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

A 2,000-year-old healing art — now applied to veterinary rehabilitation
Tui Na (推拿) is a specialised form of Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine (TCVM) massage therapy that uses specific hand techniques — pressing, kneading, rolling, grasping, and gliding — to restore the flow of Qi (vital energy) and blood throughout your pet’s body. Practised for over 2,000 years in Chinese medicine, Tui Na is now one of the most valuable therapeutic modalities in modern veterinary rehabilitation.
Unlike regular pet massage, Tui Na is guided by TCVM pattern diagnosis. Before treatment, our practitioners assess your pet’s constitution, tongue colour, pulse quality, and clinical signs to identify the underlying energetic imbalance — whether it’s Qi stagnation causing pain, Blood deficiency causing weakness, or Dampness causing joint swelling. Treatment is then targeted to resolve these specific patterns, not just manage symptoms.
At RehabVet, Tui Na is combined with acupressure (sustained pressure on acupuncture points), myofascial release, and Western manual therapy techniques. This integrative approach — led by Dr. Sara Lam BVSc and delivered by our TCVM-trained rehabilitation team — addresses both the energetic and structural components of your pet’s condition.

Singapore’s only dedicated animal rehab clinic with integrated TCVM and Western manual therapy
TCVM-trained practitioners
Our team is trained in Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine — not just generic pet massage. Every Tui Na session is guided by proper TCVM pattern diagnosis to identify and treat the underlying energetic imbalance.
Integrative approach
We combine TCVM Tui Na with Western manual therapy, acupressure, myofascial release, and complementary modalities (hydrotherapy, laser, acupuncture) for comprehensive care that addresses every dimension of your pet's condition.
Veterinary supervision
All treatments are designed under veterinary supervision (Dr. Sara Lam BVSc). Safe, appropriate therapy — especially critical for post-surgical patients, dogs on medications, or pets with complex conditions.
Home technique instruction
We teach owners specific Tui Na and acupressure techniques to practice at home between clinic sessions. This extends therapy benefits to every day and empowers you to contribute actively to your pet's recovery.
Suitable for dogs and cats
We treat both dogs and cats. Techniques are adapted to each species' anatomy, size, and temperament. Many cats respond even more quickly to Tui Na than dogs.
Purpose-built rehabilitation facility
Dedicated treatment rooms with temperature control, non-slip surfaces, calming environments, and all the equipment needed for comprehensive therapy sessions — including underwater treadmill, therapeutic laser, and more.
Six core techniques — combined into personalised treatment plans for your pet

Tui Na Massage (推拿)
The foundation of TCVM bodywork. Tui Na uses rhythmic pressing, kneading, rolling, and gliding techniques along the body's meridian channels to move Qi (vital energy) and blood. Unlike Western massage that primarily targets muscles, Tui Na works on the energetic system — resolving Qi stagnation, clearing blockages, and restoring the smooth flow of energy throughout your dog's body. Particularly effective for chronic pain, stiffness, and internal imbalances.

Acupressure for Dogs
Acupressure applies sustained finger pressure to specific acupuncture points (acupoints) — the same points used in veterinary acupuncture, but without needles. Each acupoint has specific therapeutic effects: LI 4 (Hegu) for pain relief, ST 36 (Zusanli) for digestive support and energy, BL 23 (Shenshu) for kidney and lower back support. Acupressure for dogs is gentle, non-invasive, and especially valuable for pets who are needle-sensitive or as a complement between acupuncture sessions.

Myofascial Release
Gentle, sustained pressure applied to fascia — the connective tissue network that surrounds every muscle, organ, and joint. Fascial restrictions from surgery, injury, or chronic compensation cause pain, reduced range of motion, and altered movement patterns. Myofascial release restores tissue gliding, reduces adhesions, and improves mobility. Combined with Tui Na, this addresses both the energetic and structural components of your dog's condition.

Meridian Tracing & Qi Mobilisation
Light, directional stroking along the 14 major meridian channels — stimulating Qi flow throughout the body. This gentle technique is used to open treatment sessions (preparing the body for deeper work), calm anxious patients, and maintain energetic balance between clinic visits. It's one of the simplest yet most powerful Tui Na techniques, and one we teach owners to perform at home as part of their pet's ongoing care programme.

Therapeutic Massage for Pain & Tension
Targeted deep tissue and trigger point techniques address muscle tension, spasm, and pain at the physical level. Combined with TCVM pattern diagnosis, we identify which muscles are affected and why — often revealing underlying energetic imbalances that perpetuate muscular problems. This integrated approach means we treat the root cause, not just the symptoms. Especially effective for dogs with chronic back pain, neck stiffness, and compensatory tension patterns.

