Canine Physiotherapy · Singapore's First Vet Rehab Clinic
Dog Physiotherapy in Singapore
Vet-supervised physiotherapy for dogs in Singapore — manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, laser therapy, and electrotherapy to help your dog recover from surgery, manage pain, and restore mobility.
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Why Choose RehabVet for Dog Physiotherapy in Singapore
Singapore's first dedicated animal rehabilitation clinic
As Singapore's leading provider of physiotherapy for dogs, RehabVet combines veterinary expertise with a comprehensive range of evidence-based rehabilitation techniques. Dog physiotherapy is one of the most effective ways to restore movement, reduce pain, and accelerate recovery — whether your dog is post-surgical, managing arthritis, or recovering from a neurological condition.
At RehabVet, our qualified veterinary physiotherapist employs manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, laser therapy, electrotherapy, and other modalities in a purpose-built clinical environment. Every session is supervised by our veterinary team and supported by regular progress measurements, so you always know how your dog is progressing.
What Is Dog Physiotherapy?
Also known as canine physiotherapy or veterinary physical therapy
Dog physiotherapy — also known as canine physiotherapy or veterinary physical therapy — is a specialised branch of veterinary rehabilitation that uses evidence-based physical techniques to restore movement, reduce pain, and improve function. At RehabVet, our physiotherapy programmes draw on six core modalities:
- Manual therapy: joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and targeted stretching
- Therapeutic exercises: balance, proprioception, strengthening, and gait retraining using specialist equipment
- Class 4 laser therapy: deep tissue photobiomodulation for pain relief and accelerated healing
- Electrotherapy (TENS & NMES): nerve stimulation for pain management and muscle activation
- Therapeutic ultrasound: deep tissue heating for chronic conditions and scar tissue
- Shockwave therapy (ESWT): acoustic wave therapy for tendon/ligament injuries and chronic pain
Just as human physiotherapy helps people recover from operations and manage musculoskeletal conditions, canine physiotherapy applies the same scientific principles — adapted specifically for our four-legged patients. The effectiveness of veterinary physiotherapy is well-supported by clinical research, with studies demonstrating faster recovery, better muscle development, and improved functional outcomes.
How Physiotherapy Sessions Are Conducted at RehabVet
Each session follows a structured clinical protocol tailored to your dog's condition and progress:
WhatsApp us at +65 8798 7554 to discuss your dog's needs and schedule an assessment.
Top 10 Benefits of Physiotherapy for Dogs
Evidence-based outcomes across surgery recovery, arthritis, and chronic conditions
1. Accelerates post-surgical recovery
Dogs receiving structured physiotherapy after orthopaedic surgery — TPLO, TTA, fracture repair, or spinal procedures — recover faster, develop better muscle mass, and achieve greater joint range of motion compared to rest alone. Our physiotherapists begin rehabilitation as soon as it is clinically safe.
2. Reduces pain without medication
Physiotherapy techniques such as manual therapy, Class 4 laser, TENS, and therapeutic ultrasound provide effective pain relief through natural mechanisms — endorphin release, reduced inflammation, and improved circulation — often reducing or eliminating the need for long-term pain medication.
3. Restores range of motion
Joint mobilisation, targeted stretching, and progressive exercise programmes restore flexibility and movement to stiff, post-surgical, or arthritic joints. Clinical measurements at RehabVet show joint range of motion improvements of 15–25% within 4–6 sessions for many patients.
4. Rebuilds muscle strength and mass
Muscle atrophy is one of the most common consequences of injury, surgery, or prolonged rest. Physiotherapy uses progressive resistance exercises, balance work, and targeted strengthening to rebuild lost muscle — critical for joint stability and long-term function.
5. Improves neurological function
For dogs with IVDD, degenerative myelopathy, fibrocartilaginous embolism, or vestibular disease, physiotherapy helps retrain neural pathways through proprioceptive exercises, assisted standing, and controlled weight-bearing — improving motor function over time.
6. Prevents compensatory injuries
When a dog favours one limb, the opposite limb and spine bear extra load — leading to secondary injuries. Physiotherapy addresses the original problem while correcting compensatory movement patterns before they cause additional damage.
