What Is Physical Therapy for Dogs and Cats
Veterinary rehabilitation provides structured exercises, manual therapies, and specialized treatments to help your pet recover mobility, manage pain, and improve overall comfort. This discipline applies medical knowledge of animal anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics to create scientifically supported recovery protocols. Each treatment plan begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your pet’s condition, functional limitations, and recovery goals.
Who Provides These Services
At The Pet Hospitals, physical therapy is performed by Dr. Marion Welsh, who has advanced training in rehabilitation techniques, and veterinary assistants working under her supervision. This specialized team combines medical expertise with hands-on rehabilitation skills to deliver safe, effective treatment protocols tailored to each patient.
Why Both Dogs and Cats Need Specialized Care
Cats and dogs respond differently to therapy based on their unique anatomy, behavior, and pain expression. Dr. Welsh applies species-specific techniques developed through veterinary research and clinical experience. For example, cats may benefit from shorter, more frequent sessions using gentle handling techniques, while many dogs tolerate longer therapeutic interventions.
Explore Our Physical Therapy Options
Physical therapy at The Pet Hospitals provides evidence-based, compassionate care that helps your dog or cat recover function and enjoy improved quality of life. Contact us to schedule a rehabilitation consultation with our qualified team every Tuesday and Thursday at our Poplar at Massey location.
Conditions That Benefit from Rehab
Physical therapy has documented benefits for numerous conditions, including:
- Post-surgical recovery (ACL repairs, fracture fixation)
- Arthritis and chronic joint pain
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Neurological conditions and intervertebral disc disease
- Weight management and obesity
- Muscle atrophy and weakness
- Soft tissue injuries and strains
Types of Therapies and Exercises
Our rehabilitation programs incorporate proven therapeutic modalities:
Laser Therapy and Acupuncture
Class IV therapeutic laser therapy reduces inflammation at the cellular level by stimulating ATP production and improving circulation to damaged tissues. When appropriate, veterinary acupuncture may complement these treatments by addressing pain through targeted neuromodulation.
Manual Exercises and Massage
Therapeutic exercises target specific muscle groups to improve strength, proprioception, and balance. Our team teaches pet owners proper home exercise techniques to maintain progress between sessions, ensuring consistent recovery.
Expected Results and Benefits
Most pets show measurable improvement after completing an appropriate rehabilitation program, including:
- Improved mobility, strength, and joint function
- Decreased pain and better pain management
- Enhanced coordination and balance
- Better quality of life and activity tolerance
- Reduced medication requirements
- Improved weight management
- Better management of progressive conditions
Recovery timelines vary based on the condition, patient age, and commitment to the prescribed program.
Chronic Pain and Arthritis
For pets with arthritis, controlled physical activity helps maintain joint mobility and preserve muscle mass that supports the affected joints. Our multimodal approach combines appropriate exercise with pain management techniques to improve function and comfort, often reducing reliance on medication alone.
Surgical Recovery
Research shows structured rehabilitation after orthopedic surgery improves outcomes by restoring proper gait patterns and building supporting musculature. Our protocols follow evidence-based timelines that respect tissue healing while preventing complications from immobility or compensatory movements.
Cost and Scheduling Considerations
Treatment plans are individually tailored based on your pet’s specific needs. Dr Welsh and The Pet Hospitals – Poplar at Massey provides transparent cost estimates during your initial consultation, and many pet insurance policies cover rehabilitation services for eligible conditions.
FAQs about Physical Therapy for Dogs and Cats
How much does therapy usually cost?
Costs depend on the required treatment frequency and modalities. We provide detailed estimates during your initial consultation and work with you to develop an effective plan within your budget.
Can older pets handle these exercises?
Yes, rehabilitation programs are carefully adapted to each pet’s age and condition. Seniors with arthritis often experience significant improvements in mobility through gentle therapeutic approaches.
Is there any risk of injury during sessions?
Our supervised sessions prioritize safety and comfort. We continuously monitor each pet’s responses and adjust techniques accordingly. For pain management, laser therapy offers a non-invasive complement to physical rehabilitation.
