Physical Therapy

Dogs and cats are very resilient creatures, but sometimes they need help recovering from an injury, illness, or a bit of extra support for our pets in their senior years. Many pets instinctively hide signs of pain or discomfort, which can make it difficult to recognise when they are struggling. This is where Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation can help support their comfort, mobility, and overall wellbeing.

What is Pet Physical Therapy?

Rehabilitation is a form of physical therapy that focuses on restoring a dog or cat’s mobility, strength, and function, while helping to relieve pain and discomfort.
Rehabilitation can help pets recover faster and more completely than if they were left to heal on their own.
It can also help prevent future injuries by strengthening muscles and improving range of motion. Compliant pets of all ages can benefit from rehabilitation, from recovering from surgery to developmental concerns to seniors living with arthritis.

What does rehabilitation involve?

Rehabilitation involves a specifically trained vet nurse working with the dog to complete a combination of therapeutic exercises and techniques to help regain their mobility, strength, and function.
A tailored rehabilitation plan is created and implemented to your pet’s specific needs, their progress is monitored, and adjustments are made to the plan as needed. Owners will also receive guidance on how to continue rehabilitation exercises at home.

What exercises and techniques does my dog complete?

Depending on the requirements and plan for your pet’s rehabilitation, there are a number of options for exercises and techniques that will be personally tailored to fit your their needs. 

We also have the option to measure and fit your dog for a custom-made brace to support their recovery.

Brace wearing – A brace is a specialised device designed to provide support and aid in the rehabilitation of injuries or conditions affecting their limbs. Such as hip dysplasia, arthritis and ligament tears. These braces are often used to support the joint or limb affected by the injury or condition, reducing pain and inflammation, and promoting healing and recovery. In addition to providing support and facilitating healing, they can also help prevent further injury by stabilising the affected limb or joint during physical activity

Range of motion exercises – ROM exercises aim to maintain or improve the motion and flexibility of their joints. The ROM can be assessed by gently manipulating each joint through its natural flow of movement.

Strengthening exercises – These exercises help build strength and muscle mass to improve balance and coordination, and enhance overall physical fitness.

Balance and coordination exercises – These may involve standing on a balance board or performing other activities that challenge stability to help improve physical fitness and coordination. 

Hydrotherapy – Hydrotherapy involves using water’s resistance to help recover from injuries. It can help reduce swelling, improve circulation, and increase range of motion, while exercising in a low impact environment. 

Massage therapy – Massage therapy can help reduce pain and stiffness, it can also help improve circulation and promote relaxation.

Talk to us about how Physical Therapy can help get you and your furry friend off on the right paw.