Pet Rehabilitation

Canine rehabilitation is used to help pets with illness, or surgery so that they can live their fullest lives without discomfort or pain. Specially certified rehabilitation professionals use various methods to improve blood flow, help tissues heal and recover faster, decrease inflammation and the resulting pain, improve mobility and strength, and promote a faster return to a quality life. We use many techniques to help your pet through their rehabilitation journey.

Rehabilitation methods can include: passive range of motion exercises, stretching, Photobiomodulation therapy ( laser therapy ), therapeutic massage, underwater exercises on a treadmill, targeted and balanced exercises, swimming, heat and cryotherapy, electrical stimulation, joint and muscle supplements, and weight management.

Advantages of Rehabilitation

Canine rehabilitation is advantageous for orthopedic injuries, neurologic disorders, and long-term and acute problems, but many other dogs can also benefit from therapy.

Athletic conditioning, off-season athletic maintenance, weight loss, and maintenance, exercising dogs with too much energy, and mental stimulation for pets experiencing dementia.

Maintaining quality of life can be especially hard when orthopedic mobility issues. At Hopewell Animal Hospital, we work with various braces and carts that custom-fit to your pet as well. We use these physical therapy techniques in conjunction with traditional veterinary care with medication and supplements, as well as spinal manipulation and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine such as acupuncture. We work closely with your referring veterinarian and animal hospital to create a rehabilitation plan that complements your doctors and surgeons’ Healthcare Plan. We send updates to your referring care team after every visit to our rehabilitation center.

We added to our range of services and invested in the latest technology and techniques to ensure that your pets have access to the most effective and progressive treatments possible. We understand that our furry friends may not always be able to express their pain and discomfort to us and just as people are often prescribed physical therapy after an injury or surgery, pets can also benefit from physical rehabilitation veterinary physical therapy is aimed at decreasing pain and inflammation increasing joint range of motion and mobility, increasing blood flow, and returning pets to their Optimal function our beloved pets suffer from a physical ailment, whether surgery or an injury the recovery time might be daunting. They might be physically unable to move and be uncomfortable. They could be experiencing issues with getting outside to relieve themselves or struggling to enjoy their daily lives. Loving pet owners always want their pets to be able to get back to their routines and enjoy their day-to-day lives as fast as possible using techniques based on human physical therapy, canine rehabilitation improves the healing process in gets your dog back on the road to health and wellness sooner.

Rehab FAQ

What pets can benefit from animal rehabilitation?

In human medicine, patients are referred to a physical therapist after various surgeries, injuries, neurological conditions, and diseases that include impairment and conditioning. Similarly, pets who have undergone orthopedic or other surgeries that inhibit their appropriate range of motion and strength of their limbs will benefit from rehabilitation pets experiencing neurologic issues such as intravertebral disc disease or spondylosis, soft tissue injuries such as brains and strains, arthritis from age or systemic disease, and overall body weakness should all be referred to rehabilitation for physical therapy from pets that simply cannot carry out their daily activities, such as walking up the stairs or running down the hallway, to pets who are more incapacitated after acute trauma, physical therapy can help your pet lead a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life. For patients with conditions we cannot solve, rehabilitation aims to improve the quality and length of life and the body’s function

What should I do before my pet is assessed for physical therapy?

Before your professional assessment with our animal rehabilitation team, please continue your pet’s normal activity, follow the guidance of your veterinarian, and take notes. Pay attention to your pet’s normal routine and their abilities. Are there certain things that can no longer do that they used to be their norm? What do you want your dog to be able to do again? What would your dog enjoy doing again? Watch for their limitations and think about their goals.

Will rehabilitation benefit a healthy, athletic?

Physical therapy has many added benefits for a healthy dog. Cardiovascular exercise and other rehabilitation modalities help to improve overall health, strengthen muscles, and make ligaments and tendons more supple. Conditioning the body will help to protect the patient from trauma and injury, which is especially helpful for the athletic pet. Exercising at rehabilitation is even helpful during the winter and summer months when heavy outdoor exercise is not always feasible.

My pet is elderly. How can rehabilitation help my pet?

Aging bodies often have mobility issues due to arthritic joints, weakened muscles, and compromised nerves it’s these animals might also have reduced sight and hearing an altered mental status. We work diligently to support these pet’s bodies and minds. As they feel better and enjoy improved mobility we often see a renewed spirit in older pets.

How will my veterinarian be involved in rehabilitation?

To best treat your pet, we need to work based on a referral from your veterinarian, whether that be from Hopewell Animal Hospital or any other doctor or hospital. We work closely with your pet’s medical professional, to create an individualized physical therapy rehabilitation plan with your goals in mind for your pet we communicate with your pet’s doctor throughout the rehabilitation process.