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

The veterinary equivalent of human physical therapy — adapted for four-legged patients
Physical therapy for animals — also known as veterinary physiotherapy or pet rehabilitation — uses evidence-based physical treatments to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve function in dogs, cats, and other companion animals. It applies the same scientific principles as human physical therapy, adapted for veterinary patients.
At RehabVet, physical therapy encompasses a comprehensive range of modalities: manual therapy (joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release), therapeutic exercises (strength, balance, proprioception), hydrotherapy (underwater treadmill), Class 4 laser therapy, neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES), and therapeutic ultrasound.
The key distinction at RehabVet is our multimodal approach. Rather than relying on a single treatment, we combine multiple therapies into a personalised programme that addresses your pet’s condition from every angle. Research consistently shows that multimodal physical therapy delivers superior outcomes compared to any single modality alone.
Every programme is designed and supervised by our veterinary team, led by Dr. Sara Lam BVSc. Our therapists hold internationally recognised rehabilitation qualifications and work under direct veterinary oversight — ensuring safe, effective treatment for every patient.

Singapore’s most comprehensive veterinary physical therapy facility
Singapore's first dedicated rehabilitation clinic
Every therapist, piece of equipment, and treatment room at RehabVet is purpose-built for animal rehabilitation. We are not a general practice clinic that offers physical therapy on the side — rehabilitation is all we do.
Multimodal treatment programmes
We combine manual therapy, exercises, hydrotherapy, laser, electrotherapy, and ultrasound into comprehensive programmes. Research shows multimodal physical therapy delivers superior outcomes compared to any single treatment.
Full veterinary oversight every session
All physical therapy programmes are designed and supervised by our veterinary team, led by Dr. Sara Lam BVSc. Our therapists hold internationally recognised rehabilitation qualifications.
Objective progress tracking
We measure muscle circumference, joint range of motion, gait quality, and functional mobility at regular reassessments. You see your pet's improvement in concrete numbers — not just "they seem better."
Dogs and cats — not just dogs
We have extensive experience treating feline patients. Our therapists adapt techniques for cats' unique physiology and temperament — because cats deserve expert rehabilitation too.
One-on-one dedicated sessions
Every pet receives individual attention for their entire session. No group classes, no distractions — just focused, expert care tailored to your pet's specific needs and goals.
Six evidence-based treatment approaches, combined into personalised programmes
Effective physical therapy requires multiple tools. We select and combine modalities based on your pet’s specific condition, treatment phase, and response.

Manual Therapy
Hands-on techniques including joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and passive range-of-motion exercises. Manual therapy restores joint mobility, reduces muscle tension, breaks down adhesions, and provides immediate pain relief. It forms the foundation of every physical therapy session.

Therapeutic Exercises
Customised exercise programmes targeting strength, balance, coordination, endurance, and proprioception. Includes cavaletti rails, wobble boards, balance discs, sit-to-stand transitions, weight shifting, and controlled walking patterns. Exercises are progressed systematically as your pet improves.

Hydrotherapy
Underwater treadmill and warm water therapy provide low-impact exercise that builds muscle, improves cardiovascular fitness, and supports weight-bearing in a buoyant environment. Particularly effective for post-surgical recovery, arthritis, and weight management.

Class 4 Laser Therapy
Deep tissue photobiomodulation using Class 4 therapeutic laser. Stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and provides analgesia at the tissue level. Non-invasive and painless — most pets relax during treatment. Effective for acute injuries, chronic pain, and wound healing.

Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES)
Electrical currents stimulate muscle contractions in weakened or atrophied muscles. NMES is essential for neurological patients who cannot voluntarily activate muscles, and for maintaining muscle mass in post-surgical patients during restricted activity periods.

Therapeutic Ultrasound
High-frequency sound waves penetrate deep tissues to increase blood flow, reduce scar tissue, and promote healing in tendons, ligaments, and muscles. Particularly useful for chronic tendon injuries, joint contractures, and scar tissue management.
Evidence-based outcomes for surgery recovery, chronic pain, arthritis, neurological conditions, and mobility

