Posted December 17, 2025
When your dog undergoes TPLO surgery, it’s completely normal to feel a mix of relief, nerves, and a deep desire to make their recovery as smooth and comfortable as possible. TPLO is a major orthopedic procedure, and the weeks that follow play a critical role in your dog’s long-term mobility and quality of life. That’s where we come in. At Canine Rehabilitation & Conditioning Group (CRCG), we specialize in guiding families through dog knee surgery recovery in Denver CO, offering expert-led support, hands-on therapies, and a compassionate environment where pets are treated like family.
In this article, we’ll walk you through what to expect during post-TPLO rehabilitation, why professional physical therapy matters, and how we help dogs rebuild strength safely and confidently. Keep reading to learn more.
Why Physical Therapy Matters After TPLO
TPLO surgery stabilizes the knee, but it doesn’t instantly restore strength, balance, or proper movement. Without appropriate rehabilitation, many dogs develop muscle loss, stiffness, compensatory movement habits, and delayed healing. Physical therapy bridges this gap through the following benefits.
- Reducing post-surgical pain and inflammation
- Preventing muscle atrophy
- Improving joint mobility and limb usage
- Supporting proper gait and balance
- Enhancing long-term outcomes
In fact, structured therapy can significantly improve recovery after dog ACL surgery in Denver, CO, helping dogs return to hiking trails, parks, and everyday activities they enjoy.
We know how much the Denver community values an active lifestyle, and we want your dog to get back to safely exploring it with you.
What To Expect During the TPLO Recovery Timeline
Every dog heals at their own pace, but most TPLO recovery plans follow a general progression. Our team adapts every program to your dog’s age, mobility level, temperament, and surgical details.
Weeks 0 to 2: Rest + Gentle Comfort Measures
Right after surgery, your dog’s world should stay calm and predictable. The surgeon will likely recommend the following.
- Strict rest
- Controlled potty breaks
- Icing, heat therapy, or pain medications as prescribed
- Keeping your dog on non-slippery surfaces
During this stage, we focus on education. We’ll walk you through safe at-home handling, explain what normal healing looks like, and help you feel more confident with early dog post-operative care in Denver, CO.
Weeks 2 to 6: Beginning Rehabilitation
This is usually when we begin structured physical therapy. Dogs often arrive stiff, hesitant to use the operated leg, or unsure of how to move comfortably. Our early sessions typically include these steps.
- Laser therapy or PEMF to reduce inflammation
- Passive range-of-motion exercises to maintain joint health
- Massage and manual therapy to release tension in compensating muscles
- Intro-to-hydrotherapy, depending on incision healing and vet approval
This phase builds the foundation for mobility and helps your dog start trusting their leg again.
Weeks 6 to 12: Strength, Stability, and Confidence Building
This stage is when many families notice significant improvements. As the bone continues to heal, we gradually increase therapeutic challenges.
- Underwater treadmill sessions to build muscle without joint stress
- Guided strengthening exercises such as sit-to-stand, controlled walking, and balancing tasks
- Gait training to correct improper movement patterns
- Core-building activities for better overall stability
Our freshwater indoor pools make hydrotherapy safe, clean, and incredibly effective for TPLO rehabilitation. It’s one of the reasons many Denver veterinarians refer their patients to us.
3 Months and Beyond: Returning to Normal Activity
By this stage, many dogs transition to more advanced conditioning to prepare for their normal activities, whether that’s playing fetch, hiking local trails, or enjoying off-leash adventures. We’ll help you determine when your dog is ready for each milestone and provide a long-term fitness plan to prevent reinjury.
How CRCG Supports a Safe TPLO Recovery
We believe every dog deserves individualized care delivered with patience, warmth, and expertise. Our approach is designed to help families feel supported, informed, and involved.
Hydrotherapy Led by Experienced Professionals
Our underwater treadmills and warm freshwater pools create a controlled environment where dogs can build muscle without overloading the healing limb. The buoyancy allows movement with significantly reduced joint strain, while resistance adds safe strengthening challenges.
Hands-On Manual Therapy
Targeted massage, joint mobilization, and soft-tissue work relieve tension, improve flexibility, and help dogs move more comfortably. We tailor each session to your dog’s pain level and personality.
Guided Exercise Plans You Can Continue at Home
We teach you exactly what to do, how often to do it, and how to ensure your dog stays safe between appointments. Families appreciate how simple and clear our instructions are and how involved they can be in their dog’s progress.
Compassionate, Fear-Free Handling
Our therapists understand that TPLO rehab can be emotionally challenging for both pets and parents. We use low-stress techniques, treats, and slow introductions to build trust and ensure your dog feels safe every step of the way.
Veterinary Referral Partnerships
Many Denver-area veterinarians refer their TPLO patients to us because of our comprehensive, evidence-based rehabilitation programs. We work closely with your surgical team to ensure consistent communication and well-coordinated care.
When To Contact Us
If your dog has recently had TPLO surgery, or if recovery isn’t progressing the way you hoped, we’re here to help. Early therapy can make a remarkable difference, but dogs benefit from rehabilitation at every stage, even months after surgery.
Help Your Dog Heal With Confidence
Your dog’s TPLO recovery doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With expert guidance, compassionate support, and proven rehabilitation methods, we can help them regain strength, mobility, and confidence safely.
If you’re ready to learn more about our TPLO recovery programs or schedule a consultation, reach out to us at CRCG. We’re proud to be Denver’s trusted team for canine rehabilitation, and we’d love to help your dog feel their best again.