-underthe-moon-40587345463

FRIDAY, MAY 19

I Can Do It! - Hay House Live Event at the Tampa Convention Center. Be inspired, uplifted and empowered by your favorite Hay House self-help teachers, spiritual guides and healing experts. More than 30 authors offering workshops for three days. Attend one workshop or all of them. $75-$399. Visit: HayHouse.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 24

Free Hypnosis-NLP Webinar: Hypnotic Regression - 7:30-8:30pm. Interactive webinar with Certified Master Trainer Patricia V. Scott, PhD. With 30+ years’ experience as a Medical Hypnotherapist, NLP Master Practitioner and Certified Master Trainer, Patti shares practical, easy-to-use techniques with Q&A. (Usually held 3rd Weds. monthly w/various topics.) Register by 5pm for log-in details: 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 27

Chair Massage Skill Builder - 10am-noon. Join Diane Murray, LMT (MA75574) to have fun with head, neck, shoulders and arm massage skills. No experience or chair necessary! Class size limited. $25/ includes 2 CE hrs for FL LMTs. The Health Center, 13803 N FL Ave., Tampa. Info & registration, Diane 813-500-1899, TheEffortlessSolution@gmail.com.

An Introduction to Natural Positive Care for People with Cancer - 1-4pm. Whether you are experiencing cancer treatment/recovery or know someone who is, this class will provide tools and practice for acupressure, Jin Shin Jyutsu to complement conventional care. $35/includes 3 CE hrs for LMTs. The Health Center, 13803 N FL Ave., Tampa. Info & registration, Diane Murray, LMT (MA75574), 813-500-1899, TheEffortlessSolution@gmail.com

Plan Ahead

MONDAY, JUNE 19

Hypnosis Webinar: Deep Dive into Time Line Techniques - 7-10pm. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, brings 30+ years’ experience to these interactive virtual Zoom trainings for practitioners to gain deeper insight and understanding into this common therapeutic approach. Handouts, demos, Q&A and practice (time permitting). Some prior training or knowledge of hypnosis recommended. 3 CEUs Hypnotists/Hypnotherapists. $45; $35/UPHI Member. 727-943-5003, UPHypnosis.com.

SATURDAY, JUNE 24

FL Laws and Rules, Ethics & Boundaries, and Prevention of Medical Errors - 10am-4:30pm. (2 hrs each with breaks, 6 hrs total) Are you renewal ready? FL LMTs can benefit from these small, in-person classes where serious material is presented in game formats. $25/each, $60/all three. Class size limited. The Health Center, 13803 N FL Ave., Tampa. Info & registration, Diane 813-5001899, TheEffortlessSolution@gmail.com

NLP 2-Day Training Live in Oldsmar - June 24 & 25. 7pm. No prerequisite. Patricia V. Scott, Ph.D., Certified Master Trainer, teaches fun, interactive class on Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) principles, presuppositions & techniques for personal or professional use. 12 CEUs Hypnotists/NLP Practitioners. Register by 5/25: $125; $95/UPHI Member. After 5/25: $145; $125/ Member. Repeat $65. 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 19

Ayahuasca Awakening - July 19-22. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a twoday ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,997/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com

SATURDAY, JULY 22

Medical Hypnotherapy Specialty Certification (Online) Begins - 1-6pm. Prerequisite: 200 hours prior hypnosis training. Patricia V. Scott, PhD, Certified Master Trainer for the International Medical & Dental Hypnotherapy Association, teaches medical applications to work with referrals. Dates: July 22-23; Aug. 12-13, 26-27; Sept. 16-17 (plus practicums and exams). Register by 6/30: $785 or $685 (UPHI Mbr); After: $855; $785 (Mbr). 727-943-5003. UPHypnosis.com.

THURSDAY, JULY 27

Welcome Students from Across the Globe into Your Home – Jul 27-Aug 12. Education First seeks host families for 13-17–y-o students from France. Contact Noelle Morris Dumitrescu, 727-458-3405, email nmorriskw@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 18

Ayahuasca Awakening - October 18-21. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a two-day ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,997/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 20

Re-Parenting Your Inner Child Yoga Retreat in the Mountains of Puerto Rico - Oct 20-22. Reflect on your childhood while taking in the nature that Puerto Rico offers. Re-parent your inner child. Lodging, all plant-based meals and activities included. Airfare and transportation additional. Early bird pricing before May 31. Info and booking: ZNGCruisesAndRetreats.com or contact Monica at 813-586-3656 or ZNGCruisesAndRetreats@gmail.com

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 27

Ayahuasca Awakening - December 27-30. Partake in a sacred ayahuasca ceremony to heal from human suffering and connect to the divine wisdom and truth within. Receive personal guidance to prepare the mind, body and soul for the ceremony; a two-day ayahuasca ceremony in Colombia with shamans and healers with 40-plus years of experience; three months of guided integration and support following the ceremony. $2,997/retreat, guided preparation, and supported integration. To schedule a free consultation, visit AdAstraAwakening.com

Ongoing Events

SUNDAY

Sunday Celebration Services - 11am. Unity Palm Harbor is building a beautiful community. Join in for uplifting, heart-centered celebration every Sunday. 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org.

Restorative Yoga - 7pm. Awaken and heal through contemplative self-awareness and personalized instruction, facilitated by Intuitive Healer Ronni Ford. $15 Drop-in rate with a reservation. Studio 3, 210 Patricia Ave., Dunedin. RonniFordyeh@gmail.com.

MONDAY

Yoga - 6pm (also Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat.) Join in on the yoga experience with our new instructor, Alexa! Having moved down from the Boston area, she is excited to bring her brand of yoga to the area. Bring your mat or use one of ours, but do come down and join in the calming world of yoga. $15/session; package alternatives available. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. Reserve your space, 727-346-5875.

TUESDAY

Meditation Practice & Study Group - 6:30-8pm. Tuesdays & Sundays. For beginners & experienced. Join Dr. Castellani in his integral awareness approach to effortless meditation, melding methods of Mantra, Mindfulness & Core-consciousness Awareness. $5/class. 809 S. Hillcrest Ave., Clearwater. Info 716-816-5464.

WEDNESDAY

A Course in Miracles Study Group -10am. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

Feldenkrais with Bonnie K - 11am. Online! Awareness through Movement classes: Lessons (in chairs/ on floor) are designed to quiet non-working habitual patterns, invite you into a process for learning and offer experiences for more efficient movement. Ongoing classes-movement lessons w/replays. More info, 941-360-2248, FeldenkraisInSarasota. com. Register, FeldenkraisinSarasota.com/SarasotaClasses-Feldenkrais/

Yoga Session: Hatha Yoga with a Therapist -6:307:30ish pm. Join Elizabeth Rice, LCSW ACE CFI, for a yoga session that will not only strengthen your mind-body connection, but will help you to get in deeper touch with your inner calm. Space is limited, reserve now. $15/per session. 6251 Park Blvd., Ste. 9, Pinellas Park. 727-346-5875.

Gong Meditation and Sound Journey - 7pm. (2nd Weds. monthly) Facilitated by Gregg Akin, Sound Healer. Unity Palm Harbor, 1960 Tampa Rd., Palm Harbor, 727-784 7911, UnityOfPalmHarbor.org

THURSDAY

Psychic Playground - (2 nd & 4 th Thursdays) 6-7:30pm. Join Anna-Victoria to develop your psychic talents. $25. The Violet Butterfly, 35154 US Hwy 19 North, Palm Harbor, 727-386-4535, TheVioletButterflymhc.com