7. Manages chronic conditions like arthritis
Osteoarthritis affects up to 80% of dogs over 8 years old. Regular physiotherapy maintains joint mobility, builds protective muscle mass, reduces pain, and slows disease progression — helping arthritic dogs stay active and comfortable for longer.
8. Enhances proprioception and balance
Proprioception — the body's awareness of its position in space — is often impaired after surgery or neurological disease. Balance exercises, wobble boards, and controlled surface work retrain these pathways, reducing the risk of falls and re-injury.
9. Supports weight management through guided exercise
Overweight dogs face significantly higher risks of joint disease, diabetes, and reduced life expectancy. Physiotherapy provides structured, supervised exercise programmes that burn calories safely — even for dogs who cannot tolerate conventional exercise due to pain or mobility limitations.
10. Provides measurable, trackable progress
Every physiotherapy programme at RehabVet includes regular reassessments — muscle circumference measurements, gait analysis, and functional mobility scoring — so you can see your dog's improvement in concrete, verifiable terms.
Conditions Treated with Dog Physiotherapy
Our physiotherapy for dogs in Singapore addresses a wide range of conditions, from post-surgical recovery to age-related mobility decline.
At RehabVet, we are Singapore's leading provider of physiotherapy for dogs — combining veterinary expertise with comprehensive rehabilitation techniques to deliver measurable results.
Post-surgical rehabilitation
Dogs recovering from TPLO, TTA, femoral head ostectomy (FHO), fracture repair, or spinal surgery benefit enormously from early physiotherapy. We coordinate with your primary vet to begin sessions as soon as it is safe — typically 3–7 days post-surgery for gentle manual therapy, progressing to active exercises as healing allows.
Osteoarthritis and degenerative joint disease
Arthritis is the single most common reason dogs are referred for physiotherapy in Singapore. Our programme combines manual therapy for pain relief with progressive strengthening exercises that build the muscle needed to support and protect affected joints — slowing disease progression and improving quality of life.
Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
IVDD patients — particularly Dachshunds, French Bulldogs, and Corgis — often present with hind limb weakness, ataxia, or paralysis. Physiotherapy combines neuromuscular re-education, proprioceptive exercises, and laser therapy to promote nerve recovery and restore function.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Dysplastic joints cause lifelong pain and progressive degeneration. Physiotherapy strengthens the muscles surrounding affected joints, improves joint stability, and reduces pain — often delaying or avoiding the need for surgical intervention.
Neurological conditions
Degenerative myelopathy, fibrocartilaginous embolism (FCE), vestibular disease, and other neurological conditions respond well to structured physiotherapy. Balance exercises, assisted standing, and controlled movement help retrain neural pathways and maximise remaining function.
Cruciate ligament injuries
Both pre- and post-surgical cruciate cases benefit from physiotherapy. Pre-surgical: to build muscle mass and maintain fitness before the operation. Post-surgical: to restore range of motion, rebuild quadriceps strength, and retrain normal gait patterns as quickly and safely as possible.
Soft tissue injuries
Muscle strains, tendon and ligament sprains, and repetitive strain injuries are treated with a combination of manual therapy, therapeutic ultrasound, shockwave therapy, and progressive exercise. The goal is full functional recovery and prevention of re-injury.
Geriatric mobility decline
Older dogs naturally lose muscle mass, joint flexibility, and balance. Regular physiotherapy sessions help senior dogs maintain mobility, prevent falls, manage age-related pain, and preserve independence — significantly improving quality of life in their golden years.
What to Expect During Your Dog's Physiotherapy Session
First time at a veterinary physiotherapy clinic? Here's what happens
If this is your first experience with canine physiotherapy, rest assured that our team will guide you through every step. We understand that bringing your dog to a rehabilitation clinic can feel daunting — here is exactly what to expect.
Bring your dog's medical history, any imaging reports (X-rays, MRI, CT), and a list of current medications. If your dog has had recent surgery, bring the surgical report. No special preparation is needed — just come with your dog well-rested and comfortable.
