Cat Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy - Learning More About Cat Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Name: Veterinary Services
Brand: Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

When and how is physical therapy Used to treat cats?

Physical therapy is typically utilized to rehabilitate cats following surgeries, illnesses, injuries, or any other conditions that negatively impact their mobility or cause them pain.

Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

What benefits do therapy and rehab have for the wellbeing of my cat?

Depending on the specific issues your cat is facing, whether it be illness, injury, or recovery from surgery, rehab can help to strengthen muscles, reinforce joints, and alleviate pain.

How will a veterinarian determine whether physical therapy and rehab will help my cat?

A veterinarian will conduct a physical exam, identify any painful areas on your cat, examine their previous medical history, and consider any surgeries or illnesses they've recovered from. Based on these factors, they will create a treatment plan that may include various modalities for physical therapy and rehab.

What are some possible conditions that are helped by physical therapy and rehab in cats?

Physical therapy and rehab can be beneficial following illnesses, injuries, and surgeries, especially orthopedic ones associated with bones and joints. Additionally, chronic conditions such as arthritis can also be managed with rehab and physical therapy.

What physical therapy and rehab services do we offer here at Loch Haven?

At Loch Haven, we provide services such as acupuncture, therapeutic laser treatments, and also have our veterinarians who can guide you on how to perform exercises and strength training at home, helping your pet on their road to recovery.

If you still have other questions and you'd like to reach out to us, you can call us directly at (407) 896-0941, or you can email us at [email protected]. But please do reach out, and we'll get back to you as fast as we can. Don't forget to follow us on social media Facebook, Instagram

Cat Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy - FAQs 1

Dr. Rebecca McIntosh
Loch Haven Veterinary Hospital

What is involved in cat physical therapy and rehab?

Cat physical therapy and rehab usually involve certain modalities like acupuncture, laser therapy, and strength training exercises. These are used to improve a cat's mobility after surgery, injury, or with a chronic painful condition such as arthritis.

How can physical therapy and rehab help my cat?

Physical therapy and rehab can help your cat recover from surgery, an illness, or an injury. It can also strengthen muscles and provide support for kitties that have painful conditions like arthritis.

What ailments or issues are helped by physical therapy and rehab?

Painful conditions like arthritis, any time there's been a broken bone or surgery into a joint, all of these things are helped by rehab and physical therapy in cats.

Do I need to find a physical therapist or can my veterinarian do rehabilitation on my cat?

Your veterinarian may be able to do rehabilitation on your cat. However, depending on the problem, if it is after an orthopedic surgery or it is a chronic condition like arthritis, your vet might refer you to a rehab specialist. These specialists have access to modalities that might not be available at a regular vet clinic, and they can provide specialized training for specific injuries or illnesses.

How is the need for physical therapy in cats diagnosed?

The need for physical therapy in cats is diagnosed through a physical exam. The vet will look for any painful conditions causing mobility issues. The physical exam is an important part of finding the right place to treat and diagnosing the correct symptom.

Is physical therapy and rehab painful for my cat?

Most of the time, the physical therapy and rehab procedures are not painful for the cat. However, some treatments like acupuncture involve using fine needles which some cats might not tolerate. If your cat is generally anxious at the vet, you might need to pre-medicate your cat before it comes in for physical therapy so they have less painful experiences during the procedure.