Physiotherapy, Hydrotherapy and Laser Therapy for dogs

Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy and Laser Therapy are transformative approaches to improving a dog’s quality of life, whether they’re recovering from surgery, managing chronic conditions, or enhancing overall mobility. These therapies harness the power of water, light and targeted exercises to reduce pain, improve strength and support healing.

Elizavet is one of the only vets in the area with a state-of-the-art underwater treadmill. We use our equipment to deliver tailored hydrotherapy and physiotherapy plans designed to meet the unique needs of each dog. From alleviating arthritis discomfort to aiding post-operative recovery, our therapies help ensure the speediest of recoveries and are available to both clients and pet owners who are with other practices.

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Pet physiotherapists for North London and beyond

As well as being available to pet parents, our pet physiotherapy and pain relief services are also popular with referring veterinary practices from Camden, Kilburn, and Hampstead, as well as surrounding areas of Greater London, including West Hampstead, Belsize Park, St John’s Wood, Maida Vale, and Queen’s Park.

 

Physiotherapy for dogs

Pet physiotherapy, combines specialised equipment and targeted exercises to improve your pet’s mobility, increase range of motion in joints and strengthen muscles. These exercises are carried out during therapy sessions, and continued at home by pet owners. They all contribute to the wellbeing of your pet.

A vet holds a dog on her examination table as they prepare to start a physiotherapy session.

Applications of physiotherapy for dogs

Post-operative rehabilitation

Physiotherapy plays a vital role in helping pets recover from surgeries involving muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments. It is often recommended following procedures for cruciate ligament injuries or patella luxation. Physiotherapy can also be beneficial pre-operatively, helping prepare the body for orthopaedic and soft tissue surgery. It can also be used post-operatively to accelerate recovery and restore mobility.

Managing chronic pain and mobility issues

Older pets or those with long-term conditions such as arthritis benefit significantly from physiotherapy, which maintains mobility and reduces discomfort. It also supports pets with neurological conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) or degenerative myelopathy (DM), improving quality of life and activity levels.

Injury recovery and pain relief

For pets with non-surgical injuries that affect muscles, tendons or ligaments, physiotherapy offers effective pain relief and helps restore normal function. It alleviates discomfort, promotes healing and enables pets to regain strength and mobility.

Performance enhancement for working or sporting dogs

Physiotherapy is not just for recovery; it can also enhance the performance of working dogs or those that engage in competitive activities. By improving strength, flexibility and endurance, we can help to ensure dogs perform at their best while reducing the risk of injury.

A vet assists a dog during a hydrotherapy session at Elizavet.

Hydrotherapy for dogs

Hydrotherapy offers numerous benefits for dogs. This water-based therapy provides a low-impact form of exercise, particularly beneficial for dogs with joint issues, arthritis, or dogs that are recovering from surgery. The buoyancy of the water reduces joint strain, facilitating improved mobility and muscle strength.

Hydrotherapy also boosts cardiovascular fitness, promotes weight management, and supports recovery from musculoskeletal injuries. The gentle resistance of water helps condition muscles and build endurance, making hydrotherapy a valuable component of canine rehabilitation.

How can hydrotherapy help dogs?

Does my dog need hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy can be beneficial for dogs facing a variety of health challenges or lifestyle needs. If your dog is recovering from surgery, then hydrotherapy helps rebuild muscle strength and improve joint mobility.  Dogs with chronic conditions like arthritis, obesity, or neurological disorders such as IVDD also benefit from the supportive, low-impact environment water provides.

Even healthy, active dogs, especially those that take part in sports or high-energy activities, can use hydrotherapy to enhance fitness and reduce injury risk. If your dog experiences pain, stiffness, or limited mobility, hydrotherapy could be an ideal way to support comfort and wellbeing.

A vet assists a dog during a physiotherapy session at Elizavet.

Laser therapy for dogs

Elizavet is equipped with the M-Vet, a new-generation Class 4 Therapeutic Laser, which delivers high peak power for rapid treatment and exceptional therapeutic outcomes.

Laser therapy effectively treats a range of conditions, including:

• Wounds (post-surgical or traumatic)
• Osteoarthritis
• Skin conditions (otitis, hot spots, anal gland disease, lick granulomas, dermatitis)
• Oral diseases (gingivitis, post-extraction recovery, oral wounds or ulcers)
• Pain treatment for arthritis
• Superficial dermatitis

Usage