Animal Rehabilitation Physical Therapy: Types and When It’s Needed

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

We’ve compiled the types, benefits, and precautions of rehabilitation physical therapy for pets. Explore veterinarian-backed information ranging from aquatic therapy to at-home rehabilitation.

What Is Animal Rehabilitation Physical Therapy?

A dog receiving physical therapy at an animal hospital rehabilitation center

Animal rehabilitation physical therapy is a non-surgical treatment program designed by veterinarians to aid post-surgical recovery, alleviate chronic pain, and strengthen muscles. The most important step is to obtain a veterinary diagnosis first and develop a treatment plan tailored to your pet’s specific condition before beginning therapy. This approach can shorten recovery time after joint surgery and significantly improve the quality of life for senior pets. Various methods are available, including hydrotherapy, laser therapy, and manual therapy, which can be combined based on the individual patient’s needs.

When Rehabilitation Physical Therapy Is Needed

Knowing when rehabilitation can help ensures you don’t miss the right timing.

After patellar or cruciate ligament surgery: Early rehabilitation speeds up recovery because muscles around the surgical site can weaken quickly.

Chronic arthritis: Effective in reducing pain and maintaining joint mobility for this common degenerative joint disease in senior dogs and cats.

Disc disease (intervertebral disc disease): Rehabilitation aids in walking recovery, regardless of whether surgery is performed.

Exercise limitations due to obesity: Aquatic therapy is suitable for building muscle strength without weight-bearing stress.

Nervous system damage: When paralysis or gait abnormalities are present, nerve retraining exercises can be incorporated.

Comparison of Rehabilitation Therapy Types at a Glance

Item	Hydrotherapy	Laser therapy	Manual therapy	Electrical stimulation therapy
Main effect	Strengthen muscles and improve joint range of motion	Relieve pain and inflammation	Restore joint flexibility	Modulate pain signals and relieve pain
Suitable cases	Post-surgical rehabilitation and obesity	Chronic pain and wound recovery	After joint surgery and old age	Chronic pain and arthritis pain
Time per session	Varies by veterinarian's decision	Varies by veterinarian's decision	Varies by veterinarian's decision	Varies by veterinarian's decision
Anesthesia required	Not required	Not required	Not required	Not required
Application in cats	Limited	Suitable	Suitable	Limited

Treatment time and applicability may vary depending on the pet's condition

Hydrotherapy — The Most Widely Used Rehabilitation Method

Hydrotherapy is one of the most widely used techniques in veterinary rehabilitation. The buoyancy of water reduces the weight-bearing load on joints, allowing pets to move their muscles relatively safely even when they cannot yet bear full weight, such as immediately after surgery. An underwater treadmill lets you fine-tune the intensity by adjusting the water level, while swimming provides a balanced workout that engages muscles throughout the entire body. Veterinary orthopedic textbooks also recognize hydrotherapy as a physical therapy and rehabilitation method for orthopedic patients. However, the specific application and intensity should be determined by your veterinarian based on your pet’s individual condition.

A dog undergoing rehabilitation exercise on an underwater treadmill

Important Checks Before Starting Rehabilitation Therapy

Rehabilitation therapy isn’t suitable for every pet. If your pet has cardiovascular disease, an infectious skin condition, or untreated wounds, you must consult your veterinarian before starting aquatic therapy. Similarly, your vet will make a comprehensive assessment of your pet’s overall health to determine whether laser therapy is appropriate and to outline any necessary precautions. A treatment plan should always be established only after a veterinarian has evaluated your pet’s general health. This is especially important for senior pets or those with underlying conditions, who may require a pre-treatment health assessment before beginning therapy.

