Animal Rehabilitation

Dog Physiotherapy

What is Dog Physiotherapy

Dog physiotherapy is a specialised treatment approach that focuses on:

  • Addressing musculoskeletal issues: Targeting joint, muscle, and tendon problems, including injuries, degenerative conditions, and post-operative care.

  • Improving mobility: Enhancing strength, flexibility, and range of motion through tailored therapeutic exercises and interventions.

  • Pain relief: Utilising non-invasive techniques like massage, joint mobilisation, and therapeutic modalities to alleviate pain and discomfort.

  • Individualised care: Designing custom treatment plans that consider each dog’s unique needs and goals.

  • Supporting recovery: Promoting optimal healing and restoring functionality after injury, surgery, or illness.

At RehabVet Clinic, our expert team delivers exceptional physiotherapy services, improving your dog’s quality of life and well-being.

Dog physiotherapy involves a combination of techniques and exercises, including massage therapy, manual therapy, laser therapy, and therapeutic exercises. These techniques are designed to improve muscle strength, flexibility, and range of motion, as well as reduce inflammation and pain.

This therapy is particularly effective for dogs recovering from surgery, suffering from arthritis, or experiencing mobility issues due to aging or injury. It is a non-invasive and drug-free approach to treating mobility issues in dogs, making it a safe and effective treatment option.

What are the benefits of animal physiotherapy?

Dog getting physiotherapy treatment on balancing plank

Here are some of the benefits of dog physiotherapy:

  1. Reduced pain and discomfort: Dog physiotherapy can help reduce pain and discomfort associated with injuries, chronic conditions, or post-surgery. This is achieved through various techniques such as massage, joint mobilisation, and heat therapy.

  2. Improved mobility and range of motion: Physiotherapy can help improve a dog’s mobility and range of motion. This is particularly important for dogs with joint conditions such as arthritis or after surgery. The therapy can help loosen up stiff joints and improve muscle strength, enabling the dog to move more freely.

  3. Faster recovery from injuries or surgeries: Dog physiotherapy can also help dogs recover faster from injuries or surgeries. By improving blood flow, reducing inflammation, and providing targeted exercise, physiotherapy can help speed up the healing process.

  4. Better quality of life: Dogs that undergo physiotherapy often experience an improvement in their overall quality of life. They may have less pain, be more mobile, and be able to engage in activities they enjoy.

  5. Non-invasive: One of the biggest advantages of dog physiotherapy is that it is non-invasive. Unlike surgery or medication, physiotherapy does not involve any invasive procedures or drugs, making it a safe and natural form of treatment for dogs.

What conditions can be treated with animal physiotherapy?​

A customised pet orthotic and prosthetic device being used in a rehabilitation setting.

Dog physiotherapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions in dogs. Some of the most common conditions that can benefit from physiotherapy include:

  1. Arthritis: Dog physiotherapy can help alleviate the symptoms of arthritis by reducing inflammation, improving mobility, and increasing muscle strength.

  2. Back pain: Physiotherapy can help relieve back pain in dogs by using techniques such as massage, heat therapy, and specialised exercises.

  3. Post-surgical rehabilitation: Dog physiotherapy can help dogs recover more quickly from surgery by reducing pain and inflammation, and by providing targeted exercises to improve mobility and range of motion.

  4. Neurological conditions: Physiotherapy can be used to treat dogs with neurological conditions such as spinal cord injuries or paralysis. The therapy can help improve coordination, balance, and muscle strength.

  5. Sports injuries: Dogs that participate in sports or other physical activities can benefit from physiotherapy to prevent and treat injuries.

What techniques and exercises are used to treat animals with physiotherapy?

Below are some of the most commonly used techniques and exercises in dog physiotherapy:

  1. Massage Therapy: Massage therapy involves the manipulation of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments, to relieve tension, reduce pain, and promote relaxation. It can also help to increase circulation, which can speed up the healing process.

  2. Stretching Exercises: Stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and prevent muscle stiffness. These exercises can be tailored to specific areas of concern, such as the neck, back, or limbs.

  3. Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy involves using water to help facilitate movement and exercise. This can be particularly useful for dogs with mobility issues, as the buoyancy of water can help to reduce stress on the joints and muscles.

  4. Electrotherapy: Electrotherapy involves the use of electrical stimulation to help stimulate muscles, reduce pain, and improve circulation. This technique can be particularly useful for dogs recovering from surgery or suffering from chronic pain.

  5. Therapeutic Exercises: Therapeutic exercises involve performing specific movements and activities tailored to the needs of the individual dog, which help improve strength, flexibility, and mobility.

How RehabVet can provide your animal's physiotherapy?

At RehabVet, we specialise in providing animal physiotherapy to pets of all shapes and sizes. Our team of experienced and qualified therapists use a variety of techniques and exercises to create personalised treatment plans for each animal to ensure optimal results.

Our services include:

1. Assessment: Our initial assessment involves a thorough examination of your pet to determine the underlying condition or injury that is causing their mobility issues. We also take into consideration their medical history, lifestyle, and any other relevant factors.

2. Treatment: Once we have identified the cause of your pet’s mobility issues, we will create a personalised treatment plan that utilizes a combination of techniques and exercises to address their specific needs. Our treatments may include massage therapy, manual therapy, laser therapy, and therapeutic exercises.

3. Follow-up: We will schedule regular follow-up appointments to monitor your pet’s progress and adjust their treatment plan as necessary. Our goal is to help your pet achieve maximum mobility and improve their overall quality of life.

Overall, animal physiotherapy can be a highly effective treatment option for pets suffering from a wide range of conditions. At RehabVet, we are committed to providing top-quality care to all of our furry patients. If you believe that your pet could benefit from animal physiotherapy, contact us today to schedule an assessment.

Dr Sara assessing big boss