Manual Therapy
Manual therapy is a gentle, hands-on treatment used to improve mobility, reduce pain, restore normal joint and soft-tissue function, and help pets move more comfortably. At Red Sage Integrative Veterinary Partners, our clinicians use skilled palpation and targeted movement techniques to assess the body, identify dysfunction, and guide tissue healing in a safe and controlled way.
Manual therapy is a core part of our integrative approach to sports medicine and rehabilitation. It supports recovery from injury, enhances performance, and helps maintain comfort for pets with chronic or age-related mobility changes.
What is manual therapy?
Manual therapy includes a range of hands-on techniques performed by a trained rehabilitation clinician to address restrictions in joints, muscles, tendons, fascia, and other soft tissues. Unlike passive stretching alone, these techniques specifically target areas of dysfunction and are adjusted in real time to your pet’s comfort and response.
Key forms of manual therapy may include:
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Joint mobilization to improve motion and reduce stiffness
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Soft-tissue mobilization for muscle tension, trigger points, and fascial restrictions
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Myofascial release to improve tissue glide and reduce discomfort
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Passive range of motion (PROM) to maintain flexibility and joint health
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Massage focused on circulation, relaxation, and pain relief
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Neuromuscular techniques to support proper movement patterns
Evidence-Based, Hands-On Care
Research in both veterinary and human rehabilitation consistently shows that manual therapy can reduce pain, improve joint mobility, and enhance functional outcomes, especially when paired with exercise programs. These benefits are seen in osteoarthritis management, recovery from orthopedic surgery, and treatment of soft-tissue injuries.
At Red Sage Vets, all manual therapy is performed by trained clinicians with advanced training in sports medicine, rehabilitation, and integrative care.
Recent research and studies
Manual therapy in veterinary rehabilitation- A 2014 review describing how soft-tissue mobilization, joint mobilization, and massage reduce pain, improve mobility, and support rehabilitation in dogs and cats.
Physiological responses induced by manual therapy in animal models: a scoping review- A 2020 scoping review of animal studies showing that manual therapy decreases inflammation, reduces nociceptive signaling, and improves soft-tissue healing.
A systematic review of musculoskeletal mobilization and manipulation in dogs, cats, and horses - A 2021 systematic review concluding that mobilization and manipulation improved pain, stiffness, and muscle hypertonicity across all species evaluated.
Physiotherapeutic strategies and their current evidence for osteoarthritic dogs- A 2022 review highlighting the benefits of manual therapy, stretching, and soft-tissue techniques for reducing pain and improving mobility in dogs with OA.
Fundamental principles of rehabilitation and physical therapy after CCL surgery in dogs - A 2019 review emphasizing that early manual therapy and controlled range-of-motion help maintain joint health and improve early recovery after cruciate surgery.