
Dr. Sara Lam
Lead Veterinarian
BVSc (Sydney), CCRT, CVA
Veterinary oversight for every rehabilitation plan — ensuring safe, clinically appropriate care for your pet.

After surgery, during arthritis flares, or while recovering from a spinal condition, your dog faces a painful paradox: they need exercise to heal, but exercise on land causes pain, further injury, or compensatory movement that slows recovery. Rest alone leads to muscle atrophy, joint stiffness, and a downward spiral of declining mobility.
The underwater treadmill breaks this cycle. Water buoyancy reduces your dog’s effective body weight by up to 60%, while the treadmill belt drives controlled, repetitive walking patterns. Your dog exercises — building muscle, restoring range of motion, retraining their gait — without the pain and joint stress of land-based movement.
It’s not just hydrotherapy. It’s precision rehabilitation — every variable controlled, every session measured, every step purposeful.
Why the treadmill is the gold standard for rehabilitation
Feature Underwater Treadmill (RehabVet) Swimming Pool Weight-bearing control Medical-grade steel (HVM) Soft / portable chambers Gait retraining Up to 3.0 ATA 1.3–1.5 ATA Speed control ✓ HBOT + physio + hydro + acu + laser HBOT only Resistance jets ✓ Dedicated rehab staff General vet or non-vet Therapist control 229 (4.9★) 59–85 reviews Best for rehabilitation ✓ ST, CNA, Mothership, TODAY Limited
Note: Swimming pools have their place — particularly for general fitness and dogs who cannot bear any weight. But for targeted rehabilitation, the underwater treadmill is superior in almost every measure.
Four adjustable variables, infinite combinations
Water Depth
The enclosed chamber fills with warm water (28–32°C) to a precise level — ankle, knee, hip, or mid-torso. Higher water = more buoyancy = less weight-bearing. At hock level, your dog bears about 91% of body weight. At mid-torso, just 38%. This allows post-surgical patients to walk with minimal joint loading, progressively increasing weight-bearing as they heal.
Belt Speed
The motorised belt controls walking speed — from a slow therapeutic walk (0.5 km/h) to a brisk trot (4+ km/h). Slower speeds are used for neurological patients relearning to walk. Moderate speeds mimic natural gait. Faster speeds challenge cardiovascular fitness and build strength. Your therapist adjusts speed in real time based on your dog's form and fatigue.
Resistance Jets
Adjustable water jets create resistance against your dog's forward movement, increasing the muscular effort required. This is progressive overload — the rehabilitation equivalent of adding weights at the gym. Jets are off during early recovery, introduced at low levels mid-recovery, and increased to build peak strength. Particularly effective for rebuilding quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
Incline
The treadmill belt can be set at an incline, simulating uphill walking. This targets specific muscle groups (particularly hip extensors and core muscles) and increases workout intensity without increasing speed. Used for advanced rehabilitation stages, weight management, and athletic conditioning.
From warm-up to cool-down — here’s exactly what to expect
Pre-Session Assessment
Before each session, your therapist assesses your dog's current condition — checking joint range, muscle tone, pain levels, and overall demeanour. This determines today's treadmill settings. If your dog is having a bad pain day, settings are adjusted accordingly. If they're progressing well, intensity is increased.
Warm-Up & Water Fill
Your dog stands on the dry treadmill belt. The belt starts at a slow speed while the chamber gradually fills with warm water (28–32°C). The warmth relaxes muscles and increases circulation. Water rises slowly — most dogs barely notice the transition. This gentle warm-up takes 3–5 minutes.
Active Treatment
The core session: 15–40 minutes of controlled walking at the prescribed water depth, speed, and resistance. Your therapist is present throughout — watching gait quality, adjusting variables, encouraging proper limb placement, and monitoring for fatigue. They may manually assist weak limbs through the water if needed (particularly for neurological patients).
Cool-Down & Dry
Speed and resistance decrease gradually. Water drains while your dog continues a slow walk. After exiting, your dog is towel-dried and may receive a warm-air dry. Many dogs rest after their session — this is normal and indicates a productive workout. Your therapist records session details and adjusts the plan for next time.
