Most dogs experience obesity, mobility issues, soft tissue injuries, hip dysplasia, arthritis, or other similar conditions at some point in their life. If your canine companion has any symptoms related to these conditions, you may be considering canine physical therapy as part of their treatment and/or to help alleviate pain. In addition, canine rehabilitation or physical therapy can also help reduce the discomfort and downtime associated with surgeries.
Did you know that there are various methods of providing canine rehabilitation? In this complete, vet-approved guide by Sploot Vets, we go over these, along with some fundamentals about physical therapy for dogs.
What is Physical Therapy for Dogs (aka Canine Rehabilitation)?
Canine physical therapy or canine rehabilitation is a form of alternative veterinary treatment that is inspired by the practices in physical therapy for humans.
Canine physical therapy is scientifically proven as a way to:
- Improve joint health and flexibility
- Reduce pain and inflammation
- Speed up healing
- Re-educate muscles and build muscle mass
What Does Canine Physical Therapy Do?
Physical therapy for dogs is helpful for a variety of conditions, including the following:
1. Osteoarthritis, Hip Dysplasia, & Joint Problems
When it comes to osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, and other joint problems, canine physical therapy helps restore and maintain joint health and function — while also alleviating pain and helping build muscle mass for long-term strength.
→ Learn more - 9 Signs That a Dog May Be in Pain
2. Post-Surgery & Post-Injury Recovery
If a dog goes through veterinary surgery (especially orthopedic or soft tissue surgery) as well as soft tissue injuries, physical therapy for dogs can also help speed up healing, reduce discomfort, and restore proper joint and muscle function.
3. Obesity in Dogs
Being overweight strains a dog’s joints and can also aggravate hip dysplasia in predisposed dogs. Some dogs may also have hindered mobility due to canine obesity. In such cases, physical therapy for dogs can assist with safe weight loss and/or rehabilitating the dog’s joints.
4. Neurological Conditions
Physical therapy for dogs can help with improving coordination, stimulating nerve function, and enhancing mobility. A few common conditions that can benefit from canine rehabilitation include intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), degenerative myelopathy, and vestibular disease — as well as recovery after spinal cord injuries or surgeries.
How to Determine If Your Dog Needs Canine Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation
The best way to determine if your dog needs physical therapy is to consult a trusted vet like Sploot. The veterinarian will assess your pup’s condition and diagnose the problem. They will also be able to recommend the best method (or combination of methods) of canine physical therapy for your dog.
Note: Please AVOID doing physical therapy or canine rehabilitation practices without medical guidance. The wrong selection of techniques or incorrect execution can aggravate the dog’s condition or injury.
Kinds of Physical Therapy for Dogs [Methods]
Though all methods of canine physical therapy can help with joint problems, neurological function, post-surgery recovery, and weight management, each method is especially effective for certain applications.
Here are the different methods of canine rehabilitation, along with what they are most commonly used for:
1. Cold Therapy
- Commonly used for post-surgery recovery & soft tissue injuries (during the acute stage)
Cold therapy, also known as cryotherapy for dogs, involves applying ice packs or cold compresses to specific areas of a dog’s body to reduce inflammation, swelling, and pain. It is commonly used after surgery or injury, helping to numb affected areas and promote healing by decreasing blood flow and metabolic activity in the tissues. Cold therapy is especially beneficial for acute injuries and post-operative recovery.
2. Warm Therapy
- Commonly used for joint problems, canine arthritis, & soft tissue injuries (after the acute stage)
Warm therapy, or heat therapy for dogs, is a method of physical therapy for dogs that uses heating pads, warm towels, or infrared lamps to increase circulation and relax muscles. By increasing blood flow, warm therapy promotes oxygen and nutrient delivery to tissues, enhancing healing and comfort. The warmth also soothes chronic pain, stiffness, and muscle spasms.
3. Cold Laser Therapy
- Commonly used for post-surgery recovery, soft tissue injuries (after the acute stage), canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, & joint pain
Cold laser therapy for dogs, also known as low-level laser therapy (LLLT) or Class IV laser therapy, is a non-invasive technique that uses low-level laser light to stimulate cellular activity, reduce pain, and accelerate tissue repair. The laser light penetrates the skin without generating heat, promoting healing by enhancing blood flow and reducing inflammation.
