Physical therapy helps Rockford-area dogs lead pain-free lives

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) —  For many dog owners, ensuring their pets live healthy, pain-free lives is a top priority.

And now, thanks to advancements in veterinary care, dogs recovering from injury or surgery are receiving physical therapy similar to what humans undergo.

Hazel, an 8-year-old labradoodle, began losing mobility about a year ago and was in significant pain. Her family pursued extensive medical testing, including a spinal tap, MRI, and cancer screenings, but answers remained elusive.

That’s when they turned to Kelsey Amundson, a certified canine rehabilitation therapist based in South Beloit. Amundson, human physical therapist by trade, now specializes in helping dogs regain strength and mobility through targeted therapy sessions.

“She’s had about five or six sessions,” said Andrew Selander, whose parents own Hazel. “We’ve seen improvement from those sessions. Sometimes she’s a little sore when she does a lot of meaningful work, just like people. I do feel like it’s helping her.”

Amundson’s evaluations revealed Hazel suffers from muscle atrophy throughout her body, tight hips, and back pain. Her therapy includes stretches, exercises, and other movements designed to rebuild strength and reduce discomfort.

“Dogs are always seen by a vet first to make sure it’s safe for them to exercise,” Amundson said. “We want to rule out any systemic issues before starting treatment.”

Canine rehabilitation is a growing specialty, with therapists like Amundson increasingly making house calls to help pets in the comfort of their homes.

“Ten years ago, when I started, not a lot of people knew about it,” she said.

For the Selander family, the goal is simple: to get Hazel back to doing what she loves.

“We really want to get her back to playing with the other dogs, back to being able to run around and enjoy life the way she did before,” Selander said. “She’s a dog that would use the back yard as an agility course.”