StemCell Therapy

Those of us who have experienced an injury or surgery know just how beneficial physical therapy can be. Rehabilitation exercises lessen pain, strengthen muscles, and speed up the recovery process, helping the body to get back into shape after a traumatic event.

But physical therapy isnt just for humans anymore. Rehabilitation is increasingly prescribed for our canine companions to address issues such as mobility, pain, and joint damage due to orthopedic surgery, musculoskeletal injury, arthritis, obesity, paralysis, neurological disease, and more.

If youve seen one of those cute videos of a dog trying to walk on an underwater treadmill or balance on a big exercise ball, you have seen a small part of canine physical therapy at work. Common conditions that benefit from physical therapy may include:

Physical therapy techniques

There are many different physical therapy techniques available for pets, including:

Where to find a physical therapist

Veterinary physical therapy is a relatively young profession. Some of the first specialists were physical therapists for humans who wanted to share their skills with animals. Today, private and university-based programs certify veterinary professionals and physical therapists in animal rehabilitation.

Despite being a relatively new form of treatment, rehabilitation is a growing resource for dogs and their owners and practitioners can be found in most major cities. Talk to your veterinarian to determine whether physical therapy is a good fit for your dog. If so, she can provide a referral or you can find a local qualified therapist through an online directory, such as Canine Rehabilitation Institutes Find a Therapist tool.

Sharon Seltzer is a freelance writer and founder of Lessons From A Paralyzed Dog, a website for owners of dogs with paralysis and other mobility disorders. Shes pet mom to a Rottweiler puppy named Bailey and two semi-feral cats.

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Could my dog benefit from physical therapy? | AAHA

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