Pre-/post Orthopaedic Surgery

Rehabilitation is often recommended after orthopedic surgery to help your pet regain full function and strength, typically taking 3-6 months. The post-surgical protocols vary depending on the surgery and surgeon. Our physiotherapists will collaborate with your surgeon to provide optimal care for your pet. Prehabilitation might also be suggested to enhance your pet's motor function and familiarize them with exercises, easing their transition into rehabilitation and speeding up recovery.

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Things to Look Out For

Pre-surgical care

When preparing for an elective orthopaedic surgery, these are the things you can do to keep your pet comfortable:

Avoid letting them jump from higher platforms (beds/sofa etc.)
Avoid letting them get involved in vigorous activities like running/going to the dog park
Avoid letting them go up/down the stairs
If needed, crate-rest your pet until the day of surgery
Prepare your pet's 'recovery area' - ensure there is a crate/playpen for them to rest in. Having non-slip mats in the area will also help with their walking after surgery

Post-surgical care

Your pet's surgeon will typically inform you on the post-surgical protocol. Try to follow the protocol as much as possible to allow smooth recovery. Other things to take note of:

Ensuring your pet wears a cone to avoid licking of surgical wound which may cause bleeding or an infection
Ensuring good wound hygiene
Avoid letting your pet have excess to higher platforms to minimise jumping
Create a good environment for your pet to rest in - you can consider putting up signs to prevent people from ringing your doorbell/keeping your pet away from your other pets
Be there for your pet while he/she recovers :)

How Can Physiotherapy Help?

Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Therapy

PEMF can help with reducing general pain and inflammation before or after surgery.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapy helps with pain modulation and reducing inflammation at the surgical site. It can also help with scar tissue healing.

Manual Therapy

Soft tissue releases will help with pre- or post- surgical muscle tension. Joint mobilisations and mulligan with movement techniques will help with post-surgical joint stiffness due to scarring.

Therapeutic Exercise

Prehabilitation exercises will work on improving limb function and motor patterning, addressing any compensatory walking pattern that your pet has.

Rehabilitation exercises targeting flexibility, balance, strengthening and endurance will commence as soon as possible to minimise post-surgical complications.

Learn more about these physiotherapy services here!