From post-surgery to senior mobility
Post-Surgical Recovery
TPLO, TTA, cruciate repair, spinal surgery, fracture fixation. The underwater treadmill retrains normal gait patterns, rebuilds muscle, and restores range of motion — all with reduced weight-bearing that protects healing tissues. Most post-surgical dogs begin treadmill therapy within 2 weeks of surgery.
Osteoarthritis
The #1 condition we treat with underwater treadmill therapy. Water buoyancy reduces joint pain during movement, while resistance builds the surrounding muscle that supports and stabilises arthritic joints. Many arthritic dogs show visible improvement after just 3–4 sessions.
IVDD & Spinal Conditions
Intervertebral disc disease, spondylosis, and post-spinal surgery recovery. The adjustable water depth allows precise control of weight-bearing, supporting dogs that cannot fully support themselves on land. The treadmill belt provides a consistent, rhythmic stimulus for neurological re-education.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
The underwater treadmill maintains joint mobility and builds muscle support around dysplastic joints, while reducing the pain associated with land-based exercise. Particularly effective for young dogs diagnosed early, where building muscle mass can delay or prevent the need for surgery.
Neurological Conditions
Degenerative myelopathy, fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), vestibular disease, and peripheral nerve injuries. The buoyancy and support of the water allows neurological patients to practise walking patterns that they cannot achieve on land. The repetitive, supported movement helps rebuild neural pathways.
Obesity & Weight Management
The underwater treadmill delivers a high-calorie-burn workout without stressing joints. Water resistance means dogs work 3–5x harder than on land, while buoyancy protects the joints that are already overloaded by excess weight. Combined with dietary changes, produces measurable results.
Cruciate Ligament Injury
Pre-operative strengthening (builds muscle before surgery for faster post-op recovery) and post-operative rehabilitation (restores normal gait, rebuilds quadriceps and hamstring muscle groups, prevents compensatory issues in the opposite leg).
Senior Dog Mobility
Age-related muscle loss, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Regular underwater treadmill sessions maintain muscle mass, keep joints mobile, improve cardiovascular fitness, and significantly enhance quality of life. Many senior dog owners describe the treadmill as a "fountain of youth" for their pets.
How water depth changes the rehabilitation equation
body weight
Hock (ankle) depth
Late-stage rehab, fitness conditioning. Near-normal weight-bearing with mild buoyancy assist.
body weight
Stifle (knee) depth
Mid-stage rehab, moderate arthritis. Significant joint offloading while maintaining meaningful weight-bearing.
body weight
Hip depth
Early-stage post-op, severe arthritis. Substantial buoyancy support — allows comfortable movement in patients with significant pain.
body weight
Mid-torso depth
Very early post-op, neurological patients, severe obesity. Maximum buoyancy — the patient is largely supported by water, allowing movement that would be impossible on land.
Water temperature is maintained at 28–32°C — warm enough to relax muscles, improve circulation, and reduce pain, but not so hot as to cause fatigue or overheating. The warm water also increases tissue extensibility, allowing greater joint range of motion during the session.
The multimodal advantage — why treadmill therapy works best at a specialist rehab clinic
Treadmill + Manual Therapy
Manual therapy restores joint range of motion and releases muscle tension before the treadmill session. Your dog then uses that improved range during controlled walking — cementing the gains through functional movement.
Treadmill + Laser Therapy
Class 4 laser reduces pain and inflammation at the tissue level. Post-laser, dogs move more comfortably and achieve better quality gait on the treadmill. The combination accelerates healing faster than either modality alone.
Treadmill + Acupuncture
Acupuncture provides pain relief and modulates the nervous system. Dogs are more relaxed and comfortable during subsequent treadmill sessions, allowing higher intensity work and better neurological engagement.
Treadmill + HBOT
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy floods tissues with healing oxygen, accelerating tissue repair. The underwater treadmill then maintains and improves the function of those healing tissues. Powerful for post-surgical patients and chronic non-healing conditions.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
Focused Session (30 min + assessment)
$90 – $120
Standard Session (45–60 min + land exercises)
$120 – $150
An initial rehabilitation assessment is required for new patients. Package rates available for multi-session treatment plans. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Ready to take the next step?
