Advanced Services

Rehab & Physio

Why Would My Pet Benefit from Rehabilitation and Physiotherapy?

Are you aware that just like humans, pets can also benefit from rehabilitation therapies? Animal rehabilitation is a branch of veterinary medicine focused on helping pets recover from injuries or surgeries, manage chronic conditions, or improve their overall physical condition. It’s the pet equivalent of human physical therapy, involving similar methods, equipment, and exercises.

A variety of circumstances can make animal rehabilitation a beneficial choice for your pet, including:

Post-Surgical Recovery

Helping pets regain strength and mobility after surgeries, such as cruciate ligament repair.

Weight Management

Assisting overweight pets with exercise plans to shed those extra kilos safely.

Ageing Issues

Managing arthritis or mobility issues in older pets to improve their quality of life.

Chronic Condition

Treating conditions like muscle atrophy or hip dysplasia.

Injury Rehabilitation

Helping pets recover from injuries through targeted therapies.
Each pet’s needs are unique, and a tailored rehabilitation plan can significantly improve their quality of life.

What Treatments and Therapies are Available?

There is a wide range of animal rehabilitation therapies available, including:

Hydrotherapy – Underwater Treadmill

Hydrotherapy has long played an important role in the rehabilitation of humans, and the benefits of utilizing an underwater treadmill are increasingly being realized in animal rehabilitation. Canine hydrotherapy allows for rehabilitation to begin earlier, with patients able to start therapeutic exercise within days of injury or surgery with minimal risk of re-injury and reduced pain.

Exercise in water has several unique advantages over exercise on land. Water unloads painful joints, allowing safe, controlled weight bearing on weak and/or painful limbs. Walking in water has been shown to reduce pain, particularly in patients with osteoarthritis. The buoyancy of water enhances movement at all joints below water level when using an underwater treadmill. The hydrostatic pressure of water assists in managing swelling, which is particularly important for patients with acute injuries or following surgery.

The use of an underwater treadmill has further advantages over a pool in that we can control the speed and resistance an animal is exposed to. Studies demonstrate that the muscles closest to the joints, which are most important for joint stability, are only activated when the feet are in contact with the ground, so the same benefits are not seen with swimming.

Benefits of Hydrotherapy for Pets:

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Supports post-surgery recovery (e.g., TPLO, spinal surgery)

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Reduces pain & inflammation in arthritic pets

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Helps overweight pets lose weight safely

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Strengthens muscles & improves mobility in aging pets

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Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a low-impact, highly effective therapy that helps animals recover from injuries, surgery, arthritis, and mobility issues. Hydrotherapy provides buoyancy and resistance, reducing stress on joints while building strength and improving movement.

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Physical Therapy

Also known as physiotherapy, this treatment involves stretches, exercises, and movements to improve a pet’s balance, mobility, strength and flexibility.

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Laser Therapy

Therapeutic lasers use light waves to stimulate healing at the cellular level. The light stimulates electrons and activates cells to promote muscle growth and repair.

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Massage Therapy

Our team members are trained in delivering massage therapies to improve your pet’s range of motion, reduce chronic pain, and relieve muscle tension.

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Weight Management

Excess weight can make movement more difficult for your pet. If necessary, our vets will provide you with weight management tips to help your pet lead a healthier, longer life and start exercise in the underwater treadmill.

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Laser Therapy and TENS Machine

We use modern laser and TENS technologies to reduce inflammation and promote healing in damaged or painful parts of the body.

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Medications and Supplements

Sometimes, we prescribe targeted medications to mitigate pain or treat the root causes of pets’ medical conditions.

At-Home Exercise Programs

These are exercises tailored to your pet’s age and health conditions, which you can practice at home to improve your pet’s strength and flexibility.

Specialised Care for Arthritis
& Joint Conditions

Arthritis affects 80% of dogs over 8 years old, but young pups can also suffer from it due to joint abnormalities, injuries, or even surgery. Early diagnosis and treatment are key to managing arthritis effectively. Our arthritis-friendly rehabilitation clinic offers hydrotherapy and other tailored treatments to help alleviate joint pain and improve mobility in both older and younger pets.

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