Physical therapy is frequently prescribed to help your pet regain complete function after an illness or injury. These techniques encourage leg use by increasing comfort and function while also improving health. Therapy sessions should be done with a customized plan for frequency, duration, and intensity, depending on your pet’s injury or stage of healing. Only start a rehabilitation process after you have consulted with your regular veterinarian or your pet’s surgeon. Review these typical instructions for rehabilitating your dog after knee surgery. The videos below will show you how to perform the exercises your vet has prescribed for your pet.
Pet Rehabilitation
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Cold Therapy & Proper Icing
Icing properly after your dog’s surgery is extremely important. Learn the proper tools and techniques for this very effective therapy.
Moist Heat Therapy
Heating is both very soothing and healing, but moist heat is far more effective. Learn how to do this safely to get the full benefit for your dog.
Massage Therapy
Learn the basics of the healing power that a massage holds.
Passive Range of Motion
Every hospital talks about this exercise after surgery, but the concept is sometimes not as easy as it seems.
Strengthening Exercise Videos
Sit-to-Stand Exercise AKA “Puppy Squat”
This is the second most effective exercise and it is also often performed improperly. Learn some of the simple tricks to make this effective for your dog.
Slow Controlled Leash Walking
This is hands down one of the most important and easiest therapy exercises to master, but almost everyone performs it wrong. Learn the proper technique.
Stair Exercise
Stairs can be dangerous when incorporated too soon in the recovery process, but at the same time they can be one of your best assets in your toolbox of strengthening exercises.
Cavaletti Poles
Learn the exercise that top athletes use to build strength and balance.
Balance & Proprioceptive Exercise Videos
Figure 8 Exercise
Learn this very simple, yet effective exercise to do with your dog.
Curb Walking
This simple exercise can add an additional element of fun and challenge during your dog’s recovery.
Weave Poles Exercise
Step it up a notch with this proprioceptive exercise that is a combination of strengthening and balance.
Additional Videos
Measuring Your Dog’s Muscle
Having a baseline is key. Learn where to properly measure your dog’s hind leg muscle atrophy.
Walk-Jog-Run Exercise
Though simple in concept, this exercise is one of the keys to a safe and successful recovery when properly executed.