Our rehabilitation team will assess your pet and build a personalised care plan.
Not all hydrotherapy is created equal
Singapore's only dedicated veterinary rehabilitation clinic
RehabVet is 100% focused on rehabilitation. Every therapist, every piece of equipment, and every treatment protocol is designed for one thing: helping pets recover. The underwater treadmill here is part of a specialist ecosystem — integrated with manual therapy, laser, acupuncture, HBOT, and land-based exercises.
Purpose-built veterinary-grade treadmill
Our underwater treadmill is a professional veterinary rehabilitation unit with adjustable water depth, belt speed, incline, resistance jets, and warm water temperature control. It accommodates dogs of all sizes — from Chihuahuas to Great Danes. Not a consumer-grade or adapted human treadmill.
Qualified rehabilitation therapist in every session
A trained rehabilitation therapist is present and actively involved in every single treadmill session. They monitor gait quality, adjust variables in real time, manually assist weak limbs when needed, and ensure your dog is working at the optimal intensity.
Multimodal treatment under one roof
The underwater treadmill is most effective when combined with other modalities. At RehabVet, your dog can receive treadmill therapy, manual therapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, HBOT, and electrotherapy — all in one visit, all coordinated by one team.
229 verified 5-star Google reviews
Real outcomes from real pet owners. Dogs walking after IVDD, senior pets regaining strength, post-surgical patients recovering faster than expected. Our Google reviews reflect the measurable outcomes we deliver every day.
Ready to take the next step?
Our rehabilitation team will assess your pet and build a personalised care plan.
Qualified rehabilitation specialists — dedicated to getting your dog moving again. Led by Dr. Sara Lam BVSc.

Lead Veterinarian
BVSc (Sydney), CCRT, CVA
Veterinary oversight for every rehabilitation plan — ensuring safe, clinically appropriate care for your pet.

Senior Therapist

Therapist

Hydrotherapist

Hydrotherapist

Client Relations, Marketing & Business Development Manager
Everything Singapore dog owners want to know
Underwater treadmill therapy is a form of hydrotherapy where your dog walks on a motorised treadmill belt inside an enclosed chamber that fills with warm water to a precisely controlled depth. The buoyancy of the water reduces weight-bearing on joints (by up to 60% depending on water depth), while the natural resistance of water strengthens muscles more effectively than land-based walking. At RehabVet, our purpose-built veterinary underwater treadmill features adjustable water depth, belt speed, incline, and resistance jets — allowing each session to be precisely calibrated to your dog’s condition and recovery stage.
At RehabVet, underwater treadmill sessions typically range from $90 to $180 depending on session duration (30–60 minutes), whether it is combined with other modalities (manual therapy, laser, acupuncture), and the complexity of your dog’s condition. An initial rehabilitation assessment is required for new patients. We offer package rates for multi-session treatment plans. Contact us for a personalised quote based on your dog’s needs.
The underwater treadmill is safe for the vast majority of dogs, including puppies (post growth plate closure), senior dogs, post-surgical patients, and overweight dogs. Our therapists control water depth, speed, and duration precisely, and a qualified team member is always present inside or beside the treadmill during the session. Contraindications include: open or draining wounds, active skin infections, uncontrolled cardiac disease, severe respiratory compromise, uncontrolled seizure disorders, and extreme water phobia that cannot be managed with gradual desensitisation. All dogs are screened during the initial assessment.
My family and I would like to thank RehabVet team for the care, dedication, and professionalism shown to our beloved Border Collie, Patches. During his rehabilitation journey, the therapists and staff were always patient, compassionate, and willing to answer our questions. It was evident that they genuinely cared about his well-being and worked hard to help him maintain the best quality of life possible.
Clean environment and knowledgeable people who loves pets. Highly recommended.
Great place for rehab and therapist
The only place that Aiko loves so wholeheartedly, greeting all staffs cheerfully the moment she enters and resting on their thighs after hydrotherapy so peacefully. The trust and demure of your dog tells it all. No bias or pre-conceived perceptions. We were surprised that the first five hydrotherapy sessions have helped to strengthen her hips and improve her level of energy. Sean is just the consummate professional!