An Mo (按摩) — Calming Press-Stroke Therapy
An Mo is the gentler counterpart to Tui Na — using slower, more rhythmic pressing and stroking motions designed to calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote deep relaxation. Particularly valuable for pets with anxiety, fear-based behaviours, post-traumatic stress from hospitalisation, or those needing palliative comfort care. An Mo transforms the therapy session into a deeply soothing experience for your pet.
Understanding the difference — and why we integrate both
| Aspect | TCVM Tui Na | Western Massage |
|---|---|---|
| Philosophy | Restores balance of Qi, Blood, Yin and Yang | Targets specific muscles and soft tissues |
| Diagnostic basis | TCVM pattern diagnosis (e.g. Qi stagnation) | Anatomical / biomechanical assessment |
| Technique focus | Meridian-based channels and acupoints | Muscle- and fascia-based anatomy |
| Primary goal | Whole-body balance plus symptom relief | Musculoskeletal comfort and mobility |
| Scope | MSK, selected internal, and emotional support | Primarily musculoskeletal |
| Often best for | Chronic patterns and whole-body wellness | Acute soft-tissue and specific muscle problems |
| At RehabVet | Integrated with Western manual therapy when helpful | Integrated with TCVM techniques when helpful |
In practice, many pets benefit from both lenses in one plan. Tui Na sits alongside our Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine service and land-based manual therapy.
From arthritis to anxiety — Tui Na addresses musculoskeletal, neurological, emotional, and internal conditions
Dog Massage for Arthritis & Joint Pain
Arthritis is one of the most common conditions we treat with Tui Na. In TCVM terms, arthritis is often classified as Bi Syndrome — pain caused by the invasion of Wind, Cold, or Damp into the joints. Tui Na massage disperses these pathogenic factors, improves blood circulation to affected joints, reduces inflammation, and relieves pain. Combined with acupressure at key points (GB 34 for tendons, ST 36 for overall vitality, BL 60 for hind limb pain), therapeutic massage provides meaningful, drug-free pain relief for arthritic dogs.
Dog Massage for Back Pain & Spinal Conditions
Tui Na along the Bladder meridian (which runs parallel to the spine) is profoundly effective for back pain, IVDD, spondylosis, and lumbosacral disease. Specific techniques — rolling (Gun Fa), pressing (An Fa), and kneading (Rou Fa) — release paraspinal muscle tension, improve spinal blood flow, and reduce nerve compression symptoms. Many dogs with chronic back pain show significant improvement with regular Tui Na sessions.
Post-Surgery Recovery Massage
After orthopaedic or spinal surgery, Tui Na accelerates healing by improving blood circulation to surgical sites, reducing muscle atrophy from restricted activity, relieving compensatory tension patterns, and promoting tissue repair. Gentle meridian tracing and acupressure can begin within days of surgery (away from the surgical site), progressing to deeper techniques as healing allows.
Dog Massage for Anxiety & Stress
Many dogs experience anxiety — from separation distress, noise phobias, post-hospitalisation trauma, or general fearfulness. TCVM views anxiety as a disturbance of the Shen (spirit/mind), often related to Heart or Liver Qi imbalances. An Mo massage techniques, combined with acupressure at calming points (HT 7 for Shen disturbance, GV 20 for mental clarity, Yin Tang for calming), provide deep nervous system regulation without sedation.
Mobility & Gait Improvement
For dogs with stiff gaits, reluctance to move, or asymmetric movement patterns, Tui Na addresses both the muscular restrictions and energetic blockages that limit mobility. By restoring Qi flow through affected limbs and releasing fascial adhesions, dogs often show visibly improved movement quality — longer strides, smoother gait transitions, and greater willingness to be active.
Senior Dog Wellness Massage
Ageing dogs benefit enormously from regular Tui Na sessions. As dogs age, Qi and blood circulation naturally decline, leading to stiffness, reduced vitality, digestive changes, and cognitive decline. Regular therapeutic massage maintains circulation, supports organ function (through meridian stimulation), preserves muscle tone, and provides comfort and quality-of-life improvement for senior pets.
Digestive & Internal Organ Support
Tui Na isn't limited to musculoskeletal conditions. Abdominal Tui Na and acupressure at digestive points (ST 36, CV 12, SP 6) can support dogs with chronic digestive issues, poor appetite, nausea, or post-anaesthetic gut slowdown. In TCVM, the Spleen and Stomach are the foundation of health — and Tui Na is one of the gentlest ways to support their function.
Why TCVM bodywork is one of the most versatile treatments in veterinary rehabilitation
1. Drug-free pain relief