Your physiotherapist will combine hands-on manual therapy with targeted exercises, adjusting the programme in real time based on your dog's response. Sessions typically last 30–60 minutes. You are welcome to observe and ask questions throughout — we encourage owner involvement.
Some dogs are tired after their first few sessions — this is normal and indicates the muscles have been working. Your therapist will demonstrate home exercises for you to practise between clinic visits, and book your next session. Most dogs show visible improvement within 3–4 sessions.
Dog Physiotherapy Pricing in Singapore
Transparent pricing — no hidden fees
Physiotherapy session pricing at RehabVet depends on your dog's condition, the modalities required, and your treatment plan. All pricing is discussed transparently at your initial assessment.
Many pet insurance policies in Singapore now cover rehabilitation therapies including physiotherapy. We recommend checking with your insurer before your first appointment.
Pricing may vary depending on additional modalities used (laser therapy, shockwave therapy, etc.). Your physiotherapist will discuss all costs before beginning treatment.
WhatsApp us for a personalised quote — +65 8798 7554Our Physiotherapy Modalities
A comprehensive toolkit — not just one technique
Effective physiotherapy requires more than a single approach. At RehabVet, we combine multiple evidence-based modalities to create a comprehensive treatment programme tailored to your dog's condition. Here's what's available:
| Modality | What It Does | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Manual Therapy | Joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and targeted stretching performed by hand | Pain relief, joint stiffness, post-surgical recovery, muscle tension |
| Therapeutic Exercises | Balance work, proprioception drills, strengthening exercises, gait retraining using cavaletti, wobble boards, and physio equipment | Muscle building, neurological rehab, balance, post-surgical recovery |
| Class 4 Laser Therapy | Deep tissue photobiomodulation that stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing at the cellular level | Pain management, wound healing, arthritis, tendon injuries |
| Electrotherapy (TENS & NMES) | TENS for pain management via nerve stimulation; NMES for muscle activation and strengthening in weakened or atrophied muscles | Chronic pain, muscle atrophy, neurological conditions |
| Therapeutic Ultrasound | Deep tissue heating using sound waves to increase blood flow, reduce scar tissue, and promote healing in deep structures | Chronic tendon injuries, scar tissue, deep muscle tension |
| Shockwave Therapy (ESWT) | Focused acoustic waves that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration in chronic or non-healing conditions | Tendon/ligament injuries, chronic pain, calcification, non-healing fractures |
Joint mobilisation, soft tissue massage, myofascial release, and targeted stretching performed by hand
Balance work, proprioception drills, strengthening exercises, gait retraining using cavaletti, wobble boards, and physio equipment
Deep tissue photobiomodulation that stimulates cellular repair, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing at the cellular level
TENS for pain management via nerve stimulation; NMES for muscle activation and strengthening in weakened or atrophied muscles
Deep tissue heating using sound waves to increase blood flow, reduce scar tissue, and promote healing in deep structures
Focused acoustic waves that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration in chronic or non-healing conditions
Your dog's treatment programme may include one or several of these modalities, depending on their condition and response to treatment. Our physiotherapists select and adjust the combination at each session to maximise therapeutic benefit.
Meet Your Physiotherapy Team
Qualified rehabilitation specialists — not general practice vets. Led by Dr. Sara Lam BVSc.
195 verified Google reviews
Physiotherapy Success Stories
“Haru has been going to RehabVet since Nov 2025. We witnessed huge improvements through ultrasound/laser therapy, land exercises and hydrotherapy. Exceptional care all round!”
“After consulting RehabVet, Scotty went from constant limping to running again. The therapists are so detailed and patient — couldn't recommend them more highly.”
“Truly grateful to Dr. Sara, the entire team, and especially Xan. Milo was diagnosed with IVDD Grade 3. The whole team has shown such genuine care throughout his recovery journey.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Physiotherapy
Everything pet owners ask before their first session
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Take the first step towards your dog's recovery. Book an assessment — our team will create a personalised physiotherapy programme tailored to your dog's condition.
No referral needed · Sessions from $100 · 195+ 5-star reviews
+65 6291 6881 · hello@rehabvet.com