This clinic combines effective treatment, compassionate handling, and up-to-date evidence-based rehabilitation tools. My dog has experienced very visible improvement after just a few sessions with them. Very effective. Many pet owners I spoke to at the clinic also gives it a thumbs up. They have a team of well trained and very caring professionals. I have not seen any dogs that are not comfortable with them over here. 👍🏻
We visited Rehabvet as Bruno was having some mobility issues with his hind legs. We had an excellent experience. They structured a massage / exercise / hydro schedule that worked wonders. Bruno is feeling much better now.
This is the best rehab clinic for my dog.
We've been bringing Kuma to RehabVet for physiotherapy and the experience has been outstanding. The team truly cares for every fur patient, and you can feel the warmth and dedication the moment you walk in. A special thank you to Hazel, Kuma's therapist, who is incredibly patient, attentive, and knowledgeable. She not only conducts the sessions with great care but also provides practical advice for us to continue strengthening Kuma's muscles at home and the results really show. Thank you as well to Dr. Sara, Xan, and the entire RehabVet team for the love and professionalism you show to every pet. If your furkid needs rehabilitation or physiotherapy, RehabVet is truly a place you can trust.
Had a very positive experience at the rehab vet. The entire team was professional, gentle, and reassuring throughout the session. Dr Sara was especially wonderful — knowledgeable, patient, and took the time to explain everything clearly without rushing. You can tell she genuinely cares about the animals and their recovery. The facility has also just been renovated and is very clean, modern, and calm, making it a comfortable and conducive environment for both pets and owners. Highly recommended.
We're truly grateful to Dr. Sara, the entire RehabVet team, and especially Xan, who has been exceptionally detailed and patient. The whole team has shown such genuine care throughout Milo's recovery journey. Milo was diagnosed with IVDD Grade 3 in late June 2025. Although he hasn't fully recovered yet, we've seen significant improvement over the past 3.5 months with pain relief treatments, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, acupuncture, and regular exercise sessions. We believe that slowly but surely, Milo will make a full recovery. Never give up!
Haru has been going to rehabvet since Nov 2025 to manage his mobility caused by luxating patellar and hip dysplasia. Thus far, we witnessed huge improvements thru several methods of rehabilitation such as ultrasound/laser therapy, land exercises and hydrotherapy! Aside from the treatments, what made us continue with them is the hospitality of the staff! They are always so welcoming and you could feel the warmth everytime you step into the clinic! Also, they treat your furkid with love and respect. Highly recommended.
I can't recommend RehabVet highly enough! My Happy, a pomeranian with patella luxation grade 3 on her left hind leg and hip dysplasia, has made incredible progress since starting physiotherapy here. The team is so knowledgeable, patient, and genuinely caring. All the therapists were fantastic and tailored the sessions perfectly to Happy's needs. The facilities are clean and well-equipped, and my dog always seemed comfortable and even enjoyed their sessions. If your furry friend needs some extra support, look no further than RehabVet!
We've been taking our dog to Rehab Vet Singapore for about 6–7 years, mainly for EMF therapy, water treadmill sessions, and joint and muscle supplements. After her hip surgery, she needed a comprehensive recovery plan, and the team here has provided just that and more. Their treatments have helped her regain strength and mobility, and the long-term maintenance has been invaluable in keeping her active and comfortable. The staff is knowledgeable, caring, and always focused on her needs. We truly appreciate the dedication they've shown over the years – highly recommend!
Went to RehabVet for a second opinion on a serious limp my husky had developed. They were exceptionally knowledgeable, gave practical advice and were very generous with their time. We moved forward with treatment and the non invasive options they gave have made him much more comfortable and the future is promising. From the first time I reached out via whatsapp they gave clear helpful advice, follow up on treatment, pictures, liaised with pet transportation and more. A really amazing full service experience. Thank you very much.
As a fur mummy, finding people who genuinely care for and love our babies is so important. I've found exactly that here, especially with Judette, Xan, Noelle, and Joyce. My babies, Barley (17yo cat) and Lexi (9yo dog), come in for pain management and rehab sessions, and I'm always completely comfortable with how they're treated. The team is incredibly patient, gentle, and kind, and it shows in the way they handle my pets. So grateful to have found a rehab centre I truly trust. Highly recommended.