1. Accelerated recovery after surgery
Physical therapy is the single most important factor in post-surgical outcomes. Research in Veterinary Surgery demonstrates that dogs receiving structured physical therapy after orthopaedic surgery recover 30–50% faster, develop better muscle mass, and achieve greater joint range of motion. At RehabVet, we begin gentle therapy within days of surgery — because early intervention produces the best results.
2. Natural pain management
Physical therapy provides effective, drug-free pain relief through multiple mechanisms: manual therapy releases endorphins and reduces muscle spasm; laser therapy modulates inflammatory pathways; therapeutic exercises restore normal movement patterns that reduce compensatory pain. This allows many pets to reduce or eliminate their dependence on pain medications.
3. Restored mobility and joint function
Through targeted stretching, joint mobilisation, and progressive strengthening, physical therapy restores range of motion and builds the muscle mass that supports and protects joints. Pets with arthritis, post-surgical stiffness, or neurological weakness consistently show measurable improvements in functional mobility.
4. Muscle strengthening and reconditioning
Muscle atrophy begins within days of injury, surgery, or reduced activity. Physical therapy counteracts this with targeted exercises — both land-based and aquatic — that rebuild strength safely and progressively. Stronger muscles mean better joint support, improved stability, and reduced risk of re-injury.
5. Improved balance and proprioception
Proprioception — the body's awareness of its position in space — is often impaired after neurological injury, surgery, or joint disease. Balance exercises, wobble boards, and controlled walking patterns retrain these neural pathways, reducing falls and improving confidence in movement.
6. Weight management through guided exercise
Obesity places enormous stress on joints and accelerates degenerative disease. Physical therapy provides structured, controlled exercise programmes — including underwater treadmill sessions — that help overweight pets lose weight safely, even when pain or mobility limitations make conventional exercise impossible.
7. Prevention of secondary complications
When an animal favours one limb, the opposite limb and spine compensate — leading to secondary injuries over time. Physical therapy addresses the original condition while correcting compensatory patterns, preventing a cascade of additional problems.
8. Enhanced neurological recovery
Pets with IVDD, degenerative myelopathy, FCE, or other neurological conditions benefit enormously from targeted physical therapy. Neuromuscular re-education, assisted standing, controlled walking, and NMES help retrain neural pathways and maximise recovery of voluntary movement.
9. Improved quality of life for senior pets
Ageing pets lose muscle mass, joint flexibility, and balance. Regular physical therapy sessions maintain mobility, manage chronic pain, prevent falls, and preserve independence — helping senior dogs and cats stay active and comfortable in their golden years.
10. Measurable, objective progress
Every physical therapy programme at RehabVet includes regular reassessments with objective measurements — muscle circumference, joint range of motion, gait quality scores, and functional mobility assessments. You see your pet's improvement in concrete numbers.
From post-surgical recovery to age-related decline — our physical therapy programmes address the full spectrum of musculoskeletal, neurological, and chronic conditions in dogs and cats.

Post-surgical recovery
Physical therapy is critical after orthopaedic surgery (TPLO, TTA, fracture repair, FHO) and spinal surgery. We begin gentle treatment within days and progress systematically — restoring range of motion, rebuilding muscle, and retraining normal gait patterns. Dogs with structured post-surgical physical therapy consistently outperform those on rest alone.

Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease
Arthritis is the most common reason pets are referred for physical therapy. Our multimodal approach — manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, and laser therapy — reduces pain, builds protective muscle mass around affected joints, and slows disease progression. Most arthritic pets show noticeable improvement within 3–4 sessions.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
IVDD patients — particularly Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, Corgis, and Shih Tzus — benefit enormously from physical therapy. Our programmes combine neuromuscular re-education, assisted standing, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and NMES to promote nerve recovery and restore mobility. Physical therapy is essential for both surgical and conservative IVDD management.

Neurological conditions
Degenerative myelopathy, fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), vestibular disease, and post-surgical nerve injuries all respond to targeted physical therapy. Balance exercises, proprioceptive training, assisted walking, and NMES help retrain neural pathways and maximise remaining function.

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Dysplastic joints cause lifelong pain and progressive degeneration. Physical therapy strengthens the muscles surrounding affected joints, improves stability, reduces pain, and often delays or avoids surgical intervention. Combined with weight management, physical therapy significantly improves quality of life for dysplastic patients.

Cruciate ligament injuries
Both pre-surgical "prehabilitation" and post-surgical rehabilitation are critical for cruciate cases. Pre-surgical physical therapy builds muscle mass and maintains fitness before surgery. Post-surgical therapy restores range of motion, rebuilds quadriceps and hamstring strength, and retrains normal weight-bearing gait patterns.

Soft tissue injuries
Muscle strains, tendon injuries, and ligament sprains require careful, structured rehabilitation. Physical therapy accelerates tissue healing, prevents formation of restrictive scar tissue, and progressively restores strength and flexibility. Laser therapy and therapeutic ultrasound complement manual therapy for soft tissue recovery.

