Although most veterinary practices offering physical therapy are geared toward canines, techniques used in this discipline can also be applied to horses, cats, birds, rabbits, rodents and other small animals.

Diplomates (Specialists)of this college advance the art and science of veterinary medicine by promoting expertise in the structural, physiological, medical and surgical needs of athletic animals and the restoration of normal form and function after injury or illness.

Surgical repairs and traumatic injuries are generally treated with heat therapy, cryotherapy, massage, electrical stimulation, and hydrotherapy.

Massage helps speed up recovery from injuries and surgery by increasing blood flow to the area and relieving muscle spasms.

Massage is used widely in canine physical therapy and can be helpful in improving the comfort of animals affected by nearly all medical conditions.

[2] Massage is one of the main technics to treat myofascial pain [5] Thermotherapy is generally used in animal physical therapy before strength building exercises and hydrotherapy.

Cryotherapy is often used after an intensive physical therapy session to decrease discomfort caused by inflammation of the muscle.

This therapy technique can significantly increase an animal's range of motion and decrease joint pain, improving its quality of life.

[6][2][7] Balance exercises make use of equipment designed to strengthen weak muscles and build up limbs affected by atrophy.

Weaves and figure eights help to build coordination and strength by forcing the animal to shift its weight quickly from one side to the other as it turns.

Trans-cutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) can be used to help relieve the pain that the animal may be experiencing.