What Is Veterinary Rehabilitation?
Veterinary rehabilitation is physical therapy for animals — including dogs, cats, horses, and more. Just as people may need rehab after surgery, an injury, or as they age, animals can benefit from targeted therapies that help them move better, feel stronger, and be more comfortable.
Rehabilitation focuses on improving mobility, reducing pain, restoring function, and enhancing quality of life. It can help patients recover faster after surgery, manage chronic conditions (like arthritis), return safely to work or sport, and remain active throughout their lives.
Rehab should always be guided by a veterinarian and tailored to each animal’s individual needs.
When Might an Animal Need Rehabilitation?
Veterinary rehabilitation can help patients with:
Recovery after orthopedic or soft tissue surgery
Sports or activity-related injuries
Arthritis and joint stiffness
Neurologic conditions
Muscle weakness or loss of coordination
Conditioning, cross-training, or injury prevention
Senior animals who are slowing down or becoming stiff
Common Rehabilitation Modalities
Veterinary rehabilitation uses a variety of tools and techniques. Not every patient needs every modality—your rehab practitioners will recommend what is appropriate.
Therapeutic Exercise
These are specific, controlled movements designed to strengthen muscles, improve balance, and increase range of motion. Exercises may look different for a dog versus a horse, but the goal is the same: safer, more efficient movement.
Hydrotherapy
Hydrotherapy uses water to support movement while reducing stress on joints. An underwater treadmill is the most common form. The buoyancy of water helps animals move more comfortably with minimal impact, while the resistance builds strength and endurance. It is especially helpful for post-surgical recovery, arthritis, and weight management.
Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses light energy to reduce pain and inflammation and promote healing. It is painless, non-invasive, and many animals find it relaxing. Laser therapy is often used for sore muscles, joint pain, surgical sites, and soft tissue injuries.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture involves placing very fine needles at specific points on the body to stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve nerve and muscle function. It can be especially beneficial for chronic pain, neurologic conditions, and senior animals. Most patients tolerate acupuncture very well, and many even nap during treatment.
Chiropractic Care
Veterinary chiropractic care focuses on proper alignment and movement of the spine and joints. Gentle adjustments can help improve mobility, reduce pain, and support overall nervous system function. Chiropractic care is useful for performance animals, pets with stiffness or uneven movement, and patients recovering from injury or surgery.
Therapeutic Ultrasound
Therapeutic ultrasound uses sound waves to deliver gentle heat and micro-vibrations into muscles, tendons, and ligaments. This helps improve circulation, reduce stiffness, and promote tissue healing. It is especially useful for chronic muscle tightness and soft tissue injuries.
Shockwave Therapy
Shockwave therapy uses high-energy acoustic pressure waves to stimulate healing in injured tissues. It is commonly used for tendon and ligament injuries, chronic pain conditions, and areas with slow healing. Shockwave can be especially beneficial for equine athletes and active pets with persistent injuries.
Manual Therapy
Manual therapy includes hands-on techniques such as massage, stretching, and joint mobilization. These therapies help relieve muscle tension, improve circulation, and maintain a healthy range of motion.
What Makes Veterinary Rehabilitation Different?
Veterinary rehabilitation is:
Medically guided by a veterinarian
Customized to each animal’s condition, discipline, and lifestyle
Goal-oriented, with progress monitored and plans adjusted as needed
Focused on long-term soundness, comfort, and quality of life
The Big Picture
Veterinary rehabilitation focuses on helping animals heal stronger and return to safe, functional movement after injury or surgery. It also supports comfort, mobility, and overall quality of life throughout an animal’s lifetime. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, managing a chronic condition, or simply aging gracefully, rehabilitation can help keep them active and comfortable.
If you think your animal may benefit from rehabilitation, our team is happy to discuss available options and develop an individualized plan tailored to their needs.