Post-Operative Rehabilitation
What is Post-Operative Rehabilitation?
Post-operative rehabilitation is a structured programme of physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, and therapeutic exercise designed to support recovery following surgery.
The goal is to restore mobility, strength, function, and confidence whilst helping to minimise pain, complications, and long-term disability.
Benefits include:
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Improved recovery outcomes
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Reduced pain and stiffness
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Improved muscle strength
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Enhanced mobility
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Reduced compensatory movement patterns
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Faster return to normal activity
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Improved long-term quality of life
Common Surgeries We See
Rehabilitation can benefit dogs following many orthopaedic and neurological procedures, including:
Orthopaedic Surgery
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TPLO (Tibial Plateau Levelling Osteotomy)
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TTA (Tibial Tuberosity Advancement)
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Lateral Suture Procedures
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Luxating Patella Surgery
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Femoral Head & Neck Excision (FHNE)
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Total Hip Replacement (THR)
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Fracture Repairs
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Arthrodesis Procedures
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Shoulder Surgery
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Elbow Surgery
Neurological Surgery
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IVDD (Intervertebral Disc Disease) Surgery
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Hemilaminectomy
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Ventral Slot Procedures
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Spinal Stabilisation Surgery
Soft Tissue Surgery
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Tendon Repairs
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Muscle Repairs
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Selected complex soft tissue procedures
Stages of Rehabilitation
Every dog recovers differently, and rehabilitation programmes are tailored to the individual patient, surgical procedure, and veterinary surgeon's recommendations.
Phase 1: Protection & Healing
Typically: Days 1–14
Goals:
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Protect surgical repair
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Manage pain and swelling
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Encourage safe movement
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Maintain joint mobility where appropriate
May include:
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Pain management support
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Passive range of motion exercises
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Weight shifting
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Assisted standing
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Controlled lead walking
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Owner education
Phase 2: Early Recovery
Typically: Weeks 2–6
Goals:
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Improve mobility
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Prevent muscle loss
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Encourage normal weight bearing
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Restore confidence
May include:
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Controlled walking programmes
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Balance exercises
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Gentle strengthening exercises
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Proprioception training
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Manual therapies
Phase 3: Strength & Function
Typically: Weeks 6–12
Goals:
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Rebuild muscle mass
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Improve stability
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Restore functional movement
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Improve endurance
May include:
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Therapeutic exercises
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Cavaletti poles
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Sit-to-stand exercises
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Step work
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Controlled strengthening programmes
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Hydrotherapy
Phase 4: Return to Activity
Typically: 12 Weeks+
Goals:
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Return to normal daily activities
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Improve fitness
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Prevent re-injury
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Optimise long-term outcomes
May include:
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Advanced strengthening exercises
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Endurance training
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Sport-specific rehabilitation
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Strength & conditioning programmes
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Ongoing hydrotherapy
What Does Rehabilitation Involve?
Treatment plans are tailored to each individual dog and may include:
Physiotherapy
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Manual therapy
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Soft tissue techniques
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Massage
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Joint mobilisation
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Stretching
Therapeutic Exercise
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Balance exercises
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Strengthening exercises
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Proprioception training
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Functional movement exercises
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Core stability work
Hydrotherapy
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Underwater treadmill sessions
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Controlled strengthening
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Gait retraining
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Cardiovascular conditioning
Electrotherapies
Where appropriate:
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K-Laser Therapy
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Therapeutic Ultrasound
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TENS
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NMES
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PEMF Therapy
Home Exercise Programmes
Owners receive personalised exercise plans to continue rehabilitation safely between appointments.
How Physiotherapy Helps
Physiotherapy is one of the most important components of post-operative recovery.
Reduces Pain & Stiffness
Following surgery, discomfort and reduced movement can lead to stiffness and muscle tension. Physiotherapy helps improve comfort and encourage normal movement.
Prevents Muscle Loss
Muscle atrophy can occur surprisingly quickly following surgery and periods of restricted exercise.
Targeted rehabilitation exercises help maintain and rebuild muscle strength.
Restores Mobility
Many dogs develop altered movement patterns after surgery.
Physiotherapy helps restore normal gait patterns, flexibility, and function.
Improves Balance & Coordination
Surgery, pain, and reduced activity can affect proprioception and body awareness.
Rehabilitation exercises help improve stability and confidence.
Supports Long-Term Success
Successful surgery is only part of the recovery journey. Rehabilitation helps dogs regain strength and function to maximise long-term outcomes.
Benefits of physiotherapy may include:
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Reduced pain
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Improved mobility
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Increased muscle strength
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Better balance
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Improved function
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Faster recovery
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Reduced risk of re-injury
How Hydrotherapy Helps
Hydrotherapy is an excellent rehabilitation tool following many surgical procedures.
The underwater treadmill allows controlled exercise whilst reducing stress on healing tissues.
Reduced Weight Bearing
Water buoyancy supports the body and decreases forces through healing joints and tissues.
Safe Muscle Strengthening
Water resistance allows strengthening without excessive impact.
Improved Range of Motion
The repetitive walking motion encourages joint mobility and flexibility.
Improved Gait Patterns
Hydrotherapy can help restore normal movement and weight-bearing patterns.
Increased Fitness
Restricted activity following surgery often leads to deconditioning.
Hydrotherapy provides a safe way to maintain fitness during recovery.
Builds Confidence
Many dogs are apprehensive following surgery.
Hydrotherapy provides a controlled environment to rebuild confidence and movement.
Benefits of hydrotherapy may include:
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Increased muscle mass
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Improved mobility
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Better weight bearing
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Improved endurance
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Enhanced recovery
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Improved confidence
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Better long-term outcomes
Further Information
Every Dog Recovers Differently
Recovery timelines vary depending on:
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Type of surgery
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Age
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Overall health
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Body condition
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Pre-existing conditions
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Compliance with rehabilitation programmes
Early Intervention Matters
Beginning rehabilitation at the appropriate stage following surgery can help minimise muscle loss and optimise recovery.
Weight Management is Essential
Maintaining a healthy body weight can significantly reduce stress on healing joints and improve long-term outcomes.
Rehabilitation Doesn't End When Exercise Restrictions End
Many dogs continue to benefit from physiotherapy and hydrotherapy long after their initial recovery period, particularly if arthritis develops or they return to sporting activities.
We Can Help
At Paws & Claws Veterinary Physiotherapy & Hydrotherapy Clinic, we work closely with your veterinary surgeon to provide tailored rehabilitation programmes that support recovery, restore function, and help your dog return to an active and comfortable life.