Tui Na and acupressure stimulate the body's natural pain-modulation systems — releasing endorphins, reducing muscle spasm, improving blood flow, and calming inflammation. Effective pain management without adding to your dog's medication burden.
2. Improved blood & Qi circulation
Every technique in Tui Na is designed to move blood and Qi. Improved circulation means better oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, faster healing, reduced swelling, and enhanced organ function.
3. Muscle tension and spasm relief
Chronic muscle tension — from pain guarding, compensatory movement, or post-surgical restriction — causes its own pain cycle. Tui Na breaks this cycle by releasing trigger points, reducing hypertonic muscle tone, and restoring normal muscle function.
4. Enhanced joint range of motion
By releasing fascial restrictions and reducing muscle tension around joints, Tui Na directly improves how far and how easily your dog can move their joints. Combined with passive range-of-motion techniques, this restores functional mobility.
5. Nervous system regulation
Tui Na activates the parasympathetic nervous system — the "rest and digest" state. This reduces stress hormones, lowers heart rate, improves digestive function, and creates the optimal internal environment for healing.
6. Accelerated post-surgical healing
Improved circulation, reduced muscle tension, better range of motion, and nervous system regulation all combine to create ideal conditions for tissue repair and recovery after surgery.
7. Reduced anxiety and fear
The rhythmic, predictable nature of Tui Na combined with specific calming acupressure points can significantly reduce anxiety levels — particularly valuable for fearful pets, those with hospitalisation trauma, or noise phobias.
8. Complementary to acupuncture
Tui Na and acupuncture share the same theoretical foundation (TCVM meridian theory). Tui Na between acupuncture sessions maintains and extends the therapeutic benefits, making the overall treatment programme more effective.
9. Owner participation
Many Tui Na and acupressure techniques can be safely taught to owners for home practice. This deepens the human-animal bond while extending therapy benefits to every day — making Tui Na one of the most practical, sustainable treatments available.
10. Whole-body wellness support
Unlike treatments that target a single problem, Tui Na treats the whole patient — improving energy, sleep quality, appetite, coat condition, and overall vitality alongside the primary condition being addressed.
A structured, evidence-based approach to TCVM bodywork
TCVM assessment & pattern diagnosis
Your practitioner observes your pet's constitution, tongue, pulse, and clinical signs to identify the underlying TCVM pattern — Qi stagnation, Blood deficiency, Dampness, Wind-Cold, or other imbalances. This guides the entire treatment approach.
Opening: meridian tracing & gentle An Mo
Light, rhythmic strokes along the major meridian channels open the body's energy pathways, calm the nervous system, and prepare your pet for deeper work. Most dogs and cats visibly relax within minutes.
Core treatment: Tui Na, acupressure & myofascial work (20–40 min)
Targeted techniques address the specific TCVM pattern and clinical conditions — Tui Na along affected meridians, sustained acupressure on key points, myofascial release for structural restrictions, and deep tissue work for muscle tension. Intensity adjusted in real time based on your pet's response.
Integration: closing meridian work
Gentle closing techniques ensure smooth Qi flow throughout the body, ground the treatment effects, and leave your pet in a calm, balanced state.
Home technique instruction
Your practitioner demonstrates specific Tui Na and acupressure techniques for you to practice at home — typically 5–10 minutes daily. Written guides provided. This extends therapy benefits to every day between clinic visits.
Transparent pricing — Tui Na is integrated into comprehensive TCVM or rehabilitation sessions
Initial consultation + TCVM assessment + first session
$150 – $200
Follow-up Tui Na / TCVM therapy sessions
$100 – $160
Tui Na is integrated into comprehensive TCVM or physical therapy sessions — not billed separately. Sessions may include acupressure, myofascial release, and complementary modalities as clinically appropriate. Many pet insurance policies in Singapore now cover TCVM and rehabilitation therapy.
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Qualified rehabilitation specialists — not general practice vets. 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 about TCVM massage, acupressure, and therapeutic bodywork
Tui Na works best as part of an integrative treatment programme
Dog Acupuncture
TCVM needle therapy
TCVM Singapore
Chinese veterinary medicine
Dog Physiotherapy
Manual therapy & exercises
Hydrotherapy
Underwater treadmill therapy
Rehab Exercises
Strengthening & proprioception
Ultrasound Therapy
Deep tissue healing
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.