Veterinary physical rehabilitation encompasses a whole-body approach to patient assessment and treatment, and the foundation of treatment is therapeutic exercise. The types of exercises prescribed are determined based on the injuries or diseases present, surgery (if any) performed, functional abilities and disabilities, and assessment of axial muscle strength, core strength, proprioception, and joint range of motion (ROM).^1-3

Dogs with osteoarthritis benefit from strengthening the muscles supporting an arthritic joint, maintaining and improving active ROM of all joints, strengthening the core muscles, and maintaining or improving proprioception and balance.^4,5 The following are 5 basic therapeutic exercises that may be prescribed for dogs with osteoarthritis. The client may perform these exercises as part of a home-exercise plan, but the veterinary technician plays the crucial role of instructing the client on proper exercise performance.

Sit-to-Stand

This exercise is prescribed for improving or maintaining muscular strength and active hind-limb ROM. The key to success is ensuring that the dog flexes the stifles and tarsi of both limbs fully so that the limbs are both tucked in a normal position against the body.