Patient Spotlight: Rosie Hirata

Rosie started rehabilitation at BARC in mid-May after acute onset of hind limb paralysis of unknown origin. An MRI was immediately performed which showed no disc herniation or nerve root compression. It did show a lesion that was suspected to be due to a vascular event known as an fibrocartlaginous embolism (FCE), which is basically a “stroke” in the spinal cord. The first step in Rosie’s treatment plan was to manage her pain with acupuncture and physical therapy, which included LASER, soft tissue mobilization, manual therapies and exercises for proprioception. She then moved on to more active therapy with exercises for balance, coordination and gait training. Rosie responded very well to acupuncture and therapy and within a month was able to add in hydrotherapy using the underwater treadmill. The video is of her gate at her initial evaluation and then one month after. We are so happy that Rosie is continuing to do well. She is now alternating weekly underwater treadmill and therapy sessions to improve her strength and coordination.

Service Spotlight: Laser Therapy

LASER Therapy, which may also be referred to as Therapeutic LASER or photobiomodulation, is a non-invasive, pain-free and drug-free treatment that uses electromagnetic energy within the red and infrared spectrum to stimulate tissue healing and relieve pain. It is a highly effective rehabilitation modality that is used to treat a variety of conditions and can be performed in conjunction with medication and other treatments.  The LASER promotes tissue healing by increasing ATP production (cell energy), promoting cell division, stimulating the laying down of collagen and increasing blood circulation through the target tissue. This process works on soft tissue, nerves, cartilage and blood vessels. LASER Therapy also provides pain relief by inhibiting pain receptors, slowing nerve signals, increasing endorphins and reducing muscle spasms.  LASER Therapy can assist in the treatment of many ailments, including:   • Acute or chronic muscle, ligament and tendon injuries • Post-surgical and soft tissue trauma and wounds • Back pain and swelling due to disc problems • Musculoskeletal abnormalities While LASER therapy can be effective in many cases, there are a few cases where LASER treatment is inappropriate, including near the eyes, current cancer or a history of cancer (since it stimulates the growth of both good and bad cells), over open growth plates (so we do not want to use LASER on young dogs), over a pregnant abdomen and over the thyroid.  Call us at 310-542-2727 with any questions you may have about LASER Therapy or any other service that BARC offers.

Get To Know Ashia Hilliard - Rehab Assistant Where are you from? Los Angeles What do you like to do when not at work? Rollerblade and going dancing. Favorite color?  Yellow Favorite food?  Rice and pizza, but not together. What got you interested in working in rehab? I wanted to try something different with helping animals improve their quality of life.  What is a fun fact about yourself?  I ran track in Middle and High School. So you'd be lucky to catch me. Have you been on any fun or unusual vacation spots? I’ve been to Disney World in Florida and to St. Louis.

Dr. Erin Bukofsky, PT, DPT CCRT

Proprioception: Where Are My Feet? Proprioception: What is it?  Proprioception is the awareness of where your limbs are in space. All joints, tendons and muscles have proprioceptive receptors that send signals to the spinal cord and then from the spinal cord to the brain about where they are in space. This is how you can close your eyes and still be able to point to your shoulder, knee, ankle, and even your toe.   Proprioception: How is it lost? Spinal cord and nerve root compression cause denervation and subsequent slowing of proprioceptive connections. Conditions that may cause such compression include but are not limited to intervertebral disc disease (protrusion or extrusion of disc into the spinal canal), lumbosacral stenosis (narrowing of the canal that protects the spinal cord), and osteophyte formation (bone build-up that causes nerve root impingement). Signs of proprioceptive loss included.... read more

In Loving Memory... 

Austin  Bella  Bert  Bruce  Cazador  Cooper  Cuddy  Diego  Dugan  Ella  Evie  Harley  Jake  Jessica Louie Maia Merlot  Ozzie  Peanut  Rocky  Rubyee  Samson  Sheli  Smokey  Thor  Wilson  Wristy

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Beach Animal Rehabilitation Center | PH: 310-542-2727 | Fax:310-542-2726 admin@beachanimalrehab.com | www.beachanimalrehab.com