→ Learn more - Cold Laser Therapy for Dogs & Cats: Definition, Application, & More
4. Passive Range of Motion (Joint Mobilization)
- Commonly used for canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, post-surgery recovery (especially for orthopedic procedures), & certain neurological conditions in dogs
Passive range of motion (PROM) or joint mobilization exercises involve gently moving a dog's joints through their natural range of motion without muscle activation from the dog. This technique helps to maintain joint flexibility, prevent stiffness, and promote circulation. PROM also helps prevent muscle atrophy for neurological conditions that affect mobility.
Note: Although there are numerous sources talking about how to do passive range of motion for dogs, we recommend consulting a vet. Veterinarians can give more detailed and personalized instructions IF your dog will benefit from this type of physical therapy. Dr. Ashley Yao, Sploot’s veterinarian states “I have routinely recommended and advised owners on how to do passive range of motion at home, [commonly] for post-op or post-hospitalization patients”
5. Therapeutic Massage
- Commonly used for canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, & other joint problems
Therapeutic massage for dogs is a canine rehabilitation method that involves a set of careful massage techniques to promote blood circulation, ease muscle soreness, and help improve flexibility and mobility in dogs — while also providing stress relief.
Note: Therapeutic massage for dogs is different from standard massages often offered in dog spas or upscale dog boarding establishments. Therapeutic massage is targeted to help ease or treat a condition — whereas typical massages are mainly for short-term relief.
6. Neuromuscular Stimulation (TENS Machine)
- Commonly used for soft tissue injuries, post-surgery recovery (especially for orthopedic procedures), canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, & joint pain
Neuromuscular stimulation, using a TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) machine, is a non-invasive procedure that delivers small electrical impulses to the dog’s muscles and nerves. These impulses help to manage pain, reduce inflammation, and stimulate muscle contractions, which can aid in muscle strengthening during canine rehabilitation.
7. Ultrasound Therapy
- Commonly used for soft tissue injuries, post-surgery recovery, canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, & joint pain
Ultrasound therapy is a canine rehabilitation method that uses a specific frequency of sound waves to penetrate deep into tissues. Ultrasound generates targeted heat which increases circulation, reduces inflammation, and loosens tight muscles or tendons — thus promoting healing deep within the tissue.
8. Water Therapy for Dogs (Underwater Treadmill & Swimming)
- Commonly used for obesity in dogs, canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, other joint problems, & post-surgery recovery (especially for orthopedic procedures)
Water therapy for dogs, or hydrotherapy, uses water resistance to improve strength, mobility, and endurance in dogs. The buoyancy of water reduces pressure on joints, making it easier for dogs to move while still engaging muscles.
There are two common ways that water is used for canine physical therapy: via the underwater treadmill or swimming. The underwater treadmill for dogs allows controlled walking — this method is more gentle and may be recommended for dogs that have a more delicate condition. Meanwhile, swimming encourages full-body movement and may be better suited for dogs that are farther down the path of recovery.
9. Controlled Leash Walking
- Commonly used for obesity in dogs, canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, other joint problems, & post-surgery recovery (especially for orthopedic procedures)
Controlled leash walking is a canine rehabilitation technique that involves guiding a dog through slow, deliberate walking on a leash. This exercise encourages proper gait, balance, and coordination while minimizing stress on injured joints or muscles.
10. Acupuncture for Dogs
- Commonly used for canine arthritis, hip dysplasia, joint pain & neurological conditions
Acupuncture for dogs involves inserting thin needles into specific points on a dog’s body to stimulate the nervous system and promote healing. It can relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and improve overall well-being in dogs.
Though canine acupuncture has roots in traditional Chinese medicine (and is often not the first thing people think of when considering canine rehabilitation), it has shown some scientific evidence for supporting joints healing and certain neurological conditions in dogs.
Note: We provide acupuncture services for pets in some of our vet clinics; for more information, please contact our team!
Final Thoughts on Canine Physical Therapy or Rehabilitation
As a final reminder, if your dog is suffering from mobility issues, canine arthritis, obesity, and other health issues that impact the joints, make sure to consult a vet.
As always, we at Sploot Vets, are always here to help. We offer some canine rehabilitation methods mentioned in this article, including acupuncture and cold laser therapy. Our experienced medical team will help you build a canine physical therapy plan that suits your pet’s needs.
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