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.
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.
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.
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."
We have extensive experience treating feline patients. Our therapists adapt techniques for cats' unique physiology and temperament — because cats deserve expert rehabilitation too.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.