Therapeutic Exercises

What are Therapeutic Exercises?

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Therapeutic exercises are specially designed movements prescribed by a rehabilitation professional

to help your dog recover from injury, surgery, or chronic conditions. Unlike normal play or walks,

these exercises are purposeful and controlled, targeting specific muscles, joints, and movement

patterns to improve function, strength, and mobility

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Goals for therapeutic exercises: 

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• Restore range of motion – gently stretching and moving joints to maintain or improve flexibility

• Build strength – targeting muscles that support injured or weakened areas

• Improve balance and coordination – helping dogs regain stability and confidence in movement

• Reduce pain and inflammation – supporting joint health and decreasing stress on injured tissues

• Prevent future injury – reinforcing proper movement patterns

• and overall musculoskeletal health

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Different exercises typically used:

• Active range-of-motion (AROM): The rehabilitation professional

asks your pet to perform different exercises to improve his/her range

of motion in an active stance. 

• Strengthening exercises: Using balance boards, resistance bands,

or body weight to target key muscles

• Balance and proprioception training: Activities on wobble boards,

cavaletti poles, or soft surfaces to improve stability

• Gait retraining: Controlled walking or treadmill sessions to

correct movement patterns​

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What do these exercises do:

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​These exercises stimulate muscles, joints, and nerves, helping tissue heal more efficiently, maintain healthy joint motion, and restore overall function. A structured, progressive program ensures your dog is challenged safely without overexertion.