Less pain
Targeted therapies reduce pain and inflammation, so your dog is more comfortable and may need less pain medication over time.
South 40 Veterinary Hospital / Canine Rehabilitation
Canine Rehabilitation in College Station, TXHelping your dog get back on all four.
Our canine rehabilitation team helps dogs recover from surgery and injury, manage arthritis and neurologic disease, and stay strong for life, using therapeutic exercise, shockwave, TENS, PRP, Adequan Canine and joint injections tailored to each patient.
Why rehab
The benefits of canine rehabilitation
Rest alone can lead to lost muscle, stiff joints and slower recovery. Rehabilitation gives your dog a guided, safe path back to activity.
Better healing & mobility
Guided exercise rebuilds strength, restores range of motion and helps the body heal correctly after surgery or injury.
A happier dog
Dogs on restricted activity get mental stimulation and confidence, and owners get a clear plan and support at every step.
Your rehabilitation journey
From first visit to full stride
Every dog's plan is different, but most follow the same path.
01
Initial evaluation
We assess gait, strength, range of motion and pain, and review records and imaging with your dog's veterinarian.
02
Custom plan
We build a treatment plan around your dog's condition and goals, combining the therapies most likely to help.
03
In-clinic therapy
Regular sessions with our team using therapeutic exercise and advanced treatments such as shockwave or PRP.
04
Home exercises
A simple home program so progress continues between visits, with clear instructions you can follow.
05
Continuing care
Rechecks to measure progress and maintenance recommendations to keep your dog strong long-term.
Our treatment approach
Therapies tailored to every dog
We combine hands-on rehabilitation with regenerative and joint-focused treatments. Your dog's plan uses the therapies that best fit their condition, stage of recovery and goals.
Medically reviewed by Gonzales, MS, DVM, CCRP · Last reviewed October 2026
The foundation of rehab
Therapeutic Exercise
Customized exercises build strength, balance, coordination and range of motion. Programs progress as your dog improves, from gentle weight-shifting after surgery to advanced strength and conditioning work.
Every plan includes a home exercise program so you can continue the work between visits.
Non-invasive
Shockwave Therapy
Extracorporeal shockwave therapy delivers focused sound waves to injured or painful tissue. It is used to reduce pain and support healing in tendons, ligaments, muscles and arthritic joints.
Treatments are quick and done during a regular visit. Many dogs need only a short series of sessions.
Drug-free pain relief
TENS (Electrical Stimulation)
Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) sends gentle electrical pulses through pads placed on the skin. The pulses interrupt pain signals and encourage the body's own pain relief, easing discomfort without additional medication.
Sessions are painless and most dogs relax during treatment. TENS is often used after surgery, for back and neck pain, and for arthritis flare-ups, alongside exercise and other therapies.
Read the research: TENS as an add-on treatment for back pain in dogs (Frontiers in Pain Research, 2025 · Free full text)
Regenerative medicine
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP is made from a small sample of your dog's own blood, concentrated to be rich in platelets and growth factors. It is injected into an arthritic joint or injured soft tissue to reduce inflammation and support healing.
Because it comes from your dog's own blood, it is a natural option that can complement or reduce the need for long-term medication.
FDA-approved for dogs
Adequan® Canine
Adequan Canine (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, or PSGAG) is an FDA-approved injectable medication for arthritis in dogs. It is classified as a disease-modifying osteoarthritis drug: rather than only masking pain, it helps protect joint cartilage and reduce inflammation inside the joint.
It is given as a series of injections: two injections a week for four weeks. Ongoing maintenance injections after that are patient dependent. It is not used in dogs with bleeding disorders.
Read more: Adequan Canine for Dogs (PetMD, veterinarian-reviewed) · Product label
Joint-targeted
Intra-articular Injections
Medication placed directly inside a painful joint treats the source of the problem. Depending on your dog's needs, injections may include joint-lubricating or anti-inflammatory products, or regenerative options such as PRP.
Joint injections can provide lasting comfort, making it easier for your dog to stay active and build strength through exercise.
Injection guide
Comparing joint injection options
Each option works differently. Your dog's veterinarian will recommend one, or a combination, based on the joint involved, how severe the arthritis is, and your dog's overall health.
PRP
Platelet-rich plasma, made from your dog's own blood
- How it works
- Concentrated platelets release growth factors that calm inflammation and support healing inside the joint.
