
Rehab Specialists
How do the Biko PR Bands work?
The Biko’s elastic bands act as a support mechanism, pulling the foot forward, and preventing it from slipping sideways or backwards. This is very helpful, not only dogs with hind limb weakness, but for dogs with moderate ataxia and knuckling under, but who are still able to stand even when requiring effort. The resistance offered by the bands helps to increase muscle tone and strength, especially to the quads, gastrocnemius, and hip extensors. The Biko PR Bands assist the forward movement of the feet and protect and prevent the feet from knuckling.
You are probably familiar with the original Biko Physio Brace, used on over 3,500 dogs since its release in 2004. We had great success with the original at the Animal Rehabilitation and Wellness Institute, PLLC. We have now taken the Biko a step farther, incorporating a color-coded system of progressive resistance.
The Biko PR Bands serve as an additional physiotherapeutic modality in a rehabilitation setting and it can be used in addition to or concurrently with other rehab modalities, including underwater treadmill, land treadmill, cavalettes, peanut exercise balls, balance boards, etc. The Biko PR Bands are not only effective in rehab, but pet owners can easily continue to use them at home as a therapeutic or assistive device. Direct involvement in their dog’s care greatly increases compliance.
Here is a short video of “Tex” Olijslager, German shepherd with advanced degenerative myelopathy. See the Biko in action.