Frequently Asked Questions
How long does an acupuncture/rehab session last?
The duration of a session can vary depending on the individual animal and the condition being treated. Typically, a session lasts around 45 minutes. The frequency and number of sessions required to treat or manage your pet’s condition will depend on the animal's response to treatment and the severity/chronicity of the condition.
How long does it take to see improvement?
Most patients start to improve with just a few sessions, however often 4-6 sessions are needed to build strength and improve flexibility and function. Every patient’s response to therapy is different and treatment recommendations may change over time. Dr. Matheny will discuss with you an anticipated timeline for treatments at the first session.
Can I pick which treatment modalities Dr. Matheny provides to my pet?
Deciding the treatment plan for your pet is a joint decision between you and Dr. Matheny. If a client specifically requests a certain treatment modality, Dr. Matheny will make every effort to include that as part of your pet’s plan if it is medically beneficial and is well tolerated.
What happens if my pet doesn’t tolerate a certain treatment modality?
Acupuncture and related techniques help your pet feel good - and rehab is fun! Most pets thoroughly enjoy their treatments and are ready for a snooze by the end, however not all treatment modalities are the right fit for every pet. Dr. Matheny will work with your pet and you to determine the most beneficial combination of therapies that your pet enjoys the most.
Do you offer any wellness care or conventional services?
Paws The Pain does not offer vaccines, lab work, or other general practice-type services. Dr. Matheny will work closely with your pet’s primary care team to ensure everyone is on the same page. Dr. Matheny may make recommendations regarding pain medications or joint supplements and will relay this to your pet’s primary care veterinarian.
Dr. Matheny can assist with nail trims, paw trimming, or giving injections (like Adequan) on a case by case basis.
Who should I contact if my pet has an emergency?
Please contact your pet’s primary care veterinarian or one of the local emergency hospitals if your pet experiences a medical emergency. Below are a few of the emergency hospitals in the Montgomery County area:
VRA
500 Perry Pkwy, Gaithersburg, MD 20877
(301) 895-0505
BluePearl Pet Hospital
1 Taft Ct, Rockville, MD 20850
(301) 637-3228
Dogs and Cats Emergency & Specialty
6700 Laurel-Bowie Rd, Bowie, MD 20715
(301) 809-8800
ASPCA Poison Holine
(888) 426-4435
Paws The Pain is currently accepting
a select number of new patients.