- Onset
- Gradual, over a few weeks
- Duration
- Often several months; may be repeated
- Natural option from your dog's own blood, so the risk of reaction is low
- Pairs well with rehab exercise
- May reduce the need for daily pain medication
Read the research
PRP therapy in dogs with bilateral hip osteoarthritisBMC Veterinary Research, 2021 · Free full text
PRP alone vs. PRP with physical therapy in dogs with hip osteoarthritisFree full text (PubMed Central)
PRP: New treatment option for dogs with lamenessUniversity of Illinois, owner-friendly article
Arthramid® Vet
2.5% polyacrylamide hydrogel
- How it works
- A soft gel that integrates into the joint lining, helping cushion the joint and reduce pain and stiffness.
- Onset
- Gradual, over several weeks
- Duration
- Reported to last many months, often from a single injection
- Often needs only one injection
- Not a steroid, with no effects on the rest of the body
- An option for dogs that can't take some pain medications
Read the research
Canine research summariesArthramid (manufacturer) · Observational studies
Retrospective case series of 166 dogs, 2023Arthramid (manufacturer) · Abstract
Multimodal management of osteoarthritis in growing dogsFrontiers in Veterinary Science, 2025 · Free full text
Most published canine data on Arthramid comes from observational studies and the manufacturer. Larger controlled trials are still limited.
Corticosteroids
Such as triamcinolone
- How it works
- A powerful anti-inflammatory placed directly in the joint, with much less effect on the rest of the body than steroid pills.
- Onset
- Fast, often within days
- Duration
- Weeks to months, depending on the dog
- Quick relief for painful flare-ups
- Can jump-start a rehab program by easing pain
- Well studied and widely used
Read the research
Triamcinolone, hyaluronan or both for hip osteoarthritis in working dogsFrontiers in Veterinary Science, 2020 · Free full text
Triamcinolone-controlled trial for elbow osteoarthritis painFrontiers in Veterinary Science, 2026 · Free full text
Repeated steroid injections may affect cartilage over time, so they are usually spaced out and used alongside other treatments.
And more. Your dog's plan may also include other therapies offered by our rehab team. Call us to talk through which options fit your dog.
Conditions we treat
Find your dog's condition
Each condition has its own page explaining what it is, signs to watch for, what to expect in rehab, the therapies we may use, and trusted sources to read more.
Medically reviewed by Gonzales, MS, DVM, CCRP · Last reviewed October 2026
OrthopedicTPLO & cruciate (CCL) surgeryLearn more →
OrthopedicFracture repair & orthopedic traumaLearn more →
OrthopedicPatellar luxation surgeryLearn more →
Soft tissue & sportsSports injuriesLearn more →
NeurologicIntervertebral disc disease (IVDD)Learn more →
NeurologicSpinal surgeryLearn more →
NeurologicDegenerative myelopathyLearn more →
NeurologicNeurologic injuries & weaknessLearn more →
Chronic & seniorOsteoarthritis & senior careLearn more →
WellnessObesityLearn more →
FAQ
Common questions
Do I need a referral?
No. South 40 patients can be referred in-house, and we also welcome dogs referred by other veterinarians or brought in by their owners. If your dog sees another veterinarian, we'll coordinate with them.
How soon after surgery can rehab start?
Often within the first few days, depending on the procedure. Gentle, controlled therapy early on can reduce pain and swelling and prevent muscle loss. Your surgeon will clear your dog before starting.
How many sessions will my dog need?
It depends on the condition and your dog's goals. Post-surgical plans commonly run several weeks, while arthritis and senior care are often ongoing. You'll get a clear plan after the first evaluation.
Is shockwave therapy painful?
Most dogs tolerate it well. Some dogs are lightly sedated for comfort, depending on the area being treated and their temperament. We'll talk through what to expect beforehand.
What is PRP and is it safe?
PRP is made from your dog's own blood, so the risk of reaction is low. A small blood sample is processed to concentrate the platelets, then injected into the affected joint or tissue. Your dog may be sedated for the injection.
How long do joint injections last?
It varies by dog, joint and product used. Many dogs feel better for months, and injections can be repeated when needed. We'll recommend a schedule based on how your dog responds.
What is Adequan Canine?
Adequan Canine is an FDA-approved injectable arthritis medication for dogs. It is given as a series of injections, two a week for four weeks, and helps protect joint cartilage and reduce inflammation. Ongoing maintenance injections after the first series are patient dependent.
Will rehab replace my dog's pain medication?
Not always, but many dogs need less medication once rehab is part of their care. Any changes to medication will be made with your veterinarian.
What should I bring to the first visit?
Any records, imaging or surgical reports from other clinics, a list of current medications, and your goals for your dog. A leash and harness are ideal.
Ready to set up a consultation?
Request an appointment online, or call our team at (979) 977-0711 to schedule a rehabilitation evaluation.