Laser Therapy — Pain Relief and Promotion of Tissue Recovery

Low-level laser therapy (photobiomodulation, LLLT), also known as “cold laser” therapy, involves applying light of less than 10 W to tissues. It is believed that light at specific wavelengths stimulates the synthesis of proteins involved in cellular energy production and tissue repair. Reported indications include acute and chronic wounds, sutured incision sites, and various musculoskeletal injuries. However, the exact mechanism of action has not yet been fully elucidated, and additional research is needed to establish optimal treatment parameters in animals, including dogs. The procedure causes minimal discomfort and does not require anesthesia, making it a low-burden option for senior pets. The number of sessions and treatment duration are individually determined and adjusted by the veterinarian based on the pet’s condition, disease severity, and treatment goals.

A veterinarian applying laser therapy to a dog’s joint area

Simple Rehabilitation Exercises You Can Do at Home

Combining hospital-based rehabilitation with simple exercises at home can enhance recovery.

Passive Range-of-Motion Exercises: Gently bend and extend the joints using the technique demonstrated by your veterinarian. The frequency and number of repetitions vary depending on your pet’s condition and stage of recovery, so always consult your veterinarian for guidance before starting.

Balance Training on a Cushion: Simply standing on an unstable surface can stimulate core muscles and proprioception.

Short Walks: Slow walking on flat ground is an excellent form of rehabilitation exercise. Gradually increase the distance and duration as directed by your veterinarian.

Keep in mind that home exercises should only be performed after receiving specific instructions from your veterinarian regarding technique and frequency. Incorrect movements can worsen your pet’s condition.

A dog and its owner doing rehabilitation exercises on a balance cushion

Things to Know About Cat Rehabilitation

There is less research on rehabilitation therapy for cats compared to dogs, and their common aversion to water can make hydrotherapy difficult to implement. As a result, treatment programs often focus on laser therapy and manual therapy. Because cats are highly sensitive to stress, it is crucial to carefully monitor changes in their breathing, pupils, and posture throughout the treatment.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can rehabilitation physical therapy be received at any veterinary clinic?

Not every veterinary clinic offers these services. You’ll need to find a rehabilitation-specialized clinic or a university veterinary hospital equipped with underwater treadmills and laser therapy devices. The quickest way to locate one is to ask your primary veterinarian for a recommendation.

How much does rehabilitation therapy cost?

Costs vary significantly depending on the type of treatment and the veterinary clinic. Generally, each session ranges from tens of dollars to over a hundred dollars, with underwater therapy tending to be on the higher end. For an exact quote, it’s best to contact the clinic directly before starting treatment.

How many rehabilitation sessions are needed to see results?

It depends on your pet’s condition and treatment goals. For both post-surgical rehabilitation and chronic disease management, the veterinarian will determine the specific number of sessions and duration based on individual progress. Typically, intensive treatment is provided initially, and once the condition stabilizes, the frequency is adjusted for ongoing maintenance.

Does my pet feel pain during rehabilitation therapy?

Most rehabilitation treatments are virtually pain-free. Many pets actually find aquatic therapy comforting, as it involves gentle movement in the water. Laser therapy typically produces only a mild, warm sensation. If your pet becomes excessively anxious, we adjust the treatment intensity or take short breaks to ensure their comfort.

Can senior pets also receive rehabilitation therapy?

In fact, rehabilitation therapy can be especially beneficial for senior pets. It helps relieve arthritis pain, maintain muscle strength, and improve balance. However, it’s important to thoroughly check for underlying conditions such as heart or kidney disease beforehand and adjust the intensity of treatment accordingly.

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References

[1] Marcellin-Little DJ, Medical Treatment of Coxofemoral Joint Disease, 2009

[2] Millis DL, Physical rehabilitation: improving the outcome in dogs with orthopedic problems, 2005

[3] Draper WE et al., Low-level laser therapy reduces time to ambulation in dogs after hemilaminectomy: a preliminary study, The Journal of Small Animal Practice, 2012

[4] Riegel RJ, Godbold JC, Laser Therapy in Veterinary Medicine: Photobiomodulation, J Wiley & Sons, 2017

[5] Textbook of Veterinary Orthopaedic Surgery, Chapter 15: Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation of Orthopedic Patients

[6] Abercromby R, Innes J, May C, Arthritis, 2018