Movement is Medicine

The scientific evidence demonstrating the beneficial effects of exercise is indisputable, and the benefits of exercise far outweigh the risks in most animals. For most animals, an exercise program including aerobic, resistance, flexibility, and neuromotor exercise training is indispensable to improving and maintaining physical fitness and health.

The most commonly included exercises fall into four main groups:

• Strengthening
• Endurance
• Flexibility
• Balance And Coordination

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact Alpha Animal Rehab & Fitness at (908) 454-2273.

Exercise Types

Therapeutic exercise programs are tailored to each pet’s specific needs and goals. Common exercise types include:

• Balance and coordination training using wobble boards, physioballs, and balance discs
• Strengthening exercises such as sit-to-stand drills, step-ups, and incline walking
• Endurance training with controlled treadmill walking or underwater treadmill work
• Flexibility routines with guided stretches to maintain joint mobility
• Neuromuscular re-education to improve posture, gait, and overall movement patterns

Conditions Treated

Therapeutic exercise can benefit pets recovering from injury, surgery, or living with chronic conditions, including:

• Arthritis and degenerative joint disease
• Cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries or post-surgical recovery
• Hip dysplasia
• Neurological conditions affecting mobility
• Muscle weakness, atrophy, or loss of endurance
• General deconditioning due to age or inactivity

Home Exercise Program

To maximize results, our team designs customized home exercise programs that pet parents can safely perform between sessions. These may include simple strengthening drills, range-of-motion exercises, and balance activities adapted to your home environment. Regular at-home participation helps maintain progress, reduce stiffness, and support long-term mobility and quality of life.