An introduction to: Physio and Hydrotherapy in Pets
Written by Meg Bliss
What is Physiotherapy in Pets?
Veterinary physiotherapy is a form of therapy that helps animals recover from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions by improving their movement, function, and quality of life. It is similar to human physiotherapy but adapted for different animal species—most commonly dogs, cats, and horses.
Key goals of physiotherapy is to improve pain, improve mobility and flexibility, build muscle strength, enhance recovery after surgery or injury, and support age related conditions such as arthritis to enhance quality of life.
During a physiotherapy session, various techniques may be used to help achieve rehabilitation goals. Common methods include massage therapy, which helps relieve pain and reduce muscle tension by increasing circulation to targeted areas. Stretching exercises are used to maintain or improve joint flexibility and to ease post-exercise tightness.
Electrotherapies such as pulsed electromagnetic therapy and laser therapy are also commonly used. While these have a range of therapeutic benefits, they are particularly effective for pain relief. Laser therapy, in particular, helps to reduce inflammation and accelerate the healing process.
Another essential component of rehabilitation is remedial exercise. By using specialized equipment like peanut balls, cavaletti poles, yoga foam pads, and wobble cushions, we can enhance muscle strength, core stability, proprioception, and overall mobility.
What is Hydrotherapy in Pets?
Hydrotherapy is a form of physical therapy that uses water to help treat injuries, improve mobility, and support rehabilitation—most commonly in dogs and horses. It typically takes place in a a heated underwater treadmill, where the buoyancy of the water reduces pressure on joints, allowing animals to move more freely and comfortably with low impact exercise.
Benefits of hydrotherapy include reducing pain and joint stress, improving muscle strength and tone, enhance flexibility and range of motion, aids recovery after surgery or injury, supports weight management and fitness, boosts circulation and promotes healing. Due to the water properties of the water, it is especially good for patients with arthritis, neurological conditions and post-surgical cases.
The Initial Assessment
The initial assessment is a crucial step in the rehabilitation process, allowing for the development of a tailored treatment plan in collaboration with the veterinary team. During this assessment, a detailed discussion takes place to gather important information about the patient’s current activity levels, home environment, and any other relevant background that may influence their recovery.
A thorough physical evaluation is also conducted, which typically includes:
Stance analysis – observing how the animal distributes its weight while standing.
Gait analysis – assessing movement and detecting any abnormalities while walking or trotting.
Palpation – feeling muscles, joints, and soft tissues to identify areas of pain, tension, or dysfunction.
Range of motion testing – measuring flexibility and joint movement.
These components provide a comprehensive understanding of the animal’s physical condition.
The initial assessment often includes a treatment session, which may involve physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, or a combination of both, depending on the patient’s needs. A personalised rehabilitation plan is then created, along with home care exercises or 'homework' for the owner to continue between sessions, ensuring ongoing progress and support.
Case Study: George’s Arthritis & Weakness
George is a 12 year old referred to our Wellness & Rehab Centre for hind limb weakness and RF arthritis.
Initial assessment:
Megan conducted an initial assessment and highlighted some concerns. After conducting a Stance Analysis, George was showing offloading the right fore and right hind which means overloading on the left side.
Left fore: 39% (should be 30%)
Right fore: 17% (Should be 30%)
Left hind: 29% (should be 20%)
Right hind: 15% (should be 20%)
During assessment, George also showed some thickening around his elbow joint and was visibly limping on his right forelimb. He also had reduced muscle mass in his hind limbs and signs of tension in his lower back.
The main rehabilitation goals for George were to reduce pain in the elbow, relieve tension in the lower back, improve muscle mass and strength, and encourage more even weight-bearing, particularly increasing loading on the right side.
His treatment plan included laser therapy, cold and heat application, therapeutic massage, and a program of targeted home exercises.
The Results
The owner reports that he is much happier at home and has started to show behaviours he hasn’t displayed in a while. His walking has also become noticeably stronger. He has also now evened out on the stance analyser so has improved the weight bearing through the right forelimb as well as the hindlimbs.
After 5 sessions:
Left fore: 27% (target 30%) = 6% Improvement
Right fore: 32% (target 30%) = 11% Improvement
Left hind: 20% (target 20%) = 9% Improvement
Right hind: 21% (target 20%) = 3% Improvement
Overall, George has done really well!! Initially he was very worried about being touched and refused to walk through to the consult room. Now he comes in and makes himself very much at home and presents himself to be assessed. Such a good boy! Well done George.
Conclusion
If you would like to book in your dog for an initial assessment, then you can do so by filling out our online owner referral form or speak to your vet to get referred.
If you would like more information about our services then you can visit our website.