Is your pet recovering from an injury? Perhaps they have a chronic health condition. If so, they may benefit from pet rehabilitation and physical therapy. We explain what's involved and what you can expect from your pet's sessions.
Physical Therapy for Pets
Also sometimes referred to as animal physical therapy, veterinary rehabilitation is one tool that vets often recommend to help both cats and dogs recover from surgical procedures or injuries, improve athletic performance or to manage chronic health conditions.
Historically, pet owners were provided basic instructions about how to care for their pets after surgery. That said, it's been discovered that more can be done to actively help them recover, integrate appropriate exercise into their day and maintain quality of life.
The goal is to restore a patient's strength, flexibility, comfort, endurance, mobility, awareness of body position and quality of life. Many of these exercises also help with reducing or preventing inflammation and managing pain.
When would physical therapy be useful for my pet?
Canine or feline rehabilitation and physical therapy are most often recommended after surgical procedures and/or to treat musculoskeletal issues, which can include osteoarthritis or cruciate ligament injuries. If your pet has a neurological condition or issue with their weight, they may also benefit from certain exercises and therapies.
How can my pet benefit from physical rehabilitation?
With canine rehabilitation and physical therapy, we can help restore function to a diseased or injured pet by using a combination of treatments such as massage, electrical stimulation, heat treatment and acupuncture combined with exercise and hydrotherapy.
A combined approach may help to relieve pain, improve muscle and joint health and assist in the rehabilitation of pets after injury, disease or surgery.
In some cases, vets recommend physical therapy for dogs as an alternative to surgery, or as a way to stimulate elderly dogs' brains and offer them a renewed sense of purpose.
Physical rehabilitation exercises can also be a fun way to engage with your pet while improving their overall wellbeing. That said, you should always consult your veterinarian before introducing any new exercise program.
Specifically, physical rehabilitation can improve balance, strength and mobility. They can also support cardiovascular fitness and give your pet the opportunity to get in some full-body exercises such as swimming or agility course training if they are ready.
What are some aspects of pet therapy and rehabilitation?
Physical pet rehabilitation can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments, such as lifestyle tools (example: non-slip floor coverings, acupuncture, prescription pet medications and nutritional supplements).
During aquatic therapy, animals use a heated underwater treadmill system with hydro jets to improve range of motion, endurance and strength.
What pet therapy options are often recommended by vets?
Your vet will first perform a physical assessment for your pet to determine which type of physical therapy would be best depending on your pet's condition. If required, you may work with a veterinary rehabilitation specialist.
They may recommend a combination of activities and exercises depending on your pet's treatment and exercise requirements, and the outcomes you'd like to see. Some treatments available may include:
- Active range of motion exercises, including stretches
- Passive range of motion exercises (PROM) during which a rehabilitation specialist or pet owner gently rotates, flexes and/or extends joints
- Using pressure to "push" the joints
- Applying heat or cold to affected areas as prescribed
- Walking (on-leash, on stairs or ramps, in figure eights)
- Using exercise balls
- Repeated sit-stand exercises
- Adding weights or resistance to exercise
- Using assistive devices such as harnesses, slings, protective nail covers, orthotics, wheelchairs or booties
Always consult your veterinarian and/or therapy team on which exercises and combinations are right for your pet before implementing any exercise or recovery program.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding pets. For an accurate diagnosis of your pet's condition, please make an appointment with your vet.