Physical Rehabilitation for Pets
At our facility, your pet will be given targeted treatments tailored to their needs and situation to help them recover from illness, injury, or surgery, all in a comfortable and welcoming environment.
From manual techniques to cold laser therapy and low-impact aquatic exercises, our team is fully trained and equipped to create and custom rehabilitation programs to care for and treat your pets safely and effectively, to help your pet recover and rehabilitate quicker and more comfortably from illness, injury, or surgery.
Treatment & Therapy Options
A customized physical rehabilitation program can consist of several therapeutic techniques, including:
- Manual Techniques
Manual techniques refer to massage, passive range of motion, stretches, and joint mobilization.
These are all important components of any rehabilitation program and can help alleviate pain, increase circulation, promote relaxation and improve tissue extensibility.
Passive range of motion exercises is a special kind of manual therapy for pets, encouraging the maintenance, recovery, and growth of cartilage by moving your pet's limbs and body through the natural movements of taking steps or other activities without them having to do so themselves.
- Cold Laser Therapy
Cold (low-level) laser is a drug-free, non-invasive therapy frequently used with rehab patients to increase the quality, speed, and tensile strength of tissue repair. It is also helpful for reducing pain and inflammation.
This safe, effective and precise therapy is used to treat several conditions such as soft tissue injuries, post-operative conditions, arthritis, and wounds.
Treatment & Therapy FAQs
Read our most frequently asked questions about treatment and therapy for pets, or contact us to ask a different question.
- Why does my pet need physical therapy?
Physical therapy is a critically important part of your pet's recovery from their injury, illness, or invasive surgery, regardless of the specific cause of their condition.
With a custom rehabilitation and therapeutic program, we can focus on pain management and prioritizing his or her overall health while reaching your pet's goals, which may include building your pet's balance and coordination, endurance, and stamina.
All of these are conducive to healing, to ensure your pet feels their best and that the two of you get to spend many more years together.
- What conditions can physical therapy be used to treat?
While we often use our rehabilitation techniques on patients that have undergone orthopedic surgery, physical therapy can be used to treat a wide range of conditions your pet may have, such as:
- Obesity
- Osteoarthritis
- Chronic pain
- Spinal injuries
- Disc disease (IVDD)
- Soft tissue injuries
- Recovery after major surgery
- How long will my pet need to attend physical therapy?
Based on your pet's condition, and an assessment from our experienced veterinary specialists and therapy team, we can determine your pet's unique therapeutic requirements, including the duration of their customized treatment program.
- What can I do at home to achieve the best results possible from physical therapy?
Depending on your pet's condition and requirements, at-home exercises may help promote healing and progress in physical therapy.
Always consult your veterinarian and/or therapy team on if and when at-home exercises should be part of your pet's treatment, and which ones would be helpful.
New Patients Welcome
Monte Vista Small Animal Hospital is accepting new patients! Our experienced vets are passionate about the health of Turlock companion animals. Get in touch today to book your pet's first appointment.