How Sydney Chik put canine physiotherapy on Malaysia’s map

Canine rehabilitation practitioner Sydney Chik founded her centre, Paws Rehab, in 2012. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)

SUBANG JAYA: When one thinks of physiotherapy, one usually imagines people recovering from injuries or rebuilding their strength after surgery. Animals rarely come to mind.

Since 2012, Paws Rehab has been changing this perception. Malaysia’s first canine physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre has helped thousands of pets regain mobility and enjoy a better quality of life.

Animal physiotherapy was already a recognised veterinary discipline overseas in the 1990s, but founder Sydney Chik says she had to introduce the concept to Malaysia at a time when few had even heard of it.

“Most people have to build a company. Thirteen years ago, I had to build an industry,” she told FMT Lifestyle, calling the experience a “huge challenge”.

“Not only did I need clients, I also had to convince people that animal physiotherapy should even exist.”

Her route into the profession is surprising. “Originally, I was a physiotherapist for people, but I sort of gave up on humans because they’re quite lazy,” she said.

“People want immediate treatment, but if you want to get better and strengthen your muscles, it doesn’t happen overnight.”

Paws Rehab offers a range of treatments, including laser therapy for pain relief and wound healing. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)

Chik first discovered animal physiotherapy while studying in the United Kingdom. A lifelong dog lover, she was immediately drawn to the field. Caring for her own pet during those days further reinforced her decision.

She said there are two pathways into canine physiotherapy – qualifying first as a veterinarian or as a human physiotherapist. Already on the latter path, Chik continued in that direction.

Just three months into her job as a physiotherapist at a government hospital, she took a leap of faith and headed to the US to become a certified canine rehabilitation practitioner.

Today, Paws Rehab helps pets with a wide range of conditions, including osteoarthritis, fractures, neurological disorders, limb weakness and paralysis.

Chik believes the centre’s early successes helped establish its credibility.

“There was a dog that came in with a spinal injury after being hit by a car. The vet had advised the owners to put it to sleep, but they didn’t want to give up and came to us instead,” she recalled.

“After three months of physiotherapy, miraculously, the dog could walk again.”

Hydrotherapy helps improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, making it particularly beneficial for overweight pets and those with joint conditions. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)

Chik shared that she initially ran Paws Rehab from a family home in SS18, Subang Jaya, with just an ultrasound machine and a second-hand treadmill for humans.

She built her client base by volunteering at animal shelters – often among the few places willing to care for paralysed dogs. Word of mouth soon helped the business grow before it eventually moved into its current premises.

The centre now offers a wide range of treatments. Hydrotherapy, for instance, involves swimming in a controlled pool environment to improve cardiovascular fitness and muscle strength, making it particularly beneficial for pets with obesity or hip dysplasia.

Then there’s laser therapy for pain relief and wound healing, pulsed electromagnetic field therapy for arthritis, underwater treadmill therapy, and cryotherapy, which involve the application of extreme cold.

There are also therapeutic exercises such as cavaletti work – originally used for horses – where animals walk over a series of low poles to improve balance and coordination.

Paws Rehab treats animals recovering from surgery, spinal injuries and other mobility issues, helping them regain strength and independence. (Andrea Edmonds @ FMT Lifestyle)

In addition, Paws Rehab has developed its own range of products, including an inflatable stability platform (bone-shaped!), a light therapy vest, and other rehabilitation aids.

Chik rejects the notion that animal physiotherapy is a luxury reserved for the wealthy. “I think it’s a very important part of the recovery process, and it should be treated as part of a complete package.”

Having spent almost half her adult life helping animals walk, run and live more comfortably again, she says her greatest achievement goes beyond growing a successful business.

“It’s not about how successful Paws Rehab has become, or the media features or awards. It’s about raising awareness that putting dogs or cats to sleep isn’t the only option.”

Learn more about Paws Rehab here, as well as on Instagram and Facebook.

Paws Rehab
12, Jalan USJ 19/4a,
USJ 19,
47630 Subang Jaya, Selangor

Business hours: 10:30am-5pm (closed on Mondays & Thursdays)