My Shih Tzu, August, has osteoarthritis and he was unable to walk. We took him to RehabVet Clinic after reading good reviews about it on Google. Since November 2023, he has been having therapy here and has shown improvement in his mobility under the tender loving care from Dr Sara Lam and the staff members, with special mention and appreciation to Angeline, Joyce, Hui Tze and Shaun. My Puppy King will continue his treatment here as we have trust in this lovely team. Thank you!
Bubble has been with Rehab Vet for years as he grows older and manages his luxating patella. I am truly grateful to Doc Sara, Xan, Sean, Joyce, and the entire rehab team for always taking such wonderful care of Bubble and watching over him during every session. Bubble came from a condition whereby he couldn't even walk, he was paralysed. But really thankful to rehab vet that made the impossible, became possible. Thank you Doc Sara & all Rehab Team
Great team! Brought my dog Bunny in for a consultation because her luxating patella was getting worse. Bunny is an anxious dog so I expected her to be a handful during the consult but she was very calm in the therapists' presence! Shout out to Xan and Noelle for helping her feel at ease in a foreign place. I love the clinic's interior as well, the warm lights and pastel colours are very welcoming for both me and Bunny :)
Rehabvet was recommended to us by our vet because our dog dislocated her hip when she was a puppy. We've been going to Rehabvet for several years now and their standard of care has been consistently high throughout. Special shoutout to Sean for always trying his best to make her visits as comfortable as possible 👍 (She gets easily anxious)!!
Having been to several vets and rehabs with my senior Shih Tzu, my experience at RehabVet has been the best. My only regret was not bringing him here sooner when his issues first came up! My very anxious 15 year old kiddo was diagnosed with IVDD and is unable to move all his limbs voluntarily at all times. After the initial testing and diagnosis by Dr. Sara, he has had a few trips to the Hyperbaric O2 Therapy, Laser Therapy, and Electrical Stimulation with massages. Now, I can tell that he is in less pain and is also more comfortable and less anxious. I would highly recommend RehabVet to anyone thinking about it!
I can't thank Xan and his team at RehabVet enough for the incredible care they've given my dog. After a sudden incident where my dog started dragging both hind legs, the vet diagnosed him with IVDD stage 2. I decided to try physio at RehabVet, and it was the best decision I could have made. Within just 2-3 sessions, my dog's hind legs showed significant improvement—they were no longer wobbly. Now, after 7-8 sessions, he's regained his mobility and is even jumping around at home again. Xan's patience and dedication made all the difference. I highly recommend RehabVet to anyone in need of compassionate, effective care for their pet.
Always a pleasant experience here at RehabVet- clean area, calm ambience and super patient therapists. Staff are very willing to share tips on home care massages and explain in detail how our pups muscles work, gait observation and strength training for them!
Sean is an incredibly caring and skilled rehab therapist. He's gentle, patient, and truly treats every dog like his own. We saw clear improvement in our dog's mobility, and sessions are always handled with professionalism and compassion. Highly recommend!
Have a wonderful experience with the team at Rehab Vet. The staff are warm, friendly, and always patient in answering our enquiries. Their care and professionalism make every visit reassuring.
My senior dog has been with rehabvet since Sept 2025 after her leg surgery. We're happy to see improvement! Everyone is helpful and friendly here. Thanks rehabvet team!
Newly renovated place, more conducive for therapy sessions. Therapists are experienced in handling older dogs. Have been sending my 18 year old dog for therapy for more than a year.
The therapists are patient and helped improved my dog's arthritis condition. They taught us how to massage his joints and told us to use heat therapy.
My dog has been coming to rehabs for hips dysplasia at a young age of 2 years old & now is 10 years old & condition did not detoriate - glad we started early.
Mochi enjoys his physio sessions with Rehabvet. His LP grade reduced from 3 to 2 with regular weekly sessions. The therapists are friendly and always make sure the sessions intensity are suitable for him.
We've sent both our dogs to RehabVet for some years now. Thanks to the staff for always being so welcoming and caring. Butter loves his swim here.