Obesity and weight management
Overweight pets face significantly higher risks of joint disease, diabetes, and reduced life expectancy. Our underwater treadmill provides high-calorie-burn, low-impact exercise — safe even for pets who cannot tolerate conventional exercise due to pain or mobility limitations. Combined with exercise prescription, physical therapy enables safe, sustainable weight loss.

Geriatric mobility decline
Senior dogs and cats naturally lose muscle mass, joint flexibility, and balance. Regular physical therapy sessions maintain mobility, prevent falls, manage age-related pain, and preserve quality of life. Our senior wellness programmes are gentle, progressive, and adapted to each pet's abilities.

Feline conditions
Cats benefit significantly from physical therapy — particularly for arthritis (vastly underdiagnosed in cats), post-surgical recovery, and neurological conditions. Our therapists are experienced with feline patients and use gentle techniques adapted to cats' unique temperament. Land-based physiotherapy and laser therapy are especially well-tolerated by cats.
A structured, 5-step process from assessment to recovery
Comprehensive assessment
Your pet's first visit includes a thorough physical examination: gait and posture observation, joint range of motion measurements, muscle circumference assessment, pain evaluation, and functional mobility testing. We review medical records, imaging, and surgical reports to build a complete picture.
Personalised treatment plan
Based on the assessment, our veterinary team designs a tailored programme — selecting specific modalities, setting measurable goals, recommending session frequency, and establishing realistic timelines. All costs are discussed transparently before treatment begins
Active treatment sessions (30–60 min)
Each session combines multiple modalities selected for your pet: manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, laser, NMES, or ultrasound. Your therapist adjusts intensity and techniques in real time based on your pet's response and progress.
Regular reassessment and progression
We reassess at regular intervals using objective measurements — muscle circumference, joint angles, gait scores, functional mobility. The programme is progressed, adjusted, or modified based on data, not guesswork. You receive clear, concrete updates on your pet's improvement.
Home exercise programme
Between clinic sessions, you'll practise specific exercises at home — carefully demonstrated and explained by your therapist. Home exercises complement in-clinic treatment and significantly improve outcomes by providing daily therapeutic activity.
First time at a veterinary physical therapy clinic? Here’s what happens
Before the session
Bring your pet's medical history, any imaging reports (X-rays, MRI, CT), surgical discharge notes, and a list of current medications. If your pet has activity restrictions from their surgeon, bring those instructions too. No special preparation needed — just arrive with your pet comfortable and rested.
During the session (60–90 minutes for first visit)
Your first visit is longer because it includes a full assessment. Our team will observe your pet's gait and posture, perform a physical examination, take measurements, and discuss your goals. Treatment begins at this first visit if appropriate. You are welcome to stay, observe, and ask questions throughout — we encourage it.
After the session
Some pets are tired after their first session — this is normal and indicates muscles have been working. Your therapist will explain the recommended treatment plan, frequency, expected timeline, and costs. Home exercises will be demonstrated. Most pets show visible improvement within 3–4 sessions.
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
Initial assessment + first treatment session
$150 – $200
Follow-up physical therapy sessions
$100 – $160
Package rates
$100 – $140
Many pet insurance policies in Singapore now cover physical therapy and rehabilitation. We recommend checking with your insurer before your first appointment. We provide itemised invoices for insurance claims.
Pricing varies based on session duration and modalities used. Additional treatments (laser therapy, NMES, therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave) may apply. Your veterinary team will discuss all costs before beginning treatment.
Prefer to chat on WhatsApp?
Message us for a personalised quote — we’re happy to help.
Qualified rehabilitation specialists dedicated to your pet’s recovery. 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 pet owners ask before their first physical therapy session
Physical therapy (also called physiotherapy or veterinary rehabilitation) is the use of evidence-based physical treatments to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve function in animals. It includes manual therapy (hands-on techniques), therapeutic exercises, hydrotherapy, laser therapy, electrical stimulation, and therapeutic ultrasound. At RehabVet, every programme is designed and supervised by our veterinary team to address your pet’s specific condition.
At RehabVet, initial physical therapy consultations are $150–$200, which includes a comprehensive assessment and your first treatment session. Follow-up sessions range from $100–$160 depending on the modalities used. Package rates are available for ongoing treatment plans. Many pet insurance policies in Singapore now cover physical therapy — check with your insurer before your first appointment.
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.