Role of Physical Therapy In Treating Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs are Man’s best friend, but situations can make them a foe. Animal attacks involving dog bites are a common factor causing personal injuries among US Residents. In a span of 20 years, from 1994 to 2024, deaths and injuries caused by dog bites have increased by 4.5 million (Source- usatoday). With high risks of rabies, dog bites have become a menace to the society. 

On-time treatment and precautions taken right after dog bites can reduce the risk of complex health problems. We at Injury Rely can offer you comprehensive therapy for animal attack injuries. The individual and combined treatment proposed through different chiropractors, as well as orthopedic and physical therapies, can treat animal attack injuries. 

Are you curious to know more? In this blog, we’ll present a quick guide to treatment and precaution after dog bite injuries. Let’s get started. 

How do we know if a dog bite is infected? 

Not all dog bites are infected. It is essential to know which dog bites are caused by infected dog bites by analyzing the symptoms. Here are the following symptoms of a dog bite infection: 

• Pain that lasts longer than 24 hours. 
• Swelling and redness around the wound
• Frequent drainage from the wound
• Difficulty in moving the area adjoining the wound

Apart from the symptoms mentioned above, infected dog bites can impose other effects as well. That’s when it is better to seek a professional healthcare provider. 

When to See a Healthcare Provider? 

If the bite had pierced through your skin, there might be a high risk of rabies. For such dog bite and animal attack injuries, consulting a healthcare provider is necessary. Here’s when to  see a healthcare provider: 

• If your wound is deep and large
• Multiple bites
• Pus coming from the wound
• Redness and swelling 
• Bleeding that doesn't stop after a few minutes
• You haven’t received a tetanus shot in the past five years 

How do we Treat a Dog Bite? 

At Injury Rely, we provide a comprehensive treatment for dog bites through professional Physical Therapy. Patient-centric physical therapy can treat dog bites in the following ways: 

       1. Specialized Wound Care 

Physical therapists will provide specialized wound care to treat injuries from dog bites. Our medical professionals will use advanced dressings to promote healing. Regular monitoring will treat any signs of infection and offer adjusted treatment. 

       2. Muscle Manipulation 

Muscle manipulation would be extensively used for animal attack treatment. Our physical therapists will initiate therapeutic exercises and restore weakened muscle functions. Combined manipulation would gradually restore mobility over a considerable timeframe. 

       3. Address Psychological Impacts 

Many victims experience psychological trauma after an animal attack. Apart from rendering physical therapy, we can also suggest counseling for treating emotional distress. This can significantly support the victims as they proceed toward healing. 

       4. Customized Rehabilitation 

Our physical therapists will personally evaluate your animal attack injuries to propose customized rehabilitation. We will assist you with regular exercises to enhance joint mobility or other free-hand assessments for gradual healing. 

Conclusion 

Injuries caused by animal attacks have become quite common in Florida. Injury Rely can offer you comprehensive medical treatment. Our medical professionals will ensure that your wounds are adequately treated and that you can proceed to gradual healing. Seek our professional services immediately to heal more effectively.