Rehabilitation therapy is becoming increasingly popular in veterinary medicine, enhancing cats’ and dogs’ well-being and quality of life. Through rehabilitation therapy, pets’ mobility, comfort, and overall health can significantly improve. Learn what pet rehabilitation therapy entails, its various techniques and modalities, and the range of conditions and situations in which it can benefit your furry friend.

Pet rehabilitation therapy benefits

Without being invasive, rehabilitation therapy immensely benefits pets. Rehabilitation therapy’s key perks include:

  • Pain relief — Rehabilitation therapy techniques, such as massage, stretching, and hydrotherapy, can help alleviate pain and discomfort in pets suffering from various conditions.
  • Improved mobility and function — Through targeted exercises and interventions, rehabilitation therapy enhances your pet’s range of motion, strength, balance, and coordination.
  • Speedy recovery — By promoting tissue healing, reducing inflammation, and preventing muscle atrophy, rehabilitation therapy can expedite a pet’s recovery after an injury or surgery.
  • Enhanced quality of life — Rehabilitation therapy empowers pets to lead active, comfortable, and fulfilling lives, regardless of their age or health status.
  • Preventive care — Regular participation in rehabilitation therapy sessions can help prevent degenerative condition progression, minimize future injury risk, and maintain a pet’s optimal physical health and fitness.

Conditions treated with pet rehabilitation therapy

Pet rehabilitation therapy addresses a range of conditions. Talk with our Creature Comfort Veterinary Service team to determine whether rehabilitation therapy can be beneficial if your pet suffers from any of the following:

  • Orthopedic injuries — Rehabilitation therapy can help pets recover from fractures, ligament injuries, such as a cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tear, and spinal injuries.
  • Neurologic disorders — Pets suffering from intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or degenerative myelopathy often benefit from rehabilitation therapy, which improves mobility and function.
  • Osteoarthritis — Rehabilitation therapy aims to manage pain, increase joint flexibility, and maintain muscle mass in pets with osteoarthritis.
  • Postsurgical recovery — After a surgical procedure, such as orthopedic surgery, spinal surgery, or amputation, rehabilitation therapy can accelerate healing, reduce complications, and restore mobility.
  • Obesity management — Obesity is a common problem in pets that can exacerbate musculoskeletal issues and reduce overall quality of life. Rehabilitation therapy, combined with dietary management and exercise, can help pets achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

Pet rehabilitation therapies

Many rehabilitation modalities are tolerated or even enjoyed by pets and can make a significant improvement in their quality of life. Some of the most common pet rehabilitation therapies include:

  • Therapeutic exercises — Central to pet rehabilitation therapy are therapeutic exercises designed to improve a pet’s strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination. Therapeutic exercises, ranging from stretching to strength training, are carefully selected based on the pet’s condition and abilities. 
  • Manual therapy — Manual therapy techniques play a vital role in alleviating pets’ pain, reducing muscle tension, and improving circulation. Through massage, joint mobilization, and soft tissue manipulation, rehabilitation therapists target specific body areas to promote relaxation, mobility, and healing, enhancing the treatment plan’s overall effectiveness.
  • Hydrotherapy — Hydrotherapy uses water as a therapeutic medium to facilitate pets’ movement and exercise. Under the supervision of trained professionals, pets engage in activities such as swimming, underwater treadmill sessions, or water-based resistance exercises. Hydrotherapy is particularly beneficial for pets with orthopedic conditions, arthritis, or neurologic disorders, providing low-impact yet highly effective rehabilitation.
  • Laser therapy — Laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment modality that uses low-intensity laser light to stimulate cellular activity and promote tissue healing. This therapy can help reduce inflammation, relieve pain, and accelerate the healing process in pets recovering from injuries, surgeries, or chronic conditions.
  • Acupuncture — Acupuncture is an ancient healing technique during which the practitioner inserts thin needles into specific body points to promote pain relief and to balance energy flow. This treatment modality can be used to alleviate musculoskeletal pain, improve mobility, and enhance overall well-being, particularly in pets with conditions such as osteoarthritis, IVDD, or neurologic disorders.
  • Chiropractic care — Chiropractic therapy focuses on the spine and musculoskeletal system alignment to promote optimal function and health. Licensed veterinary chiropractors use gentle adjustments to correct misalignments—subluxations—which can cause a pet pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. 
  • Medication — In many cases, pain-relieving medications are helpful for rehabilitating pets. In particular, Librela, a monthly injection, is an innovative new drug that helps manage pain and improve mobility.

Pet rehabilitation therapy is a valuable and effective tool for promoting healing, mobility, and well-being in cats, dogs, and many other species. Whether your pet is recovering from surgery, experiencing a chronic condition, or simply aging, rehabilitation therapy offers a comprehensive approach to support their physical health and improve their quality of life. Contact our Creature Comforts Veterinary Service team to determine whether rehabilitation therapy would benefit your pet.