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

Dogs and cats are masters at masking pain. By the time you notice limping, reluctance to jump, or difficulty on stairs, the underlying musculoskeletal problem has often been developing for months. Stiff joints, tight muscles, fascial adhesions, and compensatory movement patterns compound silently — each day making recovery harder.
Medication manages the symptoms. Surgery addresses the structure. But neither restores normal movement or addresses the cascade of muscle tension, joint stiffness, and altered gait that develops around the original problem.
Manual therapy does. Skilled hands can feel what imaging misses — the tight muscle, the restricted joint, the fascial adhesion, the trigger point generating referred pain. And those same hands can treat it, directly, right there in the session.
Seven specialised approaches, tailored to your pet
Joint Mobilisation
Gentle, rhythmic movements applied directly to joints to restore range of motion, reduce stiffness, and alleviate pain. Our therapists use graded mobilisations (Maitland grades I–IV) calibrated to your pet's condition — from gentle oscillations for pain relief to firmer techniques for restricted joints. Particularly effective for arthritis, post-surgical stiffness, and spondylosis.
Soft Tissue Massage
Targeted manipulation of muscles, tendons, and ligaments to reduce tension, improve circulation, and promote healing. Includes effleurage (long strokes for circulation), petrissage (kneading for deep muscle release), and cross-fibre friction (for tendon and scar tissue). Essential for post-surgical patients, compensatory muscle tension, and chronic pain management.
Myofascial Release
Sustained pressure applied to fascial restrictions — the connective tissue that surrounds every muscle, bone, and organ. Fascial adhesions develop after surgery, injury, or prolonged immobility and restrict movement patterns. Myofascial release restores tissue glide, reduces pain, and improves overall movement quality. Often produces immediate visible improvement in the pet's gait.
Stretching & Flexibility
Therapist-guided stretching to maintain and improve muscle length, joint range of motion, and overall flexibility. Includes static stretching (holding a position), dynamic stretching (controlled movement through range), and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) techniques. Critical for athletic dogs, post-surgical patients, and senior pets with progressive stiffness.
Passive Range of Motion (PROM)
The therapist gently moves your pet's limbs through their full range of motion without the pet using their own muscles. This maintains joint health, prevents adhesions, stimulates joint fluid production, and provides neurological input. Essential in early post-surgical recovery when the pet cannot yet move the limb voluntarily. Also used for neurological patients with paresis or paralysis.
Manual Lymphatic Drainage
Light, rhythmic techniques that stimulate the lymphatic system to reduce swelling (oedema) and support immune function. Particularly valuable after surgery, trauma, or any condition involving significant tissue swelling. The gentle pressure moves excess fluid away from affected areas, reducing pain and accelerating the healing environment.
Trigger Point Release
Targeted sustained pressure on myofascial trigger points — tight "knots" in muscle tissue that cause localised and referred pain. Trigger points are common in dogs with compensatory movement patterns (e.g., favouring one leg due to arthritis in another). Release of these points provides immediate pain relief and restores normal muscle function.
From assessment to treatment — here’s what to expect
Comprehensive Assessment
Your therapist performs a detailed hands-on examination — palpating every major muscle group, testing joint range of motion, assessing neurological function, and observing your pet's gait and posture. This takes 30–45 minutes for new patients and identifies the specific tissues and joints that need attention.
Treatment Plan
Based on the assessment findings (and any imaging/surgical reports from your primary vet), we design a tailored manual therapy programme. This includes which techniques to use, treatment frequency, and how manual therapy will integrate with other modalities like hydrotherapy, laser, or acupuncture.
Hands-On Treatment
Your therapist works through the affected areas systematically — mobilising stiff joints, releasing muscle tension, addressing fascial restrictions, and performing stretching and PROM exercises. The treatment is always progressive, starting gently and increasing as your pet relaxes and responds. Sessions last 30–60 minutes.
Reassessment & Home Programme
After treatment, your therapist reassesses the areas worked on to measure immediate improvement. We also provide a home exercise programme — simple stretches and exercises you can do between sessions to maintain and build on the progress made. Progress is tracked session to session.
Clinical rehabilitation vs general wellness — why the difference matters
Feature Manual Therapy (RehabVet)) Pet Massage Clinical assessment ✓ Full musculoskeletal & neuro exam Limited or none Performed by Qualified rehab therapists Varies (certification optional) Joint mobilisation ✓ Graded (Maitland I–IV) ✗ Not included Goal-directed ✓ Specific diagnoses & measurable outcomes General wellness/relaxation Integrated care ✓ Combined with hydro, laser, acu, HBOT Standalone service Progress tracking ✓ ROM measurements, gait analysis Subjective only
From arthritis to post-surgical recovery
Osteoarthritis
The most common condition we treat with manual therapy. Joint mobilisation maintains range of motion, massage releases compensatory muscle tension, and myofascial release addresses fascial restrictions. Combined with other modalities, manual therapy significantly improves comfort and mobility.
