What are canine sports injuries?
Active, working and canine-sport dogs can strain or tear muscles, tendons and ligaments, such as the iliopsoas (hip flexor), shoulder tendons or the Achilles. Many of these injuries do not need surgery but heal slowly and tend to recur without a structured recovery plan.
Signs to watch for
- Lameness that comes and goes, often after exercise
- Shortened stride or reluctance to jump
- Decline in sport performance
- Soreness when an area is touched or stretched
How rehab helps
- Shockwave and PRP can reduce pain and support tissue healing
- Progressive exercise restores flexibility and strength
- A step-by-step return-to-sport plan lowers re-injury risk
- Conditioning helps prevent future injuries
What to expect in rehab for Sports injuries
We start by calming the injury and protecting the healing tissue, then gradually rebuild flexibility and strength. Shockwave or PRP may be added to support healing. The final phase is a graded return to sport or work, with conditioning exercises to help prevent the injury from coming back.
Learn more about Sports injuries
- Iliopsoas Muscle Strains in Dogs · Ethos Veterinary Health
- Sports and Rehabilitation Medicine Gets Pets Back in the Game · Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine
Is rehab right for your dog?
Request a rehabilitation evaluation with our team.
Emergency? South 40 offers 24/7 emergency care. Please call ahead at (979) 977-0711.
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Medically reviewed by Gonzales, MS, DVM, CCRP · Last reviewed October 2026. This page is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Every dog is different. Please talk with your veterinarian about your dog's specific condition and treatment plan. External links lead to independent organizations and open in a new tab.