Ralphie's amazing recovery through hydrotherapy!
By Riptide
In the heartwarming “tail” of Ralphie, a dog battling serious spinal conditions, his journey to recovery is nothing short of miraculous. It all began when Ralphie's distressed mother reached out to Wendy, desperate for a solution when traditional methods failed, and one neurologist even suggested the unthinkable – putting Ralphie to sleep. That's when Wendy Rall, a dedicated hydrotherapist, entered the picture, ready to make a difference.
Wendy wasted no time and, after just one session involving massage, cold laser therapy, and hydrotherapy, the transformation in Ralphie was astounding. Witness his incredible recovery in the above before-and-after video capturing the progress. Scroll below to see him running around at home. Facing a neurological condition that could cause a negative action, Ralphie now wears a mask as a precaution.
Ralphie's progress continues, with ongoing therapy sessions enabling him to walk on a leash to visit neighbors, run in his yard, and play with his sister. The joy in Ralphie's parents' voices was evident when they witnessed him squatting to poop just two weeks into the treatments. This heartening story emphasizes the incredible healing power of combining hydrotherapy, massage, and cold laser therapy to transform the lives of our pets.
December 3, 2023, after only 3 therapy sessions!
December 21, 2023
December 28, 2023
Ralphie continues to see “Miss Wendy” for what his Mom affectionately calls “swim-swim” (hydrotherapy) and Wellness Visits (massage and cold laser therapy) three times a week for continued improvement and mental health as well as physical.
A DEEPER DIVE INTO RALPHIES HEALING
A commentary by Wendy Rall
Ralphie my sweet new Frenchie friend is four years old. In October of 2023, Ralphie lost mobility in his hind end. It was discovered that he had spinal conditions that he was born with but just now showed up.
The hydrotherapy helps to connect Ralphie’s mind with his body, it helps with his proprioception. Therapy also included massage therapy and cold laser therapy. I was impressed with how Ralphie could correct his “knuckling” in just the first session in low water. I started in low water since it was his first time in the underwater treadmill, and he was very comfortable. When the water is low it will cause him to pick up his feet. When the water is at his thigh level he is about 80% weightless and it kind of holds him up and makes it easier for him to walk. At the time of this blog, Ralphie has had 10 sessions, it’s been less than a month since we began. He’s doing so well in the water now that he can walk well on his own and really moves! Now we focus on muscle building in addition to proprioception and confidence. I am thrilled with his improvement. Watch clips of his therapy session coming soon.
If you or a friend has a pet with mobility or anxiety issues that no one has been able to improve, give Wendy a call at 952-704-3374. Hydrotherapy sessions and Wellness Visits