IVDD & Spinal Conditions
Intervertebral disc disease, spondylosis, and spinal trauma. Gentle spinal mobilisation, paraspinal muscle massage, and PROM exercises support nerve recovery, reduce pain, and maintain joint health during the healing process.
Post-Surgical Recovery
TPLO, TTA, cruciate repair, spinal surgery, fracture repair, and soft tissue surgery. Manual therapy prevents adhesions, restores range of motion, reduces swelling, addresses muscle atrophy, and corrects compensatory movement patterns.
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Joint mobilisation maintains range of motion in dysplastic joints. Soft tissue work addresses the chronic muscle tension that develops around affected joints. Stretching maintains flexibility and prevents further compensatory issues.
Muscle Strains & Tears
Acute and chronic muscle injuries in active and sporting dogs. Soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and progressive stretching promote healing, prevent scar tissue adhesions, and restore full muscle function.
Neurological Conditions
Degenerative myelopathy, vestibular disease, FCE (fibrocartilaginous embolism), and peripheral nerve injuries. PROM exercises maintain joint mobility, massage prevents muscle wasting, and manual therapy provides essential neurological input to affected limbs.
Chronic Pain
Long-standing pain from any cause — including conditions where the original injury has healed but the nervous system continues to generate pain signals. Manual therapy modulates the pain system through gate control mechanisms, reduces muscle guarding, and restores normal movement patterns.
Senior Pet Mobility
Age-related stiffness, reduced flexibility, muscle weakness, and general mobility decline. Regular manual therapy sessions maintain joint health, keep muscles supple, improve circulation, and significantly enhance quality of life for ageing pets.
The multimodal advantage — why hands-on therapy works best at a specialist rehab clinic
Manual therapy is powerful — but it’s most effective as part of a coordinated rehabilitation programme. At RehabVet, your therapist doesn’t just treat muscles and joints. They design an integrated plan that combines manual therapy with the exact modalities your pet needs, all under one roof.
Manual Therapy + Hydrotherapy
Manual therapy restores joint range and releases tissue restrictions on land. Hydrotherapy then allows your pet to use that new range in a buoyant, low-impact environment — building strength without overloading healing tissues.
Manual Therapy + Hydrotherapy
Manual therapy restores joint range and releases tissue restrictions on land. Hydrotherapy then allows your pet to use that new range in a buoyant, low-impact environment — building strength without overloading healing tissues.
Manual Therapy + Acupuncture
Acupuncture modulates pain pathways and releases endorphins. Manual therapy then works on tissues that are more receptive to treatment, allowing deeper, more effective joint mobilisation and soft tissue work.
Manual Therapy + HBOT
HBOT floods tissues with healing oxygen. Manual therapy maintains and improves the range of motion and tissue quality that HBOT-accelerated healing requires. Particularly powerful for post-surgical patients and chronic wounds.
Transparent pricing — specialist care at fair rates
Targeted treatment for specific area
Focused Session (30 min)
$80 – $120
Standard Session (45–60 min)
$120 – $150
An initial consultation is required for new patients. Package rates available for multi-session plans. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Not all hands-on therapy is created equal
Dedicated rehabilitation clinic, not a general practice
RehabVet is Singapore's only dedicated veterinary rehabilitation clinic. Every therapist, every piece of equipment, and every treatment room is dedicated to one thing: helping pets recover and thrive. Manual therapy here is part of a specialist ecosystem — not a side service at a general vet.
Trained rehabilitation therapists with clinical assessment skills
Our therapists don't just massage — they assess. They can identify joint end-feel abnormalities, grade muscle strength, perform neurological screening, and design targeted interventions based on clinical findings. This is the difference between a feel-good rub and a treatment that changes outcomes.
Multimodal treatment under one roof
Manual therapy works best when combined with other modalities. At RehabVet, your pet can receive manual therapy, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, acupuncture, HBOT, and electrotherapy — all in one visit, all coordinated by one team. No referrals between facilities, no communication gaps.
229 verified 5-star Google reviews
Real results from real pet owners. Dogs walking after IVDD, senior pets regaining mobility, post-surgical patients recovering faster. Our reputation is built on measurable outcomes, not marketing.
Featured in Straits Times, CNA, Mothership, and more
Singapore's leading media outlets have featured RehabVet's work in veterinary rehabilitation. Our approach to hands-on, evidence-based rehabilitation has made us the country's most recognised veterinary rehab facility.
Qualified rehabilitation specialists, led by Dr. Sara Lam

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 